Heraklion - Karpathos
Ferries to Dodecanese Islands
Heraklion - Karpathos
Ferries to Dodecanese Islands
On the Heraklion Karpathos route, fares generally fall between $29* and $464*. On average, a Heraklion Karpathos ferry ticket costs around $117*, with the lowest Heraklion Karpathos fares starting at $29*. Foot passengers pay an average of $115*. Traveling with a car adds up to an average fare of $441*.
Actual fares depend on passenger numbers, vehicle type, chosen route and sailing time. Figures are based on fares searched over the past 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last refreshed August 26.
Compare fares, operators and sailing times from across the globe in one place, then book with confidence. Booking ahead is the easiest way to lock in a better price and a wider choice of departures.
Yes. Direct Ferries runs a number of discounts throughout the year. If a senior discount applies to your route, it's applied automatically once you select the right age range in the passenger options during your search.
Students and recent graduates can save 5% on their booking. Simply register with our partner Student Beans to verify your status, and you'll be issued a discount code to apply at checkout.
On several Spanish and Italian routes, residents can also access a discounted fare — look out for the "Residents" option during your search, which applies the reduced price automatically. Keep in mind you'll be asked to show proof of residency, such as a registration certificate or an ID card showing your address, at check-in.
Heraklion Karpathos sailings usually begin with a departure from Heraklion at approximately 02:30, with the final sailing of the day leaving around 08:20.
Given the length of the crossing, a trip between Heraklion and Karpathos tends to work better as a weekend getaway or longer stay, so you can get the most out of the journey.
Yes, Blue Star Ferries operates car-friendly sailings between Heraklion and Karpathos. Use our Deal Finder to check live pricing for taking a vehicle on this route.
Whether a campervan or caravan is permitted on the Heraklion to Karpathos crossing depends on the ship and operator running your preferred sailing. Enter your travel details into our Deal Finder, and we'll compare the operators on this route to confirm your options.
Bicycles currently aren't accepted on any of the ferries running between Heraklion and Karpathos.
Yes, Blue Star Ferries accepts foot passengers on sailings between Heraklion and Karpathos.
Pets currently aren't permitted on board ferries between Heraklion and Karpathos. Try our Deal Finder to search for alternative routes that do accommodate pets.
Even though pets aren't permitted on this route, guide dogs and assistance dogs are often subject to separate rules. Speak with our customer service team to check the specific policy for your sailing, or see our Special Assistance Help page for more information.
Overnight sailings on the Heraklion to Karpathos route aren't guaranteed and depend on a range of factors. Run a search with your travel details and our results will show whether an overnight option is available, along with current timetables, crossing times, and day-sailing alternatives.
Bear in mind that overnight crossings can run a little longer than their daytime equivalents.
Document requirements aren't the same on every route, so it's worth confirming what you'll need before you travel. A valid passport is generally required for the Heraklion to Karpathos crossing, alongside any visas or national ID your nationality calls for. Exact requirements depend on your citizenship and the rules of your destination country, so for the latest guidance and to avoid delays at check-in, take a look at our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide.
Booking is straightforward: enter your departure and arrival ports along with your travel date to pull up every available sailing and fare. You can also browse alternative routes and departure times to find the option that works best for you.
Keep an eye out for early-booking savings and flexible ticket types, including upgrades or flexi-fares that let you amend or cancel later on. For a hassle-free booking, double-check the details you enter, such as passenger numbers and any vehicle specifications.
As soon as your booking is confirmed, you'll get a confirmation email. Exactly how your boarding pass is issued after that depends on which operator you've booked with.
Some operators send your boarding pass out the moment you book, while others require check-in at the port itself. Where it's offered, online check-in is also available through the Direct Ferries app, saving you a step at the terminal.
You'll typically find the ticket desk close to the ferry terminal itself. It's a good idea to arrive a little early so you have plenty of time to collect your tickets and get checked in without rushing.
At check-in, have your confirmation email ready along with valid photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. If you're travelling with a pet, bring along their vaccination and insurance paperwork, and if you booked using a resident discount, be prepared to show proof of address too.
A few things can explain a lack of sailings on your chosen date: a temporary schedule change, limited space, or a seasonal shift in the timetable are the most common. It's worth trying a nearby date or exploring alternative routes using our Route & Port finder.
As a rule, the earlier you book your Heraklion to Karpathos ferry, the better. Booking ahead tends to secure lower fares along with a wider pick of departure times and cabin or seating options.
Aim to book at least a few weeks ahead to make the most of the best available offers, keeping in mind that fares can shift depending on the season and how much space is left.
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| Heraklion - Karpathos Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $115 | |
| Average Price with Car | $441 | |
| Average Price with Motorcycle | $139 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $137 | |
| Heraklion - Karpathos Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Crete |
| Destination | Dodecanese Islands |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Blue Star Ferries |
| Average Price | $117 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 2 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 6 h 45 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 6 h 30 m |
| First Ferry | 02:30 |
| Last Ferry | 08:20 |
| Distance | 125 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 August 2026.
The Greek city of Heraklion is the capital and largest city on the island of Crete. A popular visitor attraction near the city is Knossos, which is around 5 km from Heraklion. This important archaeological site was the Palace of King Minos and home to the Minotaur, if legend is to be believed. The palace was built over the remains of a former Neolithic settlement in around 1900 BC.
An important attraction in the city itself is the Archaeological Museum which can be found on one corner of the central Eleftherias Square, in a converted power station. The museum collects and displays many artefacts from Knossos, Archanes, Phaestos, Zakros and many other important archaeological sites on the island. The museum's collection spans several thousand years and includes the Phaestos disc, classic Hellenic and Roman sculptures, frescos, jewellery, wall paintings and pottery.
Visitors to Heraklion can take a ferry from the port, which is important for both passenger services and cargo, to destinations including Santorini, Ios, Paros, Mykonos and Rhodes. There are also daily sailings to the mainland port of Piraeus.
The Greek island of Karpathos lies in the Aegean Sea and is the second largest of the Dodecanese group of islands. The island sits between the neighbouring islands of Crete and Rhodes and is widely regarded as being one of the most spectacular of all the Greek islands. Unlike many of its neighbours, and probably as a result of its relatively remote location, Karpathos only began to develop in the last couple of decades. However, the development that has taken place is largely restricted to the southern parts of the island. The northern and central parts of the island have retained their authenticity and are largely unspoilt, with pretty little villages that seem miles away from tourism. Perhaps the island's most famous features are its beaches with golden sand and crystal clear waters. The island is popular with families and also with hikers who like to explore the many trekking paths that criss cross the island.
Ferries from Karpathos depart to the ports of Piraeus, Rhodes, Heraklion, Milos, Anafi, Sitia, Santorini, Chalki and Kasos.
