Heraklion - Santorini (Thira)
Ferries to Cyclades Islands
Heraklion - Santorini (Thira)
Ferries to Cyclades Islands
On the Heraklion Santorini (Thira) route, fares generally fall between $26* and $928*. On average, a Heraklion Santorini (Thira) ferry ticket costs around $317*, with the lowest Heraklion Santorini (Thira) fares starting at $26*. Foot passengers pay an average of $254*. Traveling with a car adds up to an average fare of $533*.
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 Santorini (Thira) sailings usually begin with a departure from Heraklion at approximately 03:20, with the final sailing of the day leaving around 23:45.
Absolutely, the short crossing time and frequent daily sailings make Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) a popular choice for a day trip. If you can, bringing a vehicle lets you venture further afield once you arrive, on your own schedule.
Yes, Blue Star Ferries & SeaJets operates car-friendly sailings between Heraklion and Santorini (Thira). 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 Santorini (Thira) 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 Santorini (Thira).
Yes, Blue Star Ferries & SeaJets accepts foot passengers on sailings between Heraklion and Santorini (Thira).
Good news for pet owners — SeaJets allows pets on board sailings between Heraklion and Santorini (Thira). Traveling with a pet on this route costs an average of $227.
Figures reflect fares searched over the last 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last updated August 26.
When you bring a pet on board, you'll typically need to have the following ready:
This varies by operator — on some ferries, pets must stay in your vehicle for the whole crossing, while others provide dedicated pet zones, pet-friendly cabins, or lounge areas. Check our Deal Finder to compare the pet arrangements on offer and choose the crossing that suits you and your pet best.
A few things are worth knowing before you travel with a guide or assistance dog. We'd suggest letting our customer service team know, or flagging it with the ferry operator when you book, that you'll be travelling with an assistance animal.
Bring along any relevant certification and paperwork too, since you may need to show it at boarding or at some point during the crossing.
Even on sailings where pets generally aren't permitted, different rules often apply to guide dogs and assistance dogs. Get in touch with our customer service team to confirm the specific policy for your sailing, or visit our Special Assistance Help page for general guidance.
Overnight sailings on the Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) 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 Santorini (Thira) 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 Santorini (Thira) 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 - Santorini (Thira) Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $254 | |
| Average Price with Car | $533 | |
| Average Price with Motorcycle | $282 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $400 | |
| Heraklion - Santorini (Thira) Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Crete |
| Destination | Cyclades Islands |
| No. of Operators | 2 |
| Operators | Blue Star Ferries & SeaJets |
| Average Price | $317 |
| Average Pet Price | $227 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 6 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1 h 40 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 1 h 35 m |
| First Ferry | 03:20 |
| Last Ferry | 23:45 |
| Distance | 59 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 Santorini is one of the Cyclades group of islands that lies in the south Aegean Sea. The island has very much been shaped by its volcanic past which has created a rather unusual landscape in places. A popular site on the island is the water filled 'Caldera' crater and is surrounded by a wall of colourful cliffs which are packed full of charming houses. The island is also known for its lovely beaches, its busy port, its archaeological finds and the wonderful sunsets which are best viewed from the village of Oia, on the island's northernmost tip.
The island's beaches are distinctive in that they are mainly made up of dark volcanic sands, which can get very hot during the summer, and therefore a sun lounger or towel are an essential piece of kit. The best beaches tend to be located around the eastern coastline and always popular is the stretch found at Perissa. However, a little to the south is Perivolos Beach which is also lovely as is Red Beach which is close to ancient Akrotiri, where the red cliffs are hard to miss.
