Heraklion Ferry Port in Crete

by Mary Howard
- June 15, 2024

Where is Heraklion Port?

Heraklion, home to Greece’s third busiest port, handles around two million passengers yearly. Situated on Crete’s northern coastline, it lies 130 km east of Chania, 75 km east of Rethymno, 60 km west of Elounda, and 3 km west of Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport (code HER). Greece’s capital, Athens, is 340 km northeast of Heraklion and accessible by a lengthy ferry ride lasting 7-13 hours. The closest island to Heraklion Port, Santorini, is a 2-3 hour ferry journey away.

Heraklion Ferry Port Transportation

Heraklion Port Buses

Transportation to and from Heraklion Port by shuttle is convenient, but the station (A or B) and type of bus utilized (local blue or intercity green) will fluctuate:

Heraklion Bus Station A, also referred to as the Port Bus Station, is located very near the ferry port (an easy 6-minute walk down and across the street). Station A serves green intercity buses with routes along the northeast coast (Hersonissos, Archanes, Sitia, Agios Nikolaos, Lassithi Plateau), Chania, and Rethymno, as well as connecting buses to Imbros, Sfakia, Kastelli and other places in west and south-west Crete. • KTEL regional bus website
Local blue buses transport individuals to the Heraklion Airport, the ancient Knossos monument, the city of Heraklion, its suburbs, and surrounding villages which also depart from Bus Station A near the harbor. Multiple neighborhood bus lines stop at the airport, with vehicles leaving every 10 minutes approximately; the journey between the port and airport requires about 20 minutes and costs 2€ per traveler. Bus #2 to ancient Knossos departs every 15-20 minutes or so. Buses operate from 6am to 11pm. • KTEL neighborhood bus website

There is no network coverage in the Highlands, so you won’t be able to use a standard GPS. I suggest downloading the Maps.me app and our Iceland road map. Also, if you don’t have a satellite communicator, I highly recommend renting a personal location signal (PLB). It costs approximately $10 and can literally save your life if you need to be rescued. We personally use the Garmin inReach.

Most regions throughout Greece, such as the island of Crete, experience public transportation strikes on various calendar dates each year. These strikes can impact all forms of transit like buses, trains, ferries and flights. During strike periods few buses, ferries or trains will leave on schedule or depart at all. Flights may also be affected. Taxis tend to see lesser change. Nevertheless, there is invariably a significant strike every May 1st. Avoid reserving any ferries, flights or trains on that date.

Heraklion Port Taxis

There is a taxi stand located inside the port gates across from the passenger terminal. Taxis are generally readily available after the arrival of a ferry.
A taxi between Heraklion Port and the Heraklion Airport takes about 10-15 minutes and costs around 15€.

Taxis in Greece accommodate no more than four travelers. If your group contains over four individuals, multiple taxis will be necessitated.”

As mentioned before, taxis are the least impacted mode of transportation during public transportation strikes.

Private Car Service at Heraklion Port

Welcome Pickups is my preferred means of car transportation to utilize while visiting Greece, and represents a great pre-planned substitute for a taxi. Drivers operate throughout the day, communicate in English, monitor ferry schedules in case of delays, and can be contacted by text to respond to travel inquiries for the duration of your stay in Heraklio. They can even provide additional travel amenities such as guided tours, SIM cards, and maps. Young passenger car seats can be ordered in advance of your trip, and minivans are available to accommodate larger parties. When you arrive at the port, your driver will be waiting, holding a sign bearing your name.

Heraklion Port Parking and Car Rental

Heraklion Port is situated along the principal National Road 90, a well-maintained highway connecting all the key cities along the northern coastline of Crete. If one is traveling from Agios Nikolaos or another region east of the port by car, drive westward along the national roadway, then northward towards the sea upon arriving in Heraklio. If coming from Rethymno, Chania, or other places further west, drive eastward along the national roadway pursuing indications pointing towards Heraklio, again heading northward toward the sea.
Heraklion Port has ample short and long-term parking areas. These are found just west of Piers I and II. Handicapped parking places are also available.
A handful of car rental companies have places near the Heraklion Ferry Port. There are more vehicles for hire at the Heraklion Airport, inside the Arrivals terminal. If you need an automatic transmission vehicle, you should definitely arrange to hire your car in advance, as these are often in short supply – especially in July and August. I advise reserving through Rentalcars.com. The bus station across the street from the port has frequent buses to the airport on the Agios Nikolaos route.

Heraklion Port on Foot

Ambling is the easiest way to get around Heraklion if you’re not transporting a lot of baggage. The city is compact, and you can traverse the town from one end to the other in less than an hour. Most of the city’s attractions are found within a five or six-block area, and within 20 minutes’ strolling distance of the harbor.
From the Heraklion Port passenger terminal, one could walk west along the seafront towards the old town, which contained most major sights, shops, and restaurants. Helpfully, the port provided a walking route along the ground marked in yellow.
If you’re just in port for a few hours and want to explore the city, baggage storage facilities can be found inside the port’s passenger station.

Heraklion Port to the airport

Local Blue Buses to Heraklion Airport operate from Station A, accessible via a short 6-minute walk from the ferry terminal. Several local routes heading east stop at the airport, with buses departing every 10 minutes or so. The trip between the port and airport takes approximately 20 minutes and costs 2€ per passenger (purchase tickets on board). Buses run from 6am to midnight. • KTEL local bus website
A taxi between Heraklion Port and the Heraklion Airport will take around 10-15 minutes and cost around 15€. The taxi stand is found inside of the port entryways, over the passenger terminal. Taxis are typically promptly accessible after the landing of a ferry. Taxis in Greece can just suit up to four travelers. On the off chance that you have more than four individuals in your gathering, you’ll need to take more than one taxi.
Welcome Pickups offers a pre-planned automotive option as an alternative to taxi service. Drivers operate continuously throughout the day and night, conversing fluently in English while keeping abreast of any ferry delays. Child car seats can be ordered ahead of your travel with larger vehicles available for parties over four individuals. The excursion takes roughly 10 minutes, charging 16€ (27€ for a minivan). Upon arrival at the port or airport, your chauffeur will await holding a sign displaying your name.

Heraklion Port to Chania and Rethymno

six-minute walk

Information about regional bus routes and schedules can be found on the KTEL website

A taxi or car service will take around an hour and a half to Rethymno and cost approximately 95€; slightly over two hours to Chania at around 160€.

Heraklion Port Ferry Tickets

Popular Ferry Routes

How Early to Arrive for Heraklion Ferry?

Heraklion port is the third largest in Greece, but not overly crowded or complex. With advance ticket purchase (recommended during the busy summer months), arriving 30 minutes before departure allows time to pick up tickets. In other seasons, showing up to the port 30-40 minutes early permits purchasing tickets there.

Should I buy my ferry tickets in advance or at the port?

Larger ferries like the Blue Star seldom reach full capacity, but smaller, faster ferries resembling catamarans sometimes do, especially during the peak season. If you’re traveling between June and September on a smaller vessel, it’s wise to purchase tickets ahead of time. Throughout the spring, fall, and winter, it’s generally not an issue to arrive at the port 30-40 minutes in advance of departure and purchase tickets there. FerryHopper.com’s useful search tool makes it straightforward to research ferry routes, timetables, and pricing, whether you’re buying in advance via their website or at the port.

Where are the ticket kiosks in Heraklion Port?

Ticket counters for all ferry operators can be found inside the Passenger Terminal building as well as near the ships` departure points.

Do Greek ferries use e-tickets?

Most Greek ferry businesses currently offer electronic tickets, eliminating the necessity to collect physical tickets at the port. After reserving tickets on FerryHopper.com, a confirmation email with links to web check-in will be sent. After checking in online on the day of your departure, you are able to download your boarding pass to print yourself or keep on your phone/tablet to present at departure.

Can I get my Heraklion Port tickets delivered in advance?

Some ferry companies will deliver tickets ahead of time to your hotel location, however I do not suggest this approach. Scheduling changes are frequent, and once you physically have possession of your tickets, any cancellation or modification can only be processed in person by a representative of your ferry company. It is much simpler to book e-tickets through FerryHopper, or pick up your tickets at the port location.

Heraklion Port Passenger Terminal

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Heraklion Port Ferry Schedules

There are two or more daily ferries from Heraklio to Piraeus port in Athens as well as to Rafina port, the Dodecanese, and other Cyclades islands.

Minoan Lines: Heraklio to Santorini, Milos, Ios, Paros, Mykonos, and Piraeus (Athens).
Anek Lines: Heraklio to Sitia, Kasos, Karpathos, Chalki, Diafani, Rhodes, Anafi, and Santorini.
Blue Star Ferries: Heraklio to Piraeus.
Seajets: Heraklio to Santorini, Ios, Paros, Naxos, and Mykonos.
Golden Star Ferries: Heraklio to Santorini, Ios, Naxos, Paros, Tinos, Mykonos, Andros, and Rafina (Athens).

FerryHopper.com has the latest schedule and course data, and is the most effortless approach to discover ferries and book tickets ahead of time.

Staying Near Heraklion Ferry Port

Beyond merely being a ferry terminal, Heraklio is one of Greece’s largest population centers, containing ample history and culture to keep visitors engaged for a couple of days or more. Traces of the city’s Venetian and Ottoman past are evident in the vast stone barriers that encompass the city, ornate design, and the beautiful fountains you’ll find scattered around town. Heraklio is easily navigated on foot, with many excellent hotels and restaurants. Contemporary shopping, great museums, and proximity to Knossos, the island’s most famous archaeological site, add to the appeal.

All ferries use piers I and II on the western part of the port, while cruise ships dock at the eastern section of pier II as well as piers IV and V.

Hotels near Heraklion Port

GDM Megaron
Experiencing island hopping through the Aegean islands of Greece and relaxing at an agriturismo farm stay in Tuscany, Italy are truly magical European adventures.
The Lato Boutique Hotel
Modernly planned hotel with a superb rooftop dining area overlooking the harbor. Several rooms offer marine views, some include whirlpools. Family areas sleep four. 9-minute walk to the port. • Map
The Infinity City Boutique Hotel
This contemporary and modern hotel features stylish design with comfortable and well-equipped guest rooms in various configurations including singles, doubles, triples, and junior suites, some with balconies. Friendly and helpful staff. Just a 10-minute walk to the port.” “• Map
A waterfront hotel in Heraklion
A large, cosmopolitan hotel has spacious, modern rooms and suites that provide beautiful views of the city or unobstructed harbor. Upgraded accommodations add balconies while suites include deep spa tubs. Guests can enjoy two pools, a spa, restaurant and lounge bar located within an 11-minute walk of the port. • Map

Visitors to Heraklion, Greece can choose to stay at the Olive Green Hotel, which is near the port Modern, eco-friendly lodging with minimalistic rooms featuring vivid digital art and in-room tablets (with apps). Upgraded rooms have balconies and club rooms sport large furnished terraces with city/park perspectives. 12-minute walk to the port. • Map

Guide to the Ferry Port in Heraklion, Crete

Excellent moderately-priced hotel located in a tranquil area of the city center. Guest rooms (single, double, and triple options available) feature vibrant and modern design, and there’s a rooftop patio and complimentary breakfast of high quality. 15-minute walk to the port. • Map

Check prices on Booking.com

Beautifully restored boutique hotel in a historic landmark Venetian and Ottoman building. 4 double rooms and 2 two-story family apartments surround an interior courtyard. Excellent restaurant and bar. 18-minute walk or 5-minute drive to the port. • Map

Galaxy Hotel
5-Luxurious hotel with two remarkable restaurants, oversized fresh water pool area, and well-being center. Beds are extremely cozy and features are top-tier. All rooms have balconies (pool or city perspectives), some have whirlpool bathtubs. 20-minute stroll or 7-minute drive to the port. • Map

Restaurants near Heraklion Port

Nagoya Station is vast and initially perplexing, but remain patient; you`ll figure it out eventually (the English signage is rather good). The station is a major transportation hub also served by the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo (1hr 40min), Kyoto (35min), and beyond.

Herb’s Garden – Lovely rooftop garden restaurant at Lato Hotel with panoramic views over the Venetian harbor and the port. Full bar. 8-minute walk from the port
Kritikos Fornos – Popular Greek bakery chain located in Crete known for offering a variety of breads, coffees, pastries, sandwiches, as well as ice cream. A 6-minute walk from the harbor port.
Veneto – Hidden jewel with a Greek/Italian menu and splendid port views. A great choice for larger groups. 9-minute walk from the port.
Paralia – Harborside dining, excelling at fresh, local sea dishes. Busy but relaxed atmosphere. 11-minute walk from the port.
The Kouzeineri – An exceptional Greek steakhouse known for its meat dishes; if you enjoy pork knuckle, this is worth exploring. Also one of the top wine selections in Heraklio. 11-minute stroll from the harbor.
Peskesi – A traditional Cretan restaurant offering authentic local cuisine served in a casually elegant setting with extended hours. It is approximately a 15-minute stroll from the harbor.

Things To Do near Heraklion Port

One of the largest and most renowned ancient Minoan palace complexes in Crete is Knossos. Admission is 15€ (or save some money with a 16€ combo ticket to the Archaeological Museum located in Heraklion). It is situated 5km south of Heraklion; the #2 bus to Knossos departs from the Port bus terminal ( 4-minute walk from the port) every 15-20 mins or so. Alternatively, get picked up at the port (or your hotel) and take a private guided tour.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum – Excellent displays about the history of Crete and the Minoan civilazation, with many locally-sourced works of art and artifacts. Great to pair with a trip to the nearby Knossos (a combined ticket will save you money). Admission is half the usual cost from November through March. 12-minute amble from the port.
Koules Fortress – Also known as Castello del Molo or Rocca a Mare, this impressive Venetian citadel was constructed in the Sea of Crete to protect the Heraklio harbor. €2 will allow admission to explore the fort, but bring water and sunscreen – it’s a 2.2km unshaded walk along the rampart to arrive there. 14-minute walk from port to fort.

The lodging website and rates at this booking portal for Hara’s houses.

Natural History Museum of Crete – Exhibits explore past and present animal life and geography in Crete, featuring stuffed wildlife specimens, animatronic dinosaurs, some live animal displays mainly reptiles, and an earthquake simulator simulation. A 20-minute walk from the port harbor.

Heraklion Port Photos

about me

Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

Join us on our journey!