How to Get from Santorini to Crete: Travel Options & Tips

Many travelers combine the two during a summer itinerary—and for good reason. Santorini offers dramatic caldera views and cliffside villages, while Crete gives you space, beaches, food culture, and variety. Fortunately, getting between the two is easy with a bit of planning.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to travel from Santorini to Crete, what to expect, and a few helpful tips to make the trip smooth.

Ferry from Santorini to Crete: The Most Popular Option

Firstly, the most common way to travel from Santorini to Crete is by ferry. During the high season (April to October), several companies run fast and standard ferries between Santorini’s Athinios Port and the ports of Heraklion or Rethymno in Crete. Ferries typically run in the morning or early afternoon, with the most frequent service offered in July and August.

• Travel time: Around 1 hour 45 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the vessel type (high-speed catamarans are faster but may be more affected by rough seas)
• Ferry companies: SeaJets, Minoan Lines, Golden Star Ferries
• Departure frequency: Daily in summer; reduced service in shoulder months and often no service in winter
• Arrival ports: Most ferries go to Heraklion, Crete’s main port, though a few routes may stop at Rethymno

Tip: Book tickets early if you’re traveling between June and September, especially on weekends or if you’re bringing luggage or a vehicle. Ferries can fill up quickly during peak travel weeks. You can book online or through local travel agents in Santorini.

Flights: Quick, But Less Frequent

There are occasional direct flights from Santorini (JTR) to Heraklion (HER), operated by regional airlines like Sky Express or Olympic Air. However, these flights aren’t offered every day and are often limited to certain days of the week, especially outside of peak season.

Flight time is just 40–50 minutes, but when you factor in transport to the airport, check-in, security, and baggage claim, the overall time isn’t drastically shorter than taking a high-speed ferry. That said, flying can be a good option if you’re already at the airport, traveling light, or prefer to avoid the unpredictability of ferry schedules, especially on windy days when rough seas may cause delays.

Prices for flights tend to be higher than ferries, particularly when booked last-minute. If you’re visiting during spring or autumn and ferries are limited, a flight might be the most efficient solution. Just be sure to book early, as seats are limited.

Private Transfers & Holiways Concierge Support

Once you arrive in Crete—whether by ferry or plane—Holiways Villas can arrange a private transfer directly to your villa. There’s no need to wait in long taxi lines, figure out directions, or worry about coordinating multiple vehicles for your group. Our concierge team can greet you at Heraklion Port or Heraklion Airport, help with your luggage, and ensure your journey continues smoothly.

If you’re traveling with family, a group of friends, or even young children, just let us know your arrival time and group size in advance. We’ll organize a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle that fits your needs—from spacious vans with room for everyone and their suitcases, to smaller cars for couples or solo travelers.

We also offer child seats upon request, as well as multi-stop routes if you need to pick up essentials or want to make a scenic detour before check-in. It’s all part of our goal to make your arrival in Crete feel effortless

Which Route Should You Choose?

If you’re trying to decide between ferry and flight, here’s the quick breakdown:

• Choose the ferry if you want scenic sea views, lower cost, or more flexibility with departure times.
• Choose a flight if time is tight and you’re traveling in the off-season (when ferries are limited).
• Either way, we recommend booking your transport and villa in advance, especially from May through September.

Conclusion

To conclude, figuring out how to get from Santorini to Crete is simple once you know the options. Fast ferries run regularly in summer, and a short flight is possible if you plan. No matter how you arrive, Holiways Villas is here to take care of what happens next—private transfers, local insights, and a villa that makes you feel instantly at home. Explore our collection of villas in Crete and start planning the next leg of your island adventure.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long is the ferry from Santorini to Crete?
Between 1 hour 45 minutes and 3 hours, depending on the ferry type and sea conditions.

2. Are there direct flights from Santorini to Crete?
Yes, but they are limited and seasonal—check availability before planning.

3. Which port in Crete should I arrive at?
Most ferries arrive in Heraklion, which is centrally located and ideal for accessing much of the island.

4. Can Holiways Villas arrange transfers from the ferry port or airport?
Absolutely. Our concierge team will coordinate your arrival and make sure everything runs smoothly.

5. Should I book transport in advance?
Yes—especially ferries in summer. Booking early ensures better prices and preferred times.