Travel to Crete Flights and ferries bookings

Traveling to the island of Crete typically involves taking a combination of flights and/or ferries, depending on your starting point. Here’s a general guide on how to travel to Crete:

1. By Air – travel to Crete by airplane:

International Flights: If you are traveling from outside Greece, you’ll likely need to fly into one of the major international airports in Greece, such as Athens International Airport (ATH) or Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG). Though Crete is connected to many more Greek airports, therefore many more flight combinations may be available to you. During the summer season (March to November) there are a lot of charter flights which provide you direct flight connection to Heraklion Airport or Chania Airport.
Domestic Flights: Beside the direct charter flights to the airports of Crete (during summer mostly) you can choose a flight to Athens / Thessaloniki or other Greek airports, and then from eg Athens or Thessaloniki, you can catch a domestic flight to one of Crete’s airports. Crete has three main airports: Heraklion International Airport (HER), Chania International Airport (CHQ), and Sitia Airport (JSH).

2. By Ferry – travel to Crete by ferry boat:

Ferry from Athens: If you prefer a scenic sea journey, you can take a ferry from the port of Piraeus in Athens to Crete. There are regular ferry services to both Heraklion ferry port and Chania ferry port (Chania is serviced by ferries in Souda bay).
Other Islands: Crete is well-connected by ferry to many other Greek islands. You may also find ferry routes from Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos or other islands.

For ferry routes to Crete, ferry operators servicing ferry crossing to Crete, timetables, ferry prices and online ferry ticket bookings check FERRY-TICKETS.COM

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Tips:

Booking Tickets: It’s advisable to book your plane tickets or ferry tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
Flight and Ferry Websites: Utilize online platforms like Skyscanner, Kayak, or cheap ferry ticket booking comparison websites to compare and book your tickets.
Transportation on Crete: Once you arrive in Crete, you can use local buses, taxis, or rental cars to reach your final destination on the island:
– Rethymno and Chania bus service
– Heraklion and Lassithi bus service

Important Considerations:

Seasonal Variations: The availability of flights and ferries may vary depending on the season. During the summer season months (March to November), there are usually more options available.

Always check the latest information regarding transportation options and travel regulations to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.

Here is more information

🛫 Flying to Crete: What to Know

Skyscanner Flights

Crete has two main international airports:

Heraklion Airport (HER) – The busiest airport, near the ancient site of Knossos and great for central/northern Crete.
Chania Airport (CHQ) – Ideal for visiting western Crete, including Balos Lagoon, Elafonissi Beach, and Samaria Gorge.

Direct International Flights:

Summer (April–October) is peak tourist season with direct flights from many European cities (London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, etc.).
Some seasonal charter flights also operate from farther afield.

Domestic Flights:

Athens to Crete: 6–10 flights per day, ~50 minutes.
Thessaloniki to Crete: 1–3 flights per day, ~1 hour 15 minutes.
Budget options include Ryanair and Sky Express.

🚢 Taking a Ferry to Crete: A Classic Greek Experience

Traveling by ferry is more leisurely and gives a real sense of island-hopping adventure.

From Athens (Piraeus Port):

Night ferries let you sleep on board and arrive in the morning.
Day ferries are available too but take the same amount of time (~9 hours).
You can book a seat, cabin, or vehicle space.
Booking in advance is recommended during summer and holidays.

From Other Islands:

Santorini → Crete: ~2 hours (high-speed ferry), ~6 hours (regular)
Mykonos → Crete: ~4–6 hours depending on ferry
Routes are seasonal and more frequent May–October.

🚗 Getting Around Crete

Crete is large—about 260 km (160 miles) long—so getting around requires planning.

Best Options:

Car rental gives you the most flexibility to explore beaches, mountains, and archaeological sites.
Public buses (KTEL) connect major cities (Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos) and some villages, but less reliable for remote areas or late travel.
Taxis and private transfers are available but can add up quickly.

How to travel to the island of Crete?