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Santorini sits 123 kilometres (76 miles) north of Heraklion, across open Aegean water. The caldera cliffs and whitewashed villages are why most people make the crossing. Flying takes 1h 15m. The ferry is the cheapest way to get from Heraklion to Santorini without flying, at $22 (€19).
Below you'll find every option with schedules, prices and where to catch it.
Distance from Heraklion to Santorini
Heraklion and Santorini are about 123 km (76 miles) apart; the sea crossing itself covers around 145 km over water. The quickest way to get from Heraklion to Santorini is by taking the flight, which takes around 1h 15m.
3 ways to travel from Heraklion to Santorini
There are three ways to travel from Heraklion to Santorini. You can choose between the ferry, flight, and day trip. The journey takes 1h 15m–11h and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by ferry with tickets starting at $22 (€19).
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Heraklion to Santorini by Ferry
Direct ferries sail from Heraklion to Santorini all year round.
There are more ferry trips during the summer season (May to October). During the winter months (November to March), direct ferries are limited, with only one trip available on most days.
Step 1: Heraklion to Santorini by Ferry
SeaJets and Blue Star Ferries are the main companies operating direct ferry trips in summer (May to October).
SeaJets operates daily and completes the journey in just 1h 35m with its high-speed ferries. Ticket prices start from $115 (€100).
Blue Star Ferries only operates on Fridays and Sundays. They are the cheaper option, with ticket fares starting from just $18 (€16). There's a catch, though. Travel time with their conventional ferries takes 3h 15m to 4h 30m. Note that the Friday ferry departs in the afternoon, while the Sunday ferry leaves late in the evening and arrives in Santorini at around 3:00 AM.
You can board your ferry at Heraklion Port in the city centre.
All ferries dock at Athinios Port (Thira Santorini Port) on Santorini's southwestern coast. The port is around 8 km from Fira town centre.
Ferry tickets are available on Bookaway and DirectFerries.
Tickets sell out fast in summer, so we recommend purchasing your tickets at least a couple of days prior to your trip.
Step 2: Santorini Harbour to Fira by Bus
From Santorini Port, you need to travel by bus or taxi to Fira, the island’s capital. Tourists usually stay in this town.
Buses bound for Fira are usually available at the port, just awaiting ferry arrivals. A ticket costs $3.10 (€2.70). Payment is made on the bus, so it's best to have coins or small bills. You can expect to arrive at Fira Bus Stop in about 30 minutes.
If the bus is already full, you have the option to take a taxi with rates from $46 (€40). Travel time would take around 20 minutes.
Is your hotel located elsewhere in Santorini? A taxi is your only option for a direct transfer. All buses from the port make their final stop in Fira. From Fira, you can take a bus to almost any town on the island.
Heraklion to Santorini by Flight
Although flying from Heraklion to Santorini is more expensive than taking the ferry, it is also the fastest option.
However, direct flights are only available three times a week: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Heraklion City Centre to Heraklion Airport by Bus or Taxi
Heraklion Airport is located 4 km east of the city centre. The bus is the cheapest way to get there. A ticket costs $2.90 (€2.50), and the bus journey takes around 20 minutes.
Buses to the airport depart throughout the day from Heraklion Bus Stop, just across from Heraklion Central Bus Station.
Alternatively, you can take a 10-minute taxi with rates from $17 (€15).
Step 2: Heraklion to Santorini by Flight via Athens
Aegean Airlines is the only airline offering direct flights from Heraklion to Santorini. Flights depart every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 16:20.
Airfares cost around $75 (€66), and travel time takes about 40m.
If the direct flight doesn't fit your schedule, indirect flights with a stopover in Athens are available daily.
Step 3: Santorini Airport to Fira by Taxi or Bus
Fira, the island’s capital, is located 5 km northwest of Santorini Airport. A taxi is our recommended option for getting to your hotel because it’s safer and more convenient. You can take a metered taxi with fares from $46 (€40). Travel time is around 15 minutes.
If you're on a budget and don't mind a crowded ride, you can also take the bus from Santorini Airport to Fira. A ticket only costs $2.50 (€2.20).
Buses depart every hour from 06:10 to 23:10.
Make sure to keep a close eye on your wallet, phone, and other valuables throughout the journey. The bus ride only takes around 20 minutes, but that's still enough time for pickpockets to target distracted passengers. If you decide to take the bus, it's best to stay alert throughout the journey.
Flight tickets are available on Skyscanner.
Heraklion to Santorini by Day Trip
GetYourGuide offers day trips from Heraklion to Santorini with rates from $215 (€190) per person.
This tour that takes 11 hours includes high-speed catamaran transfers to and from Santorini, a historical bus tour of the island, some free time in Fira town, and a visit to the iconic village of Oia.
Keep in mind that the tour departs from Heraklion Port, so you'll need to make your own way there.
Day Trip tickets are available on GetYourGuide.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Santorini?
Santorini is home to one of Greece’s most iconic trademarks — whitewashed buildings overlooking cliffs. They blend beautifully with the island’s rugged landscape, which was shaped by a massive volcanic eruption hundreds of years ago. Not-so-fun fact: Santorini sits on a still very active volcano, whose crater is hidden under the sea.
Volcanic-sand beaches dot the coasts of Santorini. Some black, some red, others even multi-coloured. They all open up to alluring turquoise waters that will make you want to take a dip. Do yourself a favour and spend at least one sunset in Oia. It will be one of the most picturesque views you’ll ever see!
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Heraklion to Santorini. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Heraklion to Santorini?
The distance from Heraklion to Santorini is 123 kilometres (76 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Heraklion to Santorini?
The fastest way to get from Heraklion to Santorini is by flight and takes 1h 15m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Heraklion to Santorini?
The cheapest way to get from Heraklion to Santorini is by ferry with ticket costs starting from €19.
Route Update History
Updated ferry prices.
Updated flight prices.
- New ferry operator: Blue Star Ferries.
- Updated ferry prices.
- Updated ferry departure times.
About the Authors
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Travel Writer
Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
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Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.