A complete guide to getting the Athens to Chania ferry. Includes ferry times, routes, ports and useful information on the Athens Chania ferry route.
Reasons to take the Athens to Chania ferry
Although flying from Athens to Chania takes less than an hour, there are many reasons why you might prefer to go on the ferry.
This is the obvious choice for people who want to bring a vehicle along, for example. It can also appeal to budget travelers, as you can book a cabin on an overnight boat and avoid the cost of a hotel.
Our preferred website to compare and book your ferry ticket from Athens to Chania is Ferryhopper. Here, you can see all available options, and choose the one that suits you the most.
Athens – Chania Ferry Services
The three companies offering the Athens – Chania itinerary for 2019 are Minoan Lines, and Blue Star Ferries / ANEK lines who have partnered for the Athens to Chania ferry route.
If you have taken a ferry in Greece before, you are likely to have travelled with one of these companies. There are currently no SeaJet ferries on the Athens Chania route.
Note that all three boat companies often run promotions for the Athens to Chania itinerary.
For example, if you book a round trip, the return ticket is usually discounted. Students and children also qualify for discounts, so check before you book.
As Chania is a popular destination with Greeks and visitors alike, we suggest that you book your boat tickets in advance. This is more the case if you want a cabin, especially if your dates are not flexible.
The Athens to Chania ferry time takes anywhere from 6.5 to 9 hours.
Athens to Chania ferry – Minoan Lines
In our experience, Minoan Lines is one of the most luxurious ferry companies in Greece. With Mykonos Palace covering the Athens to Chania ferry route for most of 2019, you will have a pleasant, relaxed journey.
This boat is among the largest ferries on a domestic itinerary (214 metres / 700 feet long!) and has plenty of amenities, like restaurants, cafes etc.
Depending on the date you are travelling, you will either get an evening or an overnight ferry.
Until June 13th 2019, the ferry leaves Piraeus at 20.30 and arrives at Chania port at 4.30 on the next day.
From June 14th 2019 onwards, departure will be at 16.00, and you will arrive at Chania at 22.30.
Athens to Crete Ferry Price with Minoan
Prices from Athens to Chania on the Mykonos Palace start from 39 euro for a deck seat, and increase for cabins.
There are several different cabin options to choose from – the fewer beds in the cabin, the higher the cost. Some cabins have a view to the sea, whereas others have no window, so make sure you choose the one you prefer.
Note that this boat doesn’t have numbered airplane seats, which you may have booked on some of the boats on the Cyclades routes.
Book online tickets: Ferryhopper
More info at Minoan here.
Athens to Chania ferry – Blue Star Ferries and ANEK Lines partnership
Blue Star Ferries and ANEK Lines have partnered up, and are currently offering the Athens to Chania ferry route 2019 interchangeably.
Until 30th May 2019, two ANEK boats, El. Venizelos and Elyros, run the Athens to Chania ferry route on alternate days.
These boats leave Piraeus at 21.00 and arrive at Chania port at 6.00 on the next day.
From 31st May 2019 onwards, Elyros will be replaced by Blue Galaxy, which belongs to Blue Star Ferries.
Athens to Crete Ferry Price with Blue Star Ferries and ANEK Lines partnership
These boats cost from 38 euros for a deck seat.
Book online tickets: Ferryhopper
Additional Piraeus to Chania route opening July 2019
From the 5th July to the beginning of September, an additional morning route will be running on 5 days a week, leaving at 10.00 from, Piraeus.
Blue Galaxy will run in the night, while El. Venizelos will run in the morning. The price of the morning route will be discounted to 27 euros.
The main difference between the Blue Galaxy and the El. Venizelos ferries, is that the latter doesn’t have reserved airplane seats.
You can book an economy seat, which entitles you to sit anywhere you want on the deck or inside the boat, but you don’t have the option of a reserved indoors seat like you do on the Blue Galaxy.
Book online tickets: Ferryhopper
Getting your ferry tickets
As neither of these companies currently allow you to print your e-ticket, you will need to collect a paper copy from the port at Piraeus.
Allow plenty of time, as there are often long queues. All in all, you will need to be at the Piraeus port at least an hour (or even more) before your ferry is due to depart.
Departing from Piraeus Port
All of the Chania ferries from Athens leave from Piraeus Port just outside Athens. If you haven’t taken a boat from Piraeus port before, it is best to get there well before your boat departs, as it might take you a while to find your gate.
Boats to Crete depart from Gates E2 / E3, which are clearly signposted in this map.
Getting to Piraeus Port from Athens
You can get to Piraeus port by suburban railway, metro, bus, or taxi. If you have heavy luggage, a taxi might be the best solution, as neither walking not taking the shuttle bus in Piraeus might be practical.
If you are getting to Piraeus on the metro, allow at least 20 minutes to walk to your gate from the station. There is also a free shuttle bus that runs inside the port but it’s often full.
If you are using a taxi to get to Piraeus, the driver would know where to drop you off.
I've got a full article here on how to get from Piraeus to Athens centre. Just follow the instructions in reverse!
Alternatively, for a hassle free approach, you might also pre-book your Piraeus Port Taxi here.
Arriving at Chania Port (Souda)
The ferries don't actually arrive at Chania Town in Crete itself, but instead at nearby Port Souda. This is a few kilometres away from Chania Town, but is connected by public transport which is clearly signed.
Still, unless you have travelled with your own vehicle, you might prefer to get a taxi.
You can pre-book a taxi from Port Souda in Chania to your hotel here.
Crete Travel Guides
Looking for more guides on things to see and do in Crete? Take a look below!
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