Introduction
Crete is one of the largest and most diverse islands in Greece, with multiple cities and entry points: Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Sitia, Agios Nikolaos. So naturally, a big question arises:
Should you travel by plane or ferry? And from where?
We used Triviator to compare actual routes from Athens, Thessaloniki and Patras to several cities in Crete.
✈️ vs 🚢 Travel Comparison
| Factor | Ferry | Plane |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 Cost | From €30 (deck seat) | From €40–€100+ depending on season |
| ⏱️ Duration | 6–9 hours (overnight) | 45–60 min + airport time |
| 🧳 Comfort | Sleep in cabin / travel experience | Fast and practical |
| 🚗 With a vehicle? | Yes – bring your own car | Need to rent at destination |
| 🗺️ Final destination | Arrives at port, may require extra travel | Usually closer to city center |
📍 Real Route Examples from Triviator
➤ Athens → Heraklion
- Ferry: From Piraeus, ~€35–45, 9h overnight
- Flight: ~60€, 45 min
- 💡 Ferry is ideal for overnight travel and if bringing a car
➤ Thessaloniki → Chania
-
Combo route via Triviator:
Thessaloniki → Athens (bus/train) → Piraeus → Ferry to Chania
-
~12–14 hours total
-
Alternative: Flight with layover (~3–4h total)
-
💡 Faster by plane, but Triviator finds affordable combos for budget travelers
➤ Patras → Sitia
-
Combo Route from Triviator:
Patras → Athens (bus) → Piraeus → Ferry to Sitia
-
~14–16h
-
💡 Flight options are limited – ferry is most reliable here
Extra Options via Triviator
Triviator shows combined travel routes with:
- Direct flights
- Ferries from Piraeus, Rafina or Gythio
- Combinations like Train + Ferry or Bus + Ferry
- ✅ With up-to-date prices, timetables, and travel durations
👉 Example:
📍 https://triviator.com/en/travel/from/athens/to/heraklion
Tips for Choosing the Best Option
- ✈️ If you're short on time or traveling for work, a flight is usually best
- 🚢 For relaxed trips or if you want to bring your car, ferry is ideal
- 📍 Don't limit yourself to Heraklion or Chania – Triviator shows options for Sitia, Agios Nikolaos, and more
Bonus: When to Book
- ✈️ Flights: book as early as possible for lower fares
- 🚢 Ferries: more flexible unless it’s peak season
- 💼 Tip: Use Triviator to discover hidden combos you won’t find in typical booking apps
Try It for Yourself
🧭 Whether you're heading to Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, or Sitia, Triviator helps you find the fastest, cheapest, or most comfortable route — all in one place.
