Crete is the largest island in Greece. It has a mix of mountains, beaches, old towns, and amazing food. Whether you’re planning a relaxing trip or an adventure, getting to Crete is the first step. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to get there—from both the United States and within Greece. It’s easy when you know what to expect.
Where Is Crete?
Crete is in the southern part of the Aegean Sea. It’s about 200 miles from Athens, the capital of Greece. The island is long and narrow, stretching from west to east. Its main cities are Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, and Agios Nikolaos.
Crete has two international airports, several ports, and a good road network. Whether you prefer to fly or take a ferry, you have options.
Getting to Crete from the United States
There are no direct flights from the U.S. to Crete. You will need to first fly to a major European city or to Athens. Most travelers from the U.S. fly into Athens or a large European hub, such as London, Frankfurt, Paris, or Amsterdam.
From the U.S., major airports like New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), Atlanta (ATL), and Los Angeles (LAX) have daily flights to Europe. These flights are offered by major airlines like Delta, American Airlines, United, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Air France.
Once you’re in Europe, getting to Crete is simple. During summer months, some airlines offer seasonal direct flights from cities like Frankfurt, London, and Paris straight to Crete. These flights usually go to Heraklion or Chania, the island’s main airports. They take about 3 to 4 hours and are operated by airlines such as Aegean Airlines, Condor, TUI, and EasyJet.
Another route is to fly from your U.S. city to Athens, then take a short flight or ferry to Crete. Athens is well connected to Crete all year round.
Flying from Athens
Flying from Athens to Crete is the fastest and easiest option. Flights leave often and land at either Heraklion or Chania airports. The flight takes about 50 minutes.
Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Sky Express, and Ryanair are the main carriers on this route. Flights run many times a day, so it’s easy to find one that fits your schedule. If you’re traveling during peak season (May to September), book early to get the best fares and times.
Both Heraklion and Chania airports are small and easy to navigate. Once you land, taxis and rental cars are available to take you to your hotel.
Taking a Ferry from Athens
If you have more time and enjoy sea travel, taking a ferry is a good option. Ferries depart from Piraeus, the main port of Athens. The trip takes 7 to 9 hours, depending on the ferry type.
Most ferries are overnight. You board in the evening and arrive early the next morning. This saves time and gives you a full day on the island. You can book a seat, cabin, or even a luxury suite for a more comfortable ride. Ferry companies like Minoan Lines, Anek Lines, and Blue Star Ferries offer daily service to Heraklion and Chania. During summer, there are more departures and options.
If you land in Athens in the afternoon, staying one night in the city before taking the ferry might make your travel smoother. Ferries can sell out during high season, so it’s best to book your tickets ahead of time.
Arriving in Crete
Crete has two main airports:
- Heraklion Airport (HER): Located near the center of the island, it’s the busiest. It’s a good choice if you’re heading to Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, or eastern Crete.
- Chania Airport (CHQ): Located on the west side, it’s perfect for exploring Chania, Rethymno, and western Crete.
Both airports have taxis, buses, and rental car services. Many hotels offer shuttle services if arranged in advance.
If you arrive by ferry, you will dock at either Heraklion Port or Chania’s Souda Port. From the port, you can take a taxi, bus, or car to your destination. Like the airports, these ports are well-connected to the rest of the island.
Flying to Crete from Other Greek Islands
If you’re island-hopping in Greece, you can also fly to Crete from other islands like Santorini, Mykonos, or Rhodes. These flights are short and are often offered during the busy travel season. Keep in mind that not all island airports have daily flights to Crete. It’s smart to check the schedule and book in advance.
Taking a Ferry from Other Islands
Crete is also linked to many other Greek islands by ferry. These routes connect islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, and Rhodes to either Heraklion or Chania. Ferries between Santorini and Heraklion are very popular and run almost daily in summer. The trip takes about 2 hours by high-speed ferry. It’s a great way to combine two beautiful destinations in one trip.
Other routes, like from Mykonos or Rhodes, can take longer and may only run a few times a week. Be sure to check the latest schedule when planning. High-speed ferries are quicker but cost more. Regular ferries take longer but offer a slower, scenic journey. Some ferries also carry cars, which is useful if you’re renting one.
Travel Options to Crete:
| Starting Point | Type of Transport | Destination in Crete | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Flight to Europe | Heraklion or Chania | 10–14 hours + |
| Europe (London, Paris, etc.) | Direct flight | Heraklion or Chania | 3–4 hours |
| Athens | Flight | Heraklion or Chania | ~50 minutes |
| Ferry (overnight) | Heraklion or Chania | 7–9 hours | |
| Santorini | Ferry | Heraklion | ~2 hours |
| Mykonos | Ferry | Heraklion | 5–7 hours |
| Rhodes | Ferry/Flight | Heraklion or Chania | Varies |
Final Thoughts
Getting to Crete is easier than it seems. You can fly from Europe or Athens, or enjoy the sea with a ferry. Whether you want to arrive quickly or enjoy the journey, Crete is waiting for you. With a little planning, you’ll soon be soaking up the sun, exploring old villages, and enjoying all that this beautiful island has to offer.
