Getting from Aegina to Crete

If you are heading to Crete from Aegina you are making your way to the largest island in Greece, with ancient Minoan sites, mountain gorges, excellent food and a coastline that stretches for hundreds of kilometres.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Aegina to Crete. The most practical ferry approach is to take the Saronic ferry from Aegina to Piraeus, which takes around 40 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, and then board the overnight Piraeus to Crete ferry, which departs around 9pm and arrives in Heraklion or Chania in the early morning after around 8 to 9 hours at sea. It is one of the most comfortable overnight crossings in Greece with cabins available. Book ahead in July and August. Total journey time by this route is around 10 to 11 hours.

Getting there by air

Both Heraklion and Chania have airports. Taking the Saronic ferry from Aegina to Piraeus, the metro to Athens Airport and flying to Crete takes around 50 minutes in the air. Total travel time is around 4 to 5 hours.

Your best option

Take the Saronic ferry from Aegina to Piraeus and board the overnight Piraeus to Crete ferry. It is comfortable, saves a night's accommodation and you arrive in the morning ready to go. If time is short, take the Saronic ferry to Piraeus and fly. If you are travelling with a car, the overnight ferry is the practical choice as it takes your vehicle directly to Crete.