Getting from Rhodes to Crete

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

Take the ferry

There is a direct ferry from Rhodes to Crete running several times a week year-round, departing to Heraklion and taking around 9 to 12 hours. The overnight service is the practical approach, departing in the evening and arriving in the morning. The route also stops at Karpathos and Kasos on some sailings. Book ahead in July and August.

Getting there by air

Both Rhodes and Crete have airports. Flying from Rhodes to Athens takes around 1 hour and then Athens to Heraklion or Chania takes around 50 minutes. Total travel time is around 3 to 4 hours. A direct seasonal flight between Rhodes and Heraklion may also be available so check before routing through Athens. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights on most routes.

Your best option

Check whether the direct Rhodes to Heraklion flight is available for your dates. If it is, take it. If not, the overnight ferry is a comfortable option on the larger vessels and you arrive in Crete in the morning ready to go. Flying via Athens is the fastest approach if neither direct option is available.