Getting from Thessaloniki to Crete

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

Getting there by air

Both Heraklion and Chania have airports with daily connections from Athens and seasonal direct flights from Thessaloniki in summer. When the direct service is running the flight takes around 1 hour 10 minutes making it one of the most convenient connections from Thessaloniki to Crete. Check the schedule carefully as direct flights are seasonal. Alternatively fly from Thessaloniki to Athens and then Athens to Heraklion or Chania.

Take the train, bus or drive

Thessaloniki is connected to Athens by train, taking around 4 to 5 hours, and by KTEL bus, taking around 5 to 6 hours. From Athens the overnight Piraeus to Crete ferry departs around 9pm and arrives in Heraklion or Chania in the early morning after around 8 to 9 hours. The drive from Thessaloniki to Piraeus takes around 5 to 6 hours via the E75 motorway. All three options suit travelers with a car as the conventional ferry takes vehicles directly to Crete.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Thessaloniki to Crete. Getting there by sea means traveling to Piraeus for the overnight ferry to Crete.

Your best option

Fly directly from Thessaloniki to Crete when the seasonal service is running. Choose Heraklion for central and eastern Crete, Chania for the west. When direct flights are not available, fly from Thessaloniki to Athens and then Athens to Crete. If you are traveling with a car, drive from Thessaloniki to Piraeus via the E75 motorway and take the overnight Piraeus to Crete ferry, which takes your vehicle directly to the island and arrives in the morning ready to go.