Getting from Thessaloniki to Heraklion

If you are heading to Heraklion from Thessaloniki you are making your way from the second largest city in Greece to the capital of Crete, with the Palace of Knossos just 5 kilometres from the city centre and one of the finest archaeological museums in Greece.

Getting there by air

Heraklion has an international airport 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.

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 Heraklion ferry departs around 9pm and arrives 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 Heraklion port.

Take the ferry

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

Your best option

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