
Santorini sits 123 kilometres (76 miles) north of Heraklion, across open Aegean water. The caldera cliffs and whitewashed villages are why most people make the crossing. Flying takes 1h 15m. The ferry is the cheapest way to get from Heraklion to Santorini without flying, at $22 (€19).
Below you'll find every option with schedules, prices and where to catch it.
Distance from Heraklion to Santorini
Heraklion and Santorini are about 123 km (76 miles) apart; the sea crossing itself covers around 145 km over water. The quickest way to get from Heraklion to Santorini is by taking the flight, which takes around 1h 15m.
3 ways to travel from Heraklion to Santorini
There are three ways to travel from Heraklion to Santorini. You can choose between the ferry, flight, and day trip. The journey takes 1h 15m–11h and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by ferry with tickets starting at $22 (€19).
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ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Santorini?
Santorini is home to one of Greece’s most iconic trademarks — whitewashed buildings overlooking cliffs. They blend beautifully with the island’s rugged landscape, which was shaped by a massive volcanic eruption hundreds of years ago. Not-so-fun fact: Santorini sits on a still very active volcano, whose crater is hidden under the sea.
Volcanic-sand beaches dot the coasts of Santorini. Some black, some red, others even multi-coloured. They all open up to alluring turquoise waters that will make you want to take a dip. Do yourself a favour and spend at least one sunset in Oia. It will be one of the most picturesque views you’ll ever see!
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Heraklion to Santorini. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Heraklion to Santorini?
The distance from Heraklion to Santorini is 123 kilometres (76 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Heraklion to Santorini?
The fastest way to get from Heraklion to Santorini is by flight and takes 1h 15m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Heraklion to Santorini?
The cheapest way to get from Heraklion to Santorini is by ferry with ticket costs starting from €19.
Route Update History
Updated ferry prices.
Updated flight prices.
- New ferry operator: Blue Star Ferries.
- Updated ferry prices.
- Updated ferry departure times.
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Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.

