About Minoan Lines
Minoan Lines is a Greek ferry company based in Crete. Its big overnight ferries sail between Piraeus and Heraklion every night, with cabins, restaurants and space for cars, campers and trucks, and on some days they also call at Milos.
Leave Piraeus around 21:00 and wake up in Crete early the next morning: a comfortable way to start a holiday on the island, with your own car if you like.
Minoan Lines routes & prices
Sample sailings from our booking engine: the time and the lowest one-way fare for one adult (October 2026; summer lines June 2027). Search your date for the live list.
| Route | Time | Fares from | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piraeus – Heraklion (Crete) | 9 h 30 m, overnight | €44 | All year, every night |
| Piraeus – Milos | 4 h | €44 | Some days |
| Heraklion – Milos | 4 h 40 m | €44 | Some days |
Children travel at reduced fares. Other discounts, such as for students, large families or people with disabilities, apply only to Greek citizens. For a cabin, vehicle or group, ask us for a quote.
Tickets, check-in & on board
Check-in and gates
Your ticket is an e-ticket. Ferries to Crete usually leave from gates E2–E3 in Piraeus, near the main entrance of the port.
Cabins
Book a cabin for a bed and your own bathroom; deck and airline-type seats are cheaper.
When to be at the port
At least an hour before departure with a vehicle, and 30–45 minutes on foot.
Arriving
Ferries reach Heraklion around 06:30–07:00; cafés by the harbour open early.
Campers, vans & vehicles
Taking a camper, motorhome, van or your boat on a trailer to the islands? Big vehicles need a little more planning on Greek ferries. Here is what to know, for holidays and for business.
Measure and declare
Give the exact length and height of your camper, van or car with caravan, including bike racks, roof boxes and tow bars. The ferry fare and deck space depend on them, and a vehicle bigger than booked may be refused or charged extra at the port.
Gas and fuel
Vehicles running on LPG or other gas, and hybrid or electric vehicles, must be declared when you book. Gas tanks may be filled to no more than 50% and EV batteries charged to no more than 40%. Make sure gas bottles are turned off before boarding.
At the port
Be at the port at least 1 hour before departure. Large vehicles are loaded in the order set by the port authority, so arriving early helps. Book well ahead in July and August: garage space for big vehicles runs out first.
On board
Only the driver stays with the vehicle to drive it on and off; everyone else boards on foot. Nobody may stay in the vehicle during the crossing, so take what you need for the trip with you.
Boat on a trailer
Taking your own boat? We also book ferry tickets for a car towing a boat trailer. Give the total length of car, trailer and boat together, and the height of the boat on the trailer, including any mast, frame or outboard engine.
Vans and goods
Vans carrying goods, tools or equipment for work may be booked as commercial vehicles, with a different fare and different paperwork from a private car. Tell us what the vehicle carries and its weight.
Teams and fleets
Several vehicles and drivers on the same sailing, or regular crossings for a project? We book them together so your team travels on the same ship.
Exact dimensions
Length, height and weight decide the category. Include racks, ladders and trailers, and tell us if anything is loaded on the roof.
Timing
Commercial vehicles may need to be at the port earlier than cars. We confirm the exact check-in time and gate for your sailing.
Company invoice
Travelling for work? We issue an invoice in your company’s name. Send us the company name, address and VAT number with your quote request.
Minoan Lines FAQ
How long is Minoan Lines from Piraeus to Heraklion?
About 9 h 30 m overnight (October 2026).
How much is Minoan Lines to Crete?
From €44 one way for 1 adult on deck (October 2026); cabins and vehicles cost extra.
Can I take my car or camper on Minoan Lines?
Yes: cars, campers, caravans, vans and trucks. Get a vehicle quote.