Taking the ferry to Crete is a classic way to arrive, especially if you are island hopping or travelling from Athens. Ferries arrive at several ports around the island, and the right one depends on where you are staying. Most travellers to western and central Crete use one of three: Souda, Heraklion or Kissamos.
We are Malakonis Bros, a family taxi business from Kolymbari, driving passengers to and from the ports of Crete since 1979. Here is what to expect at each port, and how to get from the ship to your hotel.
Which port is right for you?
When you book a ferry to Crete, choose the port by where you are staying. For Chania, Platanias and Kolymbari, the ferry from Piraeus to Souda is the closest. For central Crete, Heraklion is the easier port. Kissamos, in the far west, suits travellers coming from the Peloponnese or Kythira, and it is only a short drive from Kolymbari.
Souda, the port of Chania
Souda is the ferry port of Chania, at the head of Souda Bay, a few kilometres east of the city. Ferries from Piraeus, the port of Athens, arrive here, many of them overnight, so you often step off early in the morning.
From Souda port, a taxi takes you straight to Chania, Platanias, Kolymbari or anywhere in the west. Indicative prices: between the Port of Souda and Kolymbari €43 by taxi and €60 by mini bus; between the Port of Souda and Platanias €27 by taxi and €43 by mini bus.
Heraklion, the main port of Crete
The port of Heraklion is the main port of Crete, close to the city centre, with ferries from Piraeus and from the Cyclades islands, such as Santorini. If your ferry to Crete arrives in Heraklion but you stay in the west of the island, the drive along the north coast passes Rethymno and Chania.
Indicative prices: between Heraklion Port and Kolymbari €190 by taxi and €270 by mini bus; between the Port of Heraklion and Platanias €165 by taxi and €220 by mini bus. The price is per vehicle, for up to 4 passengers in a taxi or 8 in a mini bus, so per person it is much lower than it looks.
Kissamos, the port of the far west
The port of Kissamos has a regular ferry from the Peloponnese via Kythira. It is also where the boats to Balos and Gramvousa leave in the morning. Kissamos port is close to Kolymbari: €30 by taxi and €50 by mini bus (indicative), and €38 by taxi from Platanias.
Tips for arriving by ferry to Crete
- Send us the ship and the arrival time. Ferry times can change with the weather, so give us the ferry company, the name of the ship and the expected arrival.
- Early morning arrivals are fine. We work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so a ferry that docks at dawn is no problem.
- Agree on a meeting point. Ports are busy when a big ferry unloads, with foot passengers, cars and trucks leaving at the same time. Your driver waits at the meeting point we agree, with a sign with your name.
- Keep your phone on as the ship docks, so your driver can find you.
- Travelling with a group? A mini bus for 5 to 8 people, or several vehicles for up to 20, keeps everyone together.
Leaving Crete by ferry
For the trip back, we collect you from your hotel with enough time to reach the port before boarding. Tell us the departure time of the ferry and the port, and we plan the pickup. Many ferries to Piraeus leave in the evening, and we are available at any hour.
Ferry to Crete or a flight?
Flights are faster, but the ferry to Crete lets you travel overnight in a cabin, bring more luggage and arrive by sea, with the mountains of Crete in front of you. Whichever you choose, we cover both: see our Chania airport and port transfers, or read how to get from Chania Airport to Kolymbari.
Questions about the ferry to Crete
Which port is best for a ferry to Crete if we stay in Kolymbari?
Souda, or Kissamos if you come from the Peloponnese or Kythira. Both are close to Kolymbari: €43 and €30 by taxi (indicative).
How far is Souda port from Chania?
Souda is a few kilometres east of Chania, at the head of Souda Bay, so the drive to the city is short.
Can you meet us at the port early in the morning?
Yes. We work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Send us the ferry and the expected arrival time, and your driver will be there.
Can we stop on the way to the hotel?
Yes. A private transfer is planned around you, so a stop at a supermarket or a pharmacy is fine. Tell us when you book.
Do you also take passengers to the ferry when they leave?
Yes. Tell us the port and the departure time, and we collect you from your hotel with enough time before boarding.
Book your port transfer
Send us your ferry details with our booking form, call us on +30 28240 84575 or email info@taxi-kolymbari.gr. We reply to confirm the details and the price. See every route on our price table.
