Heraklion – Karpathos

Ferry to Dodecanese Islands

Heraklion – Karpathos

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Heraklion to Karpathos Ferry

Is there a ferry from Crete to Karpathos?

Yes, you can get a ferry from Heraklion to Karpathos. Ferries from Heraklion to Karpathos are available all year round. With around 1 daily and 2 weekly sailings, there are plenty of options to choose from. 

Heraklion Karpathos Ferry Timetable

Heraklion to Karpathos first ferry: departs Heraklion at 04:00.
Heraklion to Karpathos last ferry: departs Heraklion at around 20:15.

Bear in mind that Heraklion Karpathos ferry times can vary by season. We recommend checking the latest Heraklion to Karpathos ferry timetable before you book. 

How long is the ferry from Heraklion to Karpathos?

How long the Heraklion to Karpathos ferry is depends on whether you’re travelling on a Heraklion Karpathos fast ferry or conventional ferry. The Heraklion to Karpathos ferry duration is usually around 6 hours 30 minutes on average.

Average Heraklion (Heraklion) to Karpathos ferry time: 6 hours 30 minutes 
Fastest ferry: 5 hours 25 minutes  
Longest ferry: 6 hours 35 minutes

Is there a fast ferry from Heraklion to Karpathos?

The fastest ferries from Heraklion to Karpathos take 5 hours 25 minutes.

Heraklion Karpathos Ferry Schedule

Ferries from Heraklion to Karpathos are provided by 1 ferry company; Blue Star Ferries with 1 daily and 2 weekly sailings. Bear in mind, the Heraklion Karpathos ferry timetable can change throughout the seasons, with more options available in the summer months. 

Ferry frequency: the Heraklion ferry to Karpathos runs all year round 

Blue Star Ferries: 1 daily sailing and 2 weekly sailings 

How much is the ferry from Heraklion to Karpathos?

Heraklion Karpathos ferry prices can vary depending on the ferry company you're travelling with and the season you're travelling in. 

Average Heraklion Karpathos ferry cost: £58.89

How far is Heraklion from Karpathos?

Heraklion to Karpathos distance: approximately 143.5 miles (230.9km) or 125 nautical miles.

Can you take your car on the ferry to Karpathos from Heraklion?

Yes, you can get the ferry from Heraklion to Karpathos with a car.

Car operators: Blue Star Ferries
Car prices: usually between £207 and £271.60
Cheapest car price: around £97.20

Can I travel as a foot passenger to Karpathos from Heraklion?

Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the Heraklion to Karpathos ferry.

Heraklion Karpathos foot passenger ferries: Blue Star Ferries
Foot passenger price: usually between £17.50 and £61.30
Cheapest foot passenger price: around £16.30

Can I take my pet on the Crete to Karpathos ferry?

Unfortunately pets are not allowed on the ferry from Heraklion to Karpathos.

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Heraklion - Karpathos Ferry Route summary
Departure DestinationCrete
DestinationDodecanese Islands
No. of Operators1
OperatorsBlue Star Ferries
Average Price£59
Average Daily Sailings1
Average Weekly Sailings2
Average Sailing Duration6 h 30 m
Fastest Sailing Duration5 h 25 m
First Ferry04:00
Last Ferry20:15
Distance125 Nautical Miles

* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 April 2025.

Heraklion to Karpathos Ferry Most Popular Questions

Heraklion Karpathos Ferry reviews

Heraklion Guide

The Greek city of Heraklion is the capital and largest city on the island of Crete. A popular visitor attraction near the city is Knossos, which is around 5 km from Heraklion. This important archaeological site was the Palace of King Minos and home to the Minotaur, if legend is to be believed. The palace was built over the remains of a former Neolithic settlement in around 1900 BC. 

An important attraction in the city itself is the Archaeological Museum which can be found on one corner of the central Eleftherias Square, in a converted power station. The museum collects and displays many artefacts from Knossos, Archanes, Phaestos, Zakros and many other important archaeological sites on the island. The museum's collection spans several thousand years and includes the Phaestos disc, classic Hellenic and Roman sculptures, frescos, jewellery, wall paintings and pottery. 

Visitors to Heraklion can take a ferry from the port, which is important for both passenger services and cargo, to destinations including Santorini, Ios, Paros, Mykonos and Rhodes. There are also daily sailings to the mainland port of Piraeus.

Karpathos Guide

The Greek island of Karpathos lies in the Aegean Sea and is the second largest of the Dodecanese group of islands. The island sits between the neighbouring islands of Crete and Rhodes and is widely regarded as being one of the most spectacular of all the Greek islands. Unlike many of its neighbours, and probably as a result of its relatively remote location, Karpathos only began to develop in the last couple of decades. However, the development that has taken place is largely restricted to the southern parts of the island. The northern and central parts of the island have retained their authenticity and are largely unspoilt, with pretty little villages that seem miles away from tourism. Perhaps the island's most famous features are its beaches with golden sand and crystal clear waters. The island is popular with families and also with hikers who like to explore the many trekking paths that criss cross the island. 

Ferries from Karpathos depart to the ports of Piraeus, Rhodes, Heraklion, Milos, Anafi, Sitia, Santorini, Chalki and Kasos.

Everything you need to know about Heraklion Karpathos ferry tickets

When is the best time to book ferries from Heraklion to Karpathos?  

We recommend booking in advance to find the cheapest ferry from Heraklion to Karpathos. Karpathos to Karpathos ferry prices vary depending on the season you’re travelling in. Most Karpathos to Heraklion ferry prices are higher in the peak summer months between June to September. Ferries during these months can sell out so if you’re travelling from Heraklion to Karpathos by boat in summer it’s always best to make your Heraklion to Karpathos ferry booking in advance. Check out our special offers page for all the latest ferry discounts and to find the cheapest ferry from Heraklion to Karpathos.

Do you offer student discount on Heraklion to Karpathos ferry tickets?  

Yes, students can get a 5% discount on Heraklion Karpathos ferry tickets all year round. Check out our special offers page for more discounts and to get the cheapest Heraklion to Karpathos ferry booking.

Onboard the Heraklion Karpathos ferry 

How long does it take to disembark the ferry from Heraklion to Karpathos?

It all depends on the size of the ship but disembarking the ferry can take around 15-45 minutes.

Heraklion to Karpathos ferry with luggage

If you're getting the Heraklion to Karpathos ferry with luggage, then there are certain restrictions that may apply. The amount of luggage you can take on the Heraklion to Karpathos ferry depends on the ferry company you are travelling with.

Blue Star Ferries: up to 50kg        

What facilities are available on board ferries from Heraklion to Karpathos?

There are a wide range of facilities available on board the ferry between Heraklion and Karpathos. These include cafes, restaurants, bars and gift shops. Bear in mind that each ship’s facilities will vary.

What accommodation and seating options are available?  

The accommodation and seating on the Heraklion to Karpathos boat differs depending on the ferry company and how long the journey is. Prices are also dependent on the company you travel with and the size of your cabin.

Blue Star Ferries: Economy, airline-style seating and private and shared cabins are available on board including 2, 3 and 4 berth cabins.         

Is there reduced mobility access on the Heraklion to Karpathos ferry?

Yes, the ferries from Heraklion to Karpathos are suitable for people with reduced mobility. The exact facilities on board will depend on the ship you’re travelling on. It's best to inform the ferry company at the time of booking to see if they can accommodate any requests.

Blue Star Ferries: Special cabins, priority boarding and wheelchairs are available on board.

Taking the ferry from Heraklion to Karpathos 

How early do I need to arrive at Heraklion port?  

It all depends on the ferry company you are travelling with. In general, we recommend arriving at Heraklion port at least 1 hour before departure. However, if you are travelling with a vehicle, it’s best to arrive 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours before departure to allow time for parking. Wherever you’re travelling from, you should allow plenty of time to get to the port in case of traffic.

How and when will I get my Heraklion Karpathos ferry tickets?

Your Heraklion Karpathos tickets will be sent by email. You will then need to check in with the ferry company before you travel and you may receive an additional boarding pass.

When do I need to check in?  

The latest check-in time for your Heraklion to Karpathos ferry booking should be in your confirmation email.

Blue star ferries: from 48 to 2 hours before the scheduled departure time    

Is there parking at Heraklion port?  

Yes, parking is available at Heraklion ferry port.

How to get to Heraklion port 

Heraklion ferry port is located on the north coast of Heraklion. With good transport links, it's easy to get to the port from the rest of the island.

From Heraklion centre: the port is less than 10 minutes walk from the centre or a few minutes drive.

From Heraklion airport: you can get the Line 6 bus to Heraklion city centre. From here, you can either walk or get a taxi to the port. Alternatively, you can get a taxi from the airport direct to the port in around 10 minutes.

From elsewhere on the island: public buses are also available from various destinations across the island including Chania and Rethymno. 

Useful information on your arrival to Karpathos

A ferry to Karpathos will take you to the island's capital, Pigadia. You'll find a wide range of shops, restaurants and hotels all within walking distance of the port. However, taxis are also available at the port for those who fancy venturing further.

If you're travelling by car or hiring one whilst you're there, speed limits in Karpathos are as follows:

Built-up areas: 50km/h or 31mph 
Outside built-up areas: 90km/h or 55mph 
Motorways: 110 - 130km/h or 68 - 81mph

Heraklion to Karpathos
Ferry Timetables

Ferry Timetables between 21/04/2025 and 27/04/2025

Operator Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Sailing Days
Blue Star Ferries 19:00 01:30 6 hours 30 minutes Fri
Blue Star Ferries 20:15 02:40 6 hours 25 minutes Sun

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