Ferries to Chania do not come into the Venetian Harbour. That is only for small excursion boats. The ferry port is Souda, about 7 km east of town, with overnight ships to Piraeus (Athens) all year. The second port is Kissamos, 40 km west, for the Balos and Gramvousa boats and seasonal ferries to Kythira and the Peloponnese.
| Souda → Piraeus | Overnight, about 8.5–9.5 h, usually departs around 21:00–22:00 |
|---|---|
| Frequency | At least one sailing a day all year; more in summer |
| Souda to Chania centre | City bus ~25 min, taxi ~15 min (about €15–20) |
| Kissamos | Balos and Gramvousa boats (May–Oct), Kythira and Gythio (seasonal) |
| Booking | Operator websites or ferryhopper.com |
| Uber / Bolt | No, taxis only |
Souda – Piraeus: The Overnight Ferry
You board in the evening, sleep on board, and arrive at about 06:00–07:00. This saves you a night in a hotel and is the only sensible way to bring your own car to Crete. These are large conventional ships with cafés, a restaurant and cabins, not fast catamarans. Operators and exact times change by season, so check your ticket. In Piraeus, Crete ferries usually leave from gates E2/E3.
Cabin or Deck?
Get a cabin if you can. The comment we hear most from people who have done the deck option is the same: lounges are cold from the air conditioning, the TVs stay on, and by midnight people are sleeping on every sofa and in the corridors. A cabin gives you a bed, a shower and peace of mind about your bags, and you arrive ready for the day. Cabins sell out first, followed by car spaces, especially around Easter, 15 August and summer weekends, when Greeks travel too.
Local tip: Eat in Piraeus or Chania before you board. The food on board is fine but expensive. Bring water, a snack and a warm layer, even in August, because of the air conditioning.
Getting To and From Souda Port
- City bus: buses connect the centre of Chania with Souda and meet arriving ferries. Tickets cost a couple of euros and the ride takes about 25 minutes. Buy your ticket at a kiosk.
- Taxi: taxis wait at the port for the morning arrivals; it is about 15 minutes to town. There is no Uber or Bolt.
- Car: if you are renting, you can arrange a pick-up at the port with many companies.
Note: Souda is a working commercial and naval port, not a place for a walk. The roads around it have few pavements and heavy traffic, so take the bus or a taxi rather than walking to town with your luggage. Photography of the naval base area is not allowed.
Kissamos Port: Balos and Ferries West
Most visitors use Kissamos for the day boat to Balos and Gramvousa island (roughly May to October). It leaves in the morning and returns late afternoon, and the 2025 price was about €30–40 per adult. There is no boat from Chania old town to Balos; every trip leaves from Kissamos. In summer there are also a few weekly ferries to Kythira, Antikythira and Gythio in the Peloponnese. Operators and days change every year, so check close to your trip.
Local tip: On the Balos boat, sit on the left on the way out for views of the cliffs and caves of the Gramvousa peninsula. Arrive at the port 30–40 minutes early in July and August: parking and ticket queues add up.
Before You Go
- Book cabins and car spaces online in advance, especially in summer.
- Bring a passport or EU ID card; you need it to board.
- There is no luggage check-in, so you carry your bags on board.
- Pets are allowed, but declare them when booking.
- Plan how you will leave the port before you arrive at 06:30, while you are still awake enough to decide.
- Flying is faster: Athens–Chania is 50 minutes by plane, and fares are often similar for foot passengers.
Where to Stay in Chania
Souda is 15 minutes from Chania, so stay in town and enjoy the old town before or after the crossing.
FAQ
Is there a ferry from the Chania old town harbour?
No. The Venetian Harbour only has small excursion and glass-bottom boats. Ferries leave from Souda.
Can I take a rental car on the ferry?
Usually not without written permission from the rental company, and most do not allow it. Your own car is fine.
Are there ferries from Chania to Santorini or other islands?
Not regularly from Souda. For the Cyclades, take a ferry or fast boat from Heraklion (about 2.5 hours away by car or bus).
Combine With
- Kissamos: a relaxed town if you are taking the Balos boat early.
- Akrotiri peninsula: Marathi and Stavros are 15–20 minutes from Souda, perfect if you arrive at dawn by car.
