The Chania port ferry connection to Athens is one of the most useful and underused travel options for visitors coming to western Crete. Most tourists fly in. But if you are coming from Athens, bringing a car, or planning to island-hop, the overnight ferry from Piraeus is worth knowing in detail. And if you are already in Chania, the port at Souda opens up several ferry options that can shape your entire trip.
This guide covers both ports that serve the Chania region: Souda, the main passenger and ferry port about 7 kilometres east of the city centre, and Kissamos (also called Kastelli), 40 kilometres to the west. They serve very different purposes. Understanding both will save you confusion and wasted time.
One important thing to clarify from the start: the Venetian Harbour in Chania’s Old Town is not a passenger ferry port. It is a historic harbour used by small pleasure boats and excursion vessels. When people talk about ferries to and from Chania, they always mean Souda.
| Main port (Souda) | 7 km east of Chania city centre |
|---|---|
| Second port (Kissamos) | 40 km west of Chania |
| Route from Souda | Piraeus (Athens) only |
| Journey time to Piraeus | 8.5 to 9.5 hours |
| Ferry operates | Daily, all year |
| Departures (Souda) | Typically 22:00 |
| Arrival in Piraeus | Around 06:00 to 07:00 |
| Bus to Souda from centre | City Bus 13, about 25 minutes |
| Rental car needed? | Recommended if exploring further |
| Family friendly? | Yes, with good planning |
The Chania Port Ferry Route: Souda to Piraeus
Chania’s port is located in Souda, on the northwest coast of the island, about 4 to 7 kilometres east of the city centre. The port connects the island with mainland Greece and Athens via daily crossings that take about 8 to 9 hours.
The ferry route from Athens (Piraeus) to Chania is normally served all year round with one daily crossing, operated by Anek Lines. Ferries from Athens to Chania are normally overnight. The ferry usually departs from Piraeus at 21:00 in the off-season and at 22:00 in the high season, reaching Chania around 06:30 in the morning.
The distance between the port of Piraeus in Athens and Chania (Souda port) is 150 nautical miles, around 277 km. It is a proper overnight crossing. You board in the evening, sleep (or try to), and wake up on Crete. For most travellers, this is the sensible way to use it. You skip a hotel night and arrive in Chania with the day ahead of you.
Ferries from Athens to Chania normally depart from Piraeus port Gates E2 and E3. Departure gates may change, so check your ticket and the electronic display boards located at the port for more information.
Warning: Car deck spaces sell out well before foot passenger tickets. Car-deck spaces usually sell out fast for this route, so book your spot well in advance. In July and August, booking weeks ahead is not excessive.
What the Ferry Is Actually Like
The ferries on this route are large vessels. Not high-speed catamarans. Conventional overnight ships with restaurants, cafés, a self-service bar, shops, and multiple cabin categories.
Anek Lines ferries travelling to Chania from Piraeus normally have many types of cabins. The main ticket categories are: deck class (a seat, effectively), air-conditioned airline-style “air seats,” inside cabins (shared or private), and outside cabins with a porthole or window.
The honest advice, consistently repeated by people who have done this crossing: get a cabin. Even if it is just for the security of having your own enclosed space, it is worth it. You can upgrade shortly before departure. It allows you to sleep without worrying about your luggage, and you do get a shower, so you can clean up and not feel groggy when you arrive in Chania.
You should book in advance if you want a cabin on one of the overnight ones. Travelling in late June without booking in advance, it is possible to get a deck class ticket fine, but impossible to get a cabin. It is genuinely cold inside because of the air conditioning, and the corridors fill with people settling in for the night.
Eat before you board. Food options will be better in a taverna in Athens or Piraeus, and cheaper generally. The onboard food is serviceable but overpriced, as it is on most ferries. Bring snacks and water.
Local tip: If you are travelling with a vehicle in July or August, arrive at Piraeus at least two hours before departure. By car, please arrive at least two hours before you travel and in July and August allow for traffic jams on your journey. The car lanes fill up in a specific order and late arrivals get poor positioning.
Getting to and from Souda Port
Souda Bay is not charming. You are docking at a commercial and military port with no atmosphere. Unlike some Greek islands where the port itself is part of the experience, Souda is purely functional. That is fine. The port is a means to an end. From here, you get to Chania.
By Bus
There are buses for every arriving ferry to the Souda ferry port near Chania. Buy tickets from the kiosk. The bus stop for the Chania ferry port is not at the Chania bus station but at a stop near the Old Town.
There is no direct KTEL connection from Chania to the Port of Souda. That route is served by Chania City Bus. As a tourist, the main route you are likely to use is Bus 13 to reach the ferry port. The journey takes around 25 minutes and is by far the cheapest option.
A second ticket office serves passengers at Souda Port during ferry arrivals. You can also buy from the kiosk near the bus stop at the port itself.
By Taxi
Taxis are available at the port at all hours. A taxi from Chania to Souda port costs around €20. With luggage, an early morning arrival, or a group of four, a taxi is worth it. There is no Uber or Bolt in Chania. It is regular metered taxis only.
By Rental Car
The area offers easy access by bus or car and provides plenty of free parking. If you are arriving by ferry with a rental car booked, several car hire companies have desks at or near the port. It is a convenient place to pick up a vehicle and drive straight into western Crete.
Passengers arriving by car should be aware that parking around the port area can be limited during the busy summer months.
Warning: The general area around the port does not have much to see, and walking is a bit hazardous. There are not a great deal of sidewalks, and what exists is not in good repair. There are a few restaurants in walking distance, but traffic is bad and it does not feel safe trying to walk along the main roads. Get the bus or a taxi into Chania town. Do not plan to explore on foot from the port itself.
The Kissamos Port: Ferries West
Kissamos, also known as Kastelli, is the second port in the Chania region. The port of Kissamos is located in northwest Chania, 41 km west of Chania Town. It serves two very different purposes: the seasonal passenger ferry connection to the Peloponnese and Kythira, and the daily tourist boats to Balos and Gramvousa island.
The Kissamos to Kythira and Peloponnese Ferry
Kythira is accessible by ferry from Kissamos in Crete, making it a convenient destination when travelling from western Crete. The ferry from Kissamos to Kythira is serviced by SeaJets with up to one sailing per day and approximately four crossings per week. The average crossing takes around 3 hours 40 minutes. This route runs seasonally, mainly in summer. If you are planning a Kythira trip as part of your Crete holiday, Kissamos is your departure point.
Passenger ferries reaching the port of Kissamos include routes from the port of Piraeus in Athens, Gythio in the Peloponnese, and the islands of Kythira and Antikythira, most of which have frequent itineraries during the summer season.
The Balos and Gramvousa Boat Trips
This is what most tourists use Kissamos port for. Ferries to Gramvousa depart from Kissamos Port, offering itineraries that include stops at both Gramvousa Island and Balos Beach. Two main companies operate these routes: Cretan Daily Cruises and Blue Daily Cruises.
The ferry to Balos and Gramvousa departs from Kissamos Port at 10:35 and returns at 17:45. The cruise lasts around 6 to 7 hours in total. The journey to the first destination takes approximately one hour. The standard trip covers both Gramvousa island, with its Venetian fortress, and the Balos lagoon.
There is no direct ferry from Chania to Balos Beach. Instead, you have to take the ferry from Kissamos port, west of Chania. Many people do not realise this. You cannot take a boat from the Old Town harbour in Chania and end up at Balos.
Local tip: On the ferry to Balos, sit on the left side of the boat during departure for the best views of the coastal caves. It makes a real difference to the journey out. By the time you return, the light is different and it matters less which side you sit on.
Chania Port Ferry: The Honest Notes
The overnight ferry from Piraeus to Souda works well if you use it correctly. That means booking early, getting a cabin, eating beforehand, and having a plan for the 06:30 arrival into Souda.
Sleeping in deck class can be difficult as lounges tend to have TVs blaring out all night, at least on some vessels. The Crete-bound ferries are surprisingly busy with Greeks. Very few tourists use them, relatively speaking. Greek public holidays and summer weekends fill the boats quickly. If you are travelling around Easter, the 15th of August, or any major Greek holiday weekend, book weeks in advance.
In recent years, new large docks were created at Souda and the port became attractive to cruise ship companies. During the tourist season, it is possible to have two or even three big cruise ships docked at Souda port on the same day, creating chaotic situations in Chania’s city centre. This does not directly affect ferry passengers, but if you are arriving by ferry and planning to head into the Old Town on the same morning, you may find the area more crowded than expected.
Warning: The ferry is not a fast option. The journey from Piraeus to Souda takes 8.5 to 9.5 hours. If you are flying from Northern Europe to Athens and then taking the ferry, account for this full day of travel. Many people underestimate the total journey time when combining a flight and an overnight ferry. Flying directly into Chania airport (CHQ) is almost always faster and often comparable in cost for foot passengers.
Facilities at the port itself are limited to a few vending machines and public conveniences. Within a short walk of the terminal, you will find a number of shops and restaurants that cater to the large number of passengers who pass through. Do not expect an international airport experience. Souda is a working port. Functional, busy, and not particularly welcoming aesthetically. But it does the job.
Practical Information
| Souda Port address | Leoforos Soudas, Souda 732 00 |
|---|---|
| Distance from Chania centre | 7 km east |
| Distance from Chania airport | 14 to 17 km |
| Bus to Chania centre | City Bus 13, approx. 25 minutes |
| Taxi to Chania centre | Approx. 15 minutes, around €20 |
| Ferry operator (Souda to Piraeus) | Anek Lines / Blue Star Ferries |
| Departure time from Souda | Usually 22:00 (check tickets) |
| Arrival in Piraeus | Around 06:00 to 07:00 |
| Ferry operates | Daily, all year |
| Kissamos Port | 40 km west of Chania |
| Kissamos to Kythira | Approx. 3 hr 40 min, seasonal |
| Balos ferry from Kissamos | Departs 10:35, returns 17:45 |
| Booking websites | ferryhopper.com, anek.gr |
Before You Go
- Tickets: Book online in advance, especially for cabins and car spaces in summer. Do not rely on buying at the port.
- ID: You need a valid passport or national ID card to board the ferry.
- Cash: Bring some. Onboard vending machines and smaller port kiosks may not take cards.
- Luggage: There is no check-in for luggage. You carry your bags on board yourself.
- Arrival plan: Sort out how you are getting from Souda to your accommodation before you board. The 06:30 arrival is early. Having a taxi or bus plan ready saves stress.
- Pets: Pets are allowed on board. Include them in the booking. Pet-friendly cabins are available on request.
- Vehicles: Car spaces fill up faster than passenger tickets. Book weeks ahead in July and August.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the ferry from Chania (Souda) to Piraeus?
The Piraeus to Chania ferry trip usually takes 8 hours 30 minutes. Depending on the vessel and conditions, it can be anywhere from 8 to 9.5 hours. Plan for 9 hours to be safe.
What time does the ferry leave Chania?
During the winter months, the consortium of Anek Lines and Blue Star Ferries has daily ferry services departing from Chania at 22:00. During summer, the departure time also tends to be around 22:00. Always confirm on your specific ticket, as times occasionally shift by season.
Is there a ferry from Chania Old Town harbour?
No. The Venetian Harbour in the Old Town is not a passenger ferry port. All ferries to Piraeus depart from Souda port, 7 kilometres away. The only boats departing from the Old Port area are small excursion vessels and water taxis for local trips.
Should I book a cabin or is deck class fine?
For an overnight crossing, a cabin is strongly recommended. Travelling in deck class without booking a cabin, you will find that indoor areas fill with people everywhere and it is genuinely cold inside. If you do not get a cabin, stake out your sleeping spot early. Cabin tickets cost more but the difference in comfort is significant, especially if you have an early start the next day.
Can I take my car on the Chania ferry?
Yes, you can transport your vehicle from Athens to Chania on Anek Lines vessels. The same applies in the reverse direction. Vehicle spaces are limited and often sell out during peak travel periods, so early reservation is highly recommended.
Is there a ferry from Chania to the Greek islands other than Athens?
Chania has routes with Greece (Piraeus) and Cyclades Islands (Milos). There is occasionally a Chania to Milos connection, but Piraeus is the main and most reliable route from Souda. For connections to Kythira, the Peloponnese, and island-hop combinations, use Kissamos port, 40 kilometres to the west.
Local tip: If you are arriving by overnight ferry with a rental car booked at Souda, do not make the mistake of heading straight into central Chania at 07:00 in peak summer looking for coffee and parking. Go east first, toward Aptera or the quiet bay at Marathi. The Old Town will still be there at 10:00, and by then you will have had breakfast somewhere peaceful and the tourist buses will only just be arriving.
