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Crete Bus Reliability - Chania to Heraklion (early July)

Hi, Going from Chania, Crete to Santorini. The ferry departs from Heraklion, Crete at 945a. Seems the earliest bus from Chania to Heraklion departs at 530a. I have read the ride is about 2.5 hr long. This means I would arrive in Heraklion at about 8a, and theoretically be able to catch the 945a ferry. Does anyone know if this is realistic to do, or if it's too risky?

My other option would be to go from Santorini to Heraklion by ferry, which I believes arrives at 725p in Heraklion, then hope to catch the last bus to Chania at 9p.

Maybe there will be more ferry times between these islands in the summer??

My 'goal' is to not to have to spend the night in Heraklion. I am trying to get feedback whether or not that is doable. Any thoughts are much appreciated!

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Ashley,

We took exactly that ferry (Heraklion to Santorini) in '08. Unless things have changed, the 9:45 AM is the ONLY ferry each day. I don't know where the bus from Chania lets you off, but if you get to the ferry terminal by 9:00 you'll be fine. They start loading everyone's luggage into the ship's hold at about 9:20. Everyone has an assigned seat on the ferry so boarding is pretty orderly. When you get to the ferry terminal, you'll have to go to the ticket building - about 200 yards away from the dock - to get your actual tickets. We weren't aware of this and had to make a mad dash. Your email reservation confirmation alone won't get you on the boat. (Be sure to make advance reservations online - the ferry was full.)