What this solves
For most popular Cyclades legs, three or four operators run. Blue Star Ferries is the conventional car-ferry workhorse (cheap, slow, big ship, stable in rough seas). Seajets and Fast Ferries run fast catamarans (2x faster, 1.5-2x the price, brutal in Meltemi wind). This tool ranks them against your stated priority so you stop paying for the wrong vessel type for your tolerance.
Calculator
How to read the result
The output lists the operators that actually serve the route, ranked by your stated priority. Each entry shows deck fare in EUR, journey time, and a sea-sickness-risk score (1=large conventional, very stable; 4=small fast catamaran, violent in chop). The "best match" card shows the operator that won on your priority, with the trade-off you accept.
If the route has fewer than 3 operators in your season, the calculator tells you — fast ferries and Hellenic Seaways mostly suspend for winter.
Limitations
- The operator list per route is based on summer 2025 schedules. Winter schedules drop fast ferries and many smaller conventional boats.
- "Sea-sickness risk" is a proxy based on vessel type (large car-ferry vs small catamaran). It does not account for the day-of weather — in a Meltemi gale, even a Blue Star is uncomfortable.
- Cabin availability varies by season and demand. The "comfort" priority assumes you book 2+ weeks ahead in summer; otherwise it's a coin flip.
- Fares change with booking window, fuel surcharge, and promotional discounts. The reference fare is mid-summer shoulder-season deck.
FAQ
Which company is cheapest?
Blue Star Ferries is the consistent cheapest deck fare on conventional routes, with Minoan close behind on the Piraeus-Crete legs. Fast-ferry operators (Seajets, Fast Ferries, Golden Star) charge 50-100% more for the same leg.
Are fast ferries safe in bad weather?
They are cancelled in bad weather, which is itself the answer. If a Meltemi is forecast above 7 Beaufort, fast ferries get cancelled and you're put on the next conventional boat. Don't plan tight transfers.
Do I need to book ahead?
Conventional ferries: usually not, except Easter and August 15. Fast ferries in July/August: yes, 2-3 weeks ahead. Otherwise, walk-up is fine for off-peak.
Related tools
Sources
- Blue Star Ferries, Minoan, ANEK, Seajets, Fast Ferries, Hellenic Seaways — official summer 2025 timetables.
- Ferryhopper and Greekferries Club — operator inventory cross-checked per route.
- On-site observation: 7 cross-Aegean crossings in 2024-2025.
About this tool
Built because most ferry search aggregators show all operators without explaining the vessel difference. Knowing whether it's a 200m car-ferry or a 40m catamaran changes your decision more than the price.
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Aegean Compass does not collect personal data. Calculator inputs (origin, destination, priority) stay in your browser and are not transmitted. We display Google AdSense, which sets cookies for ad personalisation. Opt out at adssettings.google.com, aboutads.info, or youronlinechoices.eu. EEA visitors see a Google consent banner before personalised ads load.
Disclaimer
For informational purposes only. Operators, schedules, and fares change seasonally; verify before booking. We are not affiliated with any Greek ferry operator.