The distance between Heraklion and Chania stretches 138 kilometers. This makes travel planning crucial for your Cretan adventure!
Heraklion Airport, Greece's second-largest, serves as a common starting point for many visitors. The trip to Chania comes with several choices. Regular hourly busses cost €10-17, while taxis charge €140-170. Private transfers provide another option, with prices between €120-240.
Our years of experience helping travelers make this trip have shown us how tricky choosing the right transport can be. This detailed guide will help you travel between Heraklion and Chania just like a local would.
Want to find the best way to get there? Let's look at your options and pick the perfect choice that fits your style and budget!
The distance between Heraklion and Chania, two popular destinations in Crete, stretches over a considerable 138.1 kilometers. Given this significant distance, careful travel planning becomes essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable Cretan adventure! For many visitors, Heraklion Airport, Greece's second-largest airport, serves as the common starting point for their journey. From there, travelers have several options to reach Chania.
One popular choice is to take the regular hourly buses, which offer a convenient and affordable way to travel between the two cities. These buses typically cost between €10-17, making them a budget-friendly option for those looking to save some money. Alternatively, taxis provide a more direct and personalized mode of transportation, albeit at a higher cost. Taxis charge around €140-170 for the journey, offering a quicker and more comfortable experience.
For those seeking a balance between convenience and cost, private transfers present another viable option. With prices ranging from €120-240, private transfers offer a more exclusive and tailored travel experience. This option is particularly suitable for travelers who value privacy, flexibility, and personalized service.
Having assisted countless travelers in making this journey, we understand the challenges of choosing the right transport option. That's why we have created this detailed guide to help you navigate the journey between Heraklion and Chania just like a local would. Whether you're looking for the most efficient, budget-friendly, or luxurious way to travel, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
So, if you're wondering about the best way to get from Heraklion to Chania, look no further. Let's explore the various options available and find the perfect choice that fits your style, preferences, and budget!
Here's a comprehensive and detailed guide to getting from Heraklion to Chania. We have thoroughly examined and evaluated every available transportation option to ensure that you can make an informed decision that suits your travel needs perfectly.
There are several transportation options available:
Transport Mode |
Cost Range |
Journey Time |
---|---|---|
Public Bus |
€10-15 |
2h 45m |
Taxi |
€130-160 |
2h 3m |
Private Transfer |
€120-240 |
1h 43m |
Rental Car |
€30-150/day |
2h |
To travel from Heraklion Airport to Chania by KTEL, you first need to take the city bus from the airport to the KTEL station. The ticket for this journey costs between €1.60 and €2.50 for online purchases or €2.50 if purchased on the bus. The bus stop is located just outside the airport, and the buses run frequently but not 24 hours a day. From the KTEL station, the intercity bus to Chania takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes, with a ticket price of €10-15. Tickets can be purchased either online or directly at the station.
Busses run every hour from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM during summer months. The service stays reliable year-round with some changes by season:
Summer brings the most frequent service with hourly busses
Winter keeps regular service but cuts back on evening rides
The last bus usually leaves at 21:30
Taxis are available right outside the arrivals area. The journey to Chania takes around 2 hours and costs approximately €150-170. Taxis in Heraklion are gray with roof signs and can typically accommodate 3-4 passengers, depending on the vehicle type. Keep in mind that waiting times for a taxi can range from 20 to 30 minutes, especially during the tourist season. Note that some taxi drivers may not speak English, which could pose communication challenges.
Here's what we learned about luggage allowances:
Transport Type |
Luggage Allowance |
Comfort Features |
---|---|---|
Bus |
2 pieces free |
Free WiFi, AC |
Private Transfer |
2 large + 1 carry-on per person |
Bottled water, WiFi |
Rental Car |
Unlimited (vehicle capacity) |
Self-paced stops |
You should check specific luggage rules with your transport provider. Private transfers give extended waiting times up to 1.5 hours for travelers with special needs.
If you prefer to rent a car, it's recommended to book online a few days before your arrival to secure a better price. Your car will be ready for pickup at the airport. Rental prices start from €70 per day, depending on the vehicle type. You will need your ID or passport, a driver's license, and a credit card for the rental.
For a more luxurious and comfortable experience, you can opt for a private transfer. The booking should be made at least 12 hours before your arrival. The driver will meet you at the arrivals area, assist you with your luggage, and escort you to the car. This service includes executive cars, offering comfort and luxury, and the drivers speak English to assist with your needs. The cost for private transfer ranges from 123.3 to 145 €, depending on the car type, and the journey takes approximately 2 hours with no waiting time. We highly recommend a private transfer for fast and convenient service.