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Crete rewards anyone who likes Greece, and most visitors arrive through one of 2 major cities: Heraklion and Chania. Both cities open onto places worth a detour. Crete carries a long history and a distinct culture, which is what makes the island a holiday destination in its own right. Heraklion is the capital of Crete and holds historic sites such as Knossos Palace, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Rocca a Mare Fortress. Chania is the quieter of the two, with beaches and cafés along its old harbour.
Travelling between Heraklion and Chania is covered by 5 methods, which are listed below with the journey time and fare each one carries.
Take a KTEL bus to travel between Heraklion and Chania on a budget. Buses run frequently between the 2 cities, and KTEL offers more comfort than the local services. The route covers 103km and takes about 3 hours.
Choose between 2 routes. The direct bus runs straight between the cities, and the second route passes through Rethymno. The direct bus costs €10 to €15, and the bus through Rethymno costs €12 to €18. Buy the ticket at the bus station or book it in advance on the KTEL website. Bus fares are charged per person, per ride.
Book a taxi or private transfer to travel between the cities without changing vehicles. A private transfer suits families and groups, since you share the car only with the people you arrived with and travel at your own pace. The journey between Heraklion and Chania takes about 2 hours, depending on the route and the traffic.
Several firms run private transfers across Crete, among them Crete Taxi by Cretan Bay Transfer. Book online and the driver waits for you at either airport, Heraklion or Chania. A taxi or private transfer costs €155 to €205, depending on the vehicle. Taxi fares are charged per car, per ride, not per passenger.
Rent a car to set your own route and stop as often as you like. A rental suits drivers who want to cover the road between Chania and Heraklion themselves. Driving in Greece requires knowing the local traffic rules, and it requires a valid driving licence and a working credit card.
Rental depots sit around Crete and outside the airports, including Crete car rental. Their fleets cover different passenger numbers. The drive takes around 2 hours without long stops. A car rented for 2 days starts from €109, depending on the model. Book in advance and the car is delivered to you outside the airport office when you land.
Avoid flying between Heraklion and Chania. No direct flight connects the 2 cities, so the route requires a long layover in Athens or Thessaloniki. Only a few airlines fly Heraklion–Athens and Chania–Athens, among them Aegean Air (Olympic Air) and Sky Express.
Flying also costs more than renting a car or taking the bus. Fares shift with the airline, the travel date, and how far ahead you book. A one-way ticket between Chania and Athens, or Heraklion and Athens, costs €100 to €300 per person. Flying from Heraklion to Chania through Athens is therefore not worth the time or the fare.
Avoid the ferry for this route as well. A few ferry services connect Chania and Heraklion, but only with a layover at Piraeus Port — and both cities sit on the same island, so the detour reaches the mainland and comes back. The crossing does pass through the Aegean, within sight of Greek islands such as Santorini, Milos, Paros, and Naxos.
Ferry fares depend on the operator, among them Anek, Superfast Ferries, Minoan Lines, and Seajets. A ticket from Heraklion or Chania to Piraeus costs around €42 for deck passage, and around €90 for a bed in a 4-bedded cabin. That fare is per route, per person, so the return doubles it. Both routes run overnight, which leaves roughly 18 hours at Piraeus Port, or time to see Athens and the Acropolis. Ferrying between Heraklion and Chania costs more and takes longer than the road.
Choose between a bus, a taxi, and a rental car when travelling from Heraklion Airport to Chania. Each carries a trade-off. A bus costs the least, and it takes the longest and offers no privacy.
A Crete taxi comes with a driver who handles the route, and the car is yours for the journey. A rental car gives you full freedom, and it costs more and carries risk if you do not know the roads. Weigh the cost against the time and privacy each one gives you, then pick the one that fits your trip.
Book a Crete Airport Taxi from Cretan Bay Transfer to travel from Chania directly to Heraklion Airport. Chania is worth time on any Crete trip, with its beaches, tavernas, and food, and an airport taxi lets you stay there until your departure.
A Crete airport taxi makes no unplanned stops, and our drivers know the shortest routes to Heraklion Airport. The journey takes approximately 2 hours. Fares depend on the type of car, the time of year, and the route. A direct taxi from Chania City to Heraklion Airport costs €155 to €205. Book by calling Cretan Bay Transfer or by selecting your vehicle on the website.
Book a taxi from your Chania hotel to reach Heraklion airport on time, since local drivers know the shortest routes and you avoid looking for parking. Flag a taxi on the road, ask your hotel to arrange one, or book a Crete hotel transfer from us. The fare depends on the distance between your hotel and the airport. Our hotel transfer prices start from €18 per ride.
Hire a private transfer to reach Chania airport from Heraklion, since the driver knows the shortest route and makes no unplanned stops. Heraklion is the capital of Crete and holds landmarks left by every civilisation that reached the island, so many visitors stay there and fly out of Chania. The ride takes approximately 2 hours. The fare is €155 per ride for the economy category, with free cancellation, and you can book it online here.
Take a taxi for the Heraklion to Chania airport run. Several firms operate across Crete, including Cretan Bay Transfer, which schedules the pick-up so you reach the terminal in time. We run background checks before hiring any driver, which covers passenger safety. The ride takes around 2 hours. The fare is €155 for the economy category, and a minivan costs €170. Groups of more than 4 people need the minivan for this route.
Book a taxi from your Heraklion hotel to reach Chania airport on time, since local drivers know the quickest route across the island and you avoid parking at the terminal. Local taxis are available on the street. Booking online costs less, and it lets you check each company's reviews before you commit.
#Also interesting to read
ᐅ Transportation Guide for Chania
ᐅ Transportation Guide for Heraklion
ᐅ Things to Do in Crete with a Private Driver