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What is the best way to get from Heraklion to Chania?

What is the best way to get from Heraklion to Chania?

by Wendy
(Georgia, USA)

We are flying to Heraklion and staying in Chania in April this year. What is best mode of transportation to get to Chania? We will have a car when we to Chania.

Transport Options Heraklion to Chania

Yiasas Wendy,

Thanks for your question, April is a great time to visit Crete as it will be spring!

The airport of Heraklion sits on the centre of the north coast about 6 km from Heraklion town. Chania town is also on the north coast, in the west of the island. It is 140 km from Heraklion airport to Chania town.

The main national road of Crete runs along the north coast, it is a big well-used road and route. There are a few options of transport, we are not sure what style of travel you like so we'll tell you them all. Of course, very late at night or early in the morning public transport will not be running.

Buses
You can take the frequent, affordable and reliable local buses from Heraklion airport to Bus Station A (near Heraklion port) for less than €5 Euro. There are buses from the airport every half an hour or so.

Then take the bus to Chania, they leave Heraklion every hour from 5.30am to 9.00pm for under €15 Euro.

The trip takes 2 hours and 45 minutes and goes through the town of Rethymnon, so depending on your plans, you could easily hop off and take a walk around for a couple of hours then catch a later bus on to Chania. Alternatively, you could stay in Rethymnon for the night, or a couple of nights.

More about buses with timetables here.

Local bus information here.

Taxis
You can take a taxi from the Heraklion airport to Chania. This is a drive of 140 km and may take around 2 hours. The taxi ride should cost no more than €200 Euro. Arrange the price before getting into the taxi. This is a good option if you arrive late in the evening.

Pre-Booked Transfer
The quickest and easiest way we suggest is to take a pre-booked transfer. This means you will be met at the airport and all your luggage taken care of, and driven to your specific destination, all pre-arranged and no haggling over price.

Crete Cab will take up to four people from Heraklion Airport to the centre of Chania for less than €155 Euro.

Of course with both of these services you can pre-book your return journey for peace of mind.

Please see our page Getting Around in Crete for more information.

Hire Car
Of course, one can hire a car and drive oneself from Heraklion to Chania, this route takes you along the very modern and safe national highway. The drive is 142 km and takes about 2 hours, you may wish to stop in Rethymnon on the way.

See more about hiring a car here.

Or go directly to book a hire car here.

What is the best way to get from Heraklion to Chania?
Information

More information for your visit to Crete

Accommodation

See accommodation below close the Heraklion and Chania bus stations. Look out for our budget symbol if you are on a budget trip to Crete.

The Capsis Astoria Hotel is close to the bus station, the Heraklion Archeological Museum and the city's main square, in the centre of town.This makes an excellent base from which to explore the city and the island. Knossos Palace buses depart close to this hotel. Mid-priced.

"Staff are so friendly and helpful. Breakfast was fantastic also. Great pool and plenty of space to relax on the rooftop area. Great views of the city."

Click Check Rates & Availability at Capsis Astoria

This is the budget symbol on We Love Crete

So Young Hostel is clean, modern affordable accommodation in the heart of Heraklion. Choose from bunk rooms with shared bathroom or rooms with private bathrooms, relax at the rooftop bar or meet new friends. Chill out at the nearby park.

“Perfect location, friendly and helpful staff, clean, good value.”

Click Check Rates & Availability at So Young Hostel

Cocoon City Hostel is close to the bus stop in Chania with budget rates suitable for all the family, and great for solo travellers. Modern and stylish with private rooms and shared rooms to choose from. Close to the old town, cafes and tavernas. Just 300 metres from Chania bus station.

“The rooms and facilities were great. The staff were helpful and friendly and I enjoyed the positive atmosphere in the hostel.”

“Wonderful hostel! One the best I've stayed in the south of Europe."

Click Check Rates & Availability at Cocoon City Hostel

Fileas Art Hotel - this affordable, stylish yet quirky and fabulously arty hotel is located in the old town, close to the harbour, colourful lane ways, the folklore museum and the west walls. An elegantly renovated boutique hotel with only 6 rooms on three floors, it is just essentially romantic. Only 650 metres from Chania bus station.

"This charming hotel is set right in middle of everything that truly matters in Chania, within walking distance of every attraction you might want to visit. The lady owner was so welcoming and helpful with every inquire we might have. Many thanks again for waiting us at a quite late hour in order to check us in. We shall definitively return!"

Check Rates & Availability at Fileas Art Hotel