Transit Options from Chania Airport to Heraklion
Are you landing at the second busiest Crete Airport but are actually heading to the capital of the island, Heraklion? Heraklion lies within a 148-km/92-mile distance from CHQ Airport. Thus, you should plan your transit from the airport wisely so as to enjoy a comfortable and safe journey to your destination. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can catch an airport taxi, book a private airport transfer, or a rental car, or opt for a more time-consuming yet very affordable bus ride from Chania Airport to Heraklion.
| Options | Price (€) | Price ($) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 180 | 194.90 | 150 min |
| Bus | 18.50 | 20 | 185 min |
Chania Airport to Heraklion by Taxi
Chania airport taxis operate around the clock at CHQ Airport and are regarded as a fast and safe way to travel. Thus, if you want to get from Chania Airport to Heraklion via a taxi, you should head to the airport taxi stand lying across the Arrivals B zone and catch one of the cabs lining up there. Nevertheless, you should keep in mind that during the peak tourist season, the demand for a taxi is high. Hence, you may encounter a waiting line at the CHQ taxi rank. Moreover, Heraklion is located rather far from Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport. It actually lies 148km/92 miles away from the second busiest Crete Airport. As a result, it is highly recommended to pre-book your airport taxi, as the taxi drivers queueing up at the taxi stand may refuse to drive you to such a remote destination.
In any case, Chania airport taxis are metered. Thus, their initial fare is 1.80€/2$ and the fee per kilometer is 0.90€/1$ during the day shift and 1.25€/1.40$ from midnight to 05:00 am. Moreover, there is a surcharge of 4€/4.35$ for airport rides, and each piece of luggage weighing more than 10kg/22lbs is charged at 0.39€/0.42$. Since the journey from Chania Airport to Heraklion is long (around 2.5 hours), some taxi drivers may negotiate a flat fare. However, this is not the rule. In general terms, the taxi journey from CHQ Airport to Heraklion usually costs around 180€/194.90$. Although tipping is optional, it is customary to leave a small tip when the provided services are satisfactory. Payments are accepted in cash and via bank cards. Still, although taxis are obligated by law to be equipped with POS, letting the driver know that you are going to pay via a credit or debit card is always advisable.
Chania Airport to Heraklion by Bus
If you are looking for a cheap way to travel from Chania Airport to Heraklion, you’ll have to settle on a bus ride. Verily, buses are the only available mode of mass transit in Crete. The KTEL Coaches are modern and well-maintained vehicles equipped with comfortable seating and luggage space. However, despite their efficiency and low prices, they are regarded as a tedious option for the journey from Chania Airport to Heraklion as they don’t directly link CHQ to Crete’s capital.
Thus, if you want to save money on your travel expenses, you’ll have to reach the airport bus stop and catch one of the green KTEL Coaches that run from 06:00 am to 10:40 pm on a 2-2.5-hour frequency. Please note that the CHQ bus stop lies outside the Departures area, on the east side of the terminal building, and that buses run more frequently during the peak summer season. In any case, you should expect a 25-minute journey from Chania Airport to the Main Bus Station in the city center and a 2.50€/2.70$ fare. Tickets can be purchased from the driver, from the ticket booth at the airport bus stop, and online.
Once you reach Chania KTEL Bus Station, you’ll have to catch one of the coaches heading to Heraklion. The KTEL Buses run from Chania to Heraklion hourly from 05:15 am to 08:30 pm and take around 160 minutes to reach their destination. A one-way ticket for the bus journey to Heraklion costs 16€/17.30$ and can be bought online or from the station’s ticket counters. However, children up to 6 years old travel out of charge.
In general terms, the total duration of the bus journey from Chania Airport to Heraklion is around 3 hours (185 minutes, plus the waiting time for the two bus lines) and its cost is 18.50€/20$.
Car Rental from Chania Airport to Heraklion
If you enjoy independent rides and want to explore as many Cretan destinations as possible, you should consider renting a car from CHQ Airport. In that way, you’ll plan your journey from Chania Airport to Heraklion at your own pace, making intermediate stops or detours on your way. Moreover, you’ll have the freedom and flexibility to plan your visit to all the popular Heraklion attractions, as well as day trips to other nearby regions. Chania International Airport houses a wide variety of car hire providers. Thus, all you have to do to find a value-for-money option is check your options. In any case, early in-advance reservations usually come with lower fares.
You can also opt for a one-way car rental and drop off your vehicle in Heraklion. However, you may have to pay an extra fee.
Your ride from Chania Airport to Heraklion should last around 2.5 hours. Expectantly, its duration will depend on the traffic conditions. As soon as you reach your journey’s end in Crete’s capital, you’ll have to park your rental car. Does your hotel offer parking services? If this isn’t the case, you’ll have three options in your hands: opt for a parking spot on the street (always check if the parking space lies on a free or a paid parking zone and if there is a time limit), head to one of the affordable municipal parking lots, or use one of the costlier private parking facilities.
Private Airport Transfers from Chania Airport to Heraklion
The most relaxed and stress-free way to get from Chania Airport to Heraklion is via a private airport transfer. Truly, if you book a private airport transfer, you’ll enjoy welcome services at the airport. Your driver will assist you with your luggage and drive you smoothly to your destination in Heraklion, giving you useful tips in the meantime. Moreover, you should expect a customized ride, as you can set all the details of the transfer (vehicle type, extra amenities, etc.) during the booking process. On the other hand, private airport transfers are the most expensive way to travel from Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport. Still, they are slightly costlier than ordinary taxis and justify their cost by the quality and variety of the provided services.
FAQs
How to get to Heraklion from Chania Airport?
You can catch an airport taxi, book a private airport transfer, or rent a car from Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport. Alternatively, the most affordable way to travel from Chania Airport to Heraklion is to settle on an efficient yet indirect bus journey.
Is there a bus from Chania Airport to Heraklion?
You won’t find a bus line directly linking Chania Airport to Heraklion. Still, you can catch the KTEL Buses traveling from CHQ Airport to Chania Bus Station, alight there, and hop on one of the buses heading to Heraklion. Overall, your bus journey will last around 3 hours and cost 18.50€/20$.
How much is a taxi from Chania Airport to Heraklion?
Chania airport taxis don’t have flat fares but charge according to their taximeter. Thus, the taxi ride from Chania Airport to Heraklion usually costs around 180€/194.90$ depending on the exact location of the destination and the road congestion.