Transit Options from Heraklion Airport to Chania
Even though the city of Chania houses its own aviation hub, many travelers fly to Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, to explore Heraklion and its nearby destinations, and then head to Chania to continue their vacation there. On the other hand, passengers looking for low-cost airfares may choose to fly to HER Airport -should they find a tempting airfare from their city of origin to the capital of Crete- and make their way to Chania from there. In either case, there are various ways to get from Heraklion Airport to Chania. Verily, airport taxis and private airport transfers provide quality services, whereas those settling on airport car rentals rely on the flexibility and independence they provide. Last but not least, buses (intercity KTEL coaches) are the cheapest alternative.
| Options | Price (€) | Price ($) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 155 | 168.50 | 130 min |
| Bus | 17.60 | 19.16 | 3 hours |
Heraklion Airport to Chania by Taxi
Although Chania is located within a long distance from Heraklion Airport (140km/87 miles away from the main Crete Airport), many HER passengers opt for a comfortable and direct Heraklion airport taxi ride to their final destination in Chania. Verily, the gray airport taxis are always present at the official taxi stand, which lies right outside the terminal’s doors, no matter the day or the time. However, during the peak tourist season, when the airport passenger traffic abruptly rises, you may have to wait in line to get your taxi.
Heraklion airport taxis offer metered services based on their taximeter. Their rates are governmentally regulated. As a result, their prices are pretty much the same. Please note that some taxi drivers may negotiate a flat fare for the ride from HER Airport to Chania. In any case, the usual cost of the journey is around 155€/168.50$, and its duration is around 120-150 minutes. Furthermore, each piece of luggage weighing more than 10kg/22lbs brings an extra 0.39€/0.42$ fee, and tipping is very welcomed yet optional. Cash and card payments are also accepted, as Heraklion airport taxis are obligated by law to have POS. Still, you should always inform the driver about your preferred way of payment so as to be on the safe side.
Heraklion Airport to Chania by Bus
The cheapest way (and the only mode of mass transit) to get from Heraklion Airport to Chania is via an airport bus. However, you won’t find a bus traveling directly from the airport to Chania. Conversely, you’ll have to reach the airport bus stop lying on the left side of the main road traversing the airport and catch one of the buses running to Heraklion and calling at the Central Bus Station, which is located close to the Heraklion Port. Four bus lines are the most convenient to reach the Central Bus Station (the fastest and the ones requiring the least walking). Thus, you can catch Buses 6 (Ammoudara), 10 (Gazi), 11 (PAGNI), and 12 (EL.ME.PA.) and hop off the buses once you reach the Bus Station. Buses run almost every 5-10 minutes from 06:00 am to 00:30 am. You should expect a 13-14-minute ride to your destination, while the cost of a bus ticket is 1.60€/1.74$ if you buy it from the airport vendors (accepting both cards and cash payments) and 2.50€/2.72$ if you purchase it onboard. Moreover, you can buy your ticket online as well.
Once you reach the Central Bus Station, you’ll have to catch one of the intercity buses (KTEL Buses) heading to Chania. They offer free WI-Fi, are available from 05:30 am to 08:30 am every hour, and take around 165 minutes (2 hours 45 minutes) to reach the Bus Station in Chania. A one-way ticket for the KTEL Bus costs 16€/17.40$. You can purchase your ticket online or via the ticket counters at the Central Bus Station. Cash and card payments are accepted as well. Please keep in mind that children up to 6 years of age travel for free, while each passenger can carry up to 2 pieces of luggage out of charge.
Thus, the total cost of your transit from Heraklion Airport to Chania will be 17.60€/19.16$, and the duration of your ride will be around 3 hours.
Car Rental from Heraklion Airport to Chania
A Heraklion airport car rental is one of the top-recommended options for the ride from Heraklion Airport to Chania. Verily, you can enjoy a seamless and independent journey to Chania, having complete control over your ride. Thus, you can even make a stop in Rethymnon, the beautiful Cretan city lying midway between Heraklion and Chania. Plenty of car hire agencies have desks inside Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, providing quality services and reasonable prices. Even more so, if you opt for an early reservation, you’ll book the perfect Heraklion car rental for you at a competitive price.
One-way car rental is available as well. Thus, you can rent your car at Heraklion International Airport and drop it off in Chania. However, you may be charged an additional fee.
You should expect a slightly more than 2-hour journey from Heraklion Airport to Chania under normal traffic conditions. Once you reach Chania, you’ll have to find the exact location of your destination. Should your hotel provide parking services, you’ll leave the vehicle there. Otherwise, you’ll have to find a parking spot. Street parking is always possible, especially in the areas that surround the city center. As a matter of fact, you may find free parking spaces there. In downtown Chania, street parking is usually paid. On the other hand, you’ll find plenty of private car parks, ideal both for short-term and long-stay parking.
Private Airport Transfers from Heraklion Airport to Chania
The ride from Heraklion Airport to Chania is long. Thus, you may face difficulties in finding a taxi driver willing to drive you there, at least without a previous reservation. On the other hand, private airport transfers guarantee that you won’t waste any time waiting at the airport and that you’ll experience a comfortable and reliable ride. Verily, your driver will be waiting for you at the Arrivals hall while the vehicle of your choice will be parked right outside the terminal. Moreover, during the booking process, you can add extra amenities (children’s seat, luggage rack, etc.) to fully personalize the journey. Do you want to enjoy your stay in Chania, discovering all the city’s hidden gems? The area-knowledgeable driver will be happy to give you an insight into the charming Cretan city. Overall, private airport transfers are somewhat more expensive than ordinary taxi rides. Still, their services totally justify the extra cost.
FAQs
How to get from Heraklion Airport to Chania?
You can catch an airport taxi or pre-book a private airport transfer to get from Heraklion Airport to Chania. Alternatively, an airport car rental is the ideal way to explore the in-between destinations, such as the picturesque city of Rethymnon, while a bus journey is by far the cheapest option.
How long does it take to transfer from Crete Airport to Chania?
The city of Chania is situated 140km/87 miles from the main Crete Airport. Thus, a car ride from Heraklion Airport to Chania lasts around 2 to 2.5 hours, whereas a bus journey is longer. Verily, its duration is around 3 hours.
How much is a taxi from Heraklion Airport to Chania?
Heraklion airport taxis are metered. Thus, they don’t have pre-determined fares even for popular routes. The taxi ride from Heraklion Airport to Chania usually costs around 155€/168.50$ and lasts 2 to 2.5 hours.