Transit Options from Heraklion Airport to Rethymno
The picturesque city of Rethymno -one of the most scenic destinations in Crete- lies right in the middle of the distance between the two major Crete Airports (Heraklion Airport and Chania Airport). Thus, travelers who head to Rethymno fly to either of the two aviation hubs. In any case, those landing at Nikos Kazantzakis Airport have the following options to traverse the 80km/49.7-mile distance from Heraklion Airport to Rethymno: airport taxis and private airport transfers provide comfortable rides, whereas airport car rentals are ideal for visitors who relish autonomous journeys. Last but not least, the efficient yet indirect buses are the cheapest alternative.
| Options | Price (€) | Price ($) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 90 | 97.80 | 75 min |
| Bus | 10.60 | 11.54 | 105 min |
Heraklion Airport to Rethymno by Taxi
Heraklion airport taxis are widely preferred by HER travelers looking for a comfortable and fast way to reach their destination once landing at the main Crete Airport. They are always available at the airport, waiting at the official taxi rank that lies right outside the terminal building, and provide safe and speedy services. Still, HER Airport tends to get congested during the summer, when its passenger flow increases significantly. As a result, waiting lines for a cab at the taxi stand are a common phenomenon during the peak tourist season.
In any case, a taxi ride from Heraklion Airport to Rethymno usually lasts around 75 minutes. However, it doesn’t come with a fixed price. Thus, unless you agree on a set fare with your driver, you should expect a metered journey, as taxis in Heraklion always charge according to their taximeter. The cost of the 75-minute ride to Rethymno is around 90€/97.80$, while luggage weighing more than 10kg/22lbs is charged at 0.39€/0.42$. Nevertheless, you aren’t obligated to tip the driver. Expectantly, tipping is highly welcomed. As a matter of fact, locals usually round up the final fare when satisfied with the provided services. On the other hand, you can pay for your taxi fare in cash or via a bank card. Still, it is always advisable to check with the driver.
Heraklion Airport to Rethymno by Bus
A bus ride is the cheapest way to get from Heraklion Airport to Rethymno. However, although KTEL Buses are comfy and modern, equipped with luggage storage space (you can carry up to 2 pieces of luggage without being extra charged) and offering free Wi-Fi, they run from the Central Bus Station, which lies close to Heraklion Port.
Thus, if you want to travel from HER Airport to Heraklion via bus, you’ll have to catch one of the bus lines departing from the airport bus stop, situated on the left side of the airport’s main road. If you are looking for the fastest and most convenient bus lines, you should hop on Buses 6 (Ammoudara), 10 (Gazi), 11 (PAGNI), or 12 (EL.ME.PA.), which run from 06:00 am to 00:30 am every 5-10 minutes. Your ride from Heraklion Airport to the Central Bus Station should last around 13-14 minutes, while your ticket will cost as much as 1.60€/1.74$. You can purchase it from the airport’s automatic vendors in cash or via bank cards, or even buy it on the bus. In that case, nevertheless, it will cost you 2.50€/2.72$.
The KTEL Buses from Heraklion to Rethymno depart from the Central Bus Station hourly from 05:30 am to 08:30 pm and take 90 minutes to reach the beautiful Cretan city. Their tickets cost 9€/9.80$ and are available through the stations’ counters or online. Please keep in mind that children younger than 6 travel for free.
Overall, your bus ride from Heraklion Airport to Rethymno will last around 105 minutes, while you’ll have to pay 10.60€/11.54$ in total (for both bus rides).
Car Rental from Heraklion Airport to Rethymno
Heraklion airport car rentals are the way to go not only for travelers who enjoy independence during their journeys but also for visitors who want to explore as many Cretan destinations as possible during their stay on the island. HER Airport houses many car hire companies. Verily, several car rental agencies have desks inside the terminal, while various other companies also offer their services even though their desks lie at off-airport locations. Therefore, the provided services are top-quality, and the prices tend to be competitive. In any case, the sooner you make your reservation, the more affordable deals you’ll ferret out.
You can opt for a one-way car rental from Heraklion Airport. Thus, you can pick up your rental car at HER Airport and drop it off at Rethymno. Nevertheless, you may have to pay an extra fee.
The ride with your Heraklion car rental will last around 75 minutes, depending on the exact location of your destination in Rethymno and the traffic conditions. If your accommodation offers parking services, you’ll conveniently leave your car there. Alternatively, you’ll find 4 car parks where you can park your vehicle for free and 8 paid parking lots around Rethymno, while street parking in the areas surrounding the city center is also an option. However, street parking downtown can be really challenging.
Private Airport Transfers from Heraklion Airport to Rethymno
Although airport taxis are present 24/7 at HER Airport, you’ll most probably have to pre-book your ride from Heraklion Airport to Rethymno as the distance is considerable. In that case, private airport transfers are definitely worthy of the slightly costlier -than ordinary taxis- fare. Verily, all HER private airport transfer companies offer welcome services at the airport, door-to-door, smooth, and utterly tailored rides, set fares, and many side amenities. What’s more, their drivers are usually locals and area-knowledgeable and will give you useful advice on how to fully exploit your stay in Rethymno. Overall, private airport transfers are the ultimate way to travel from Heraklion International Airport to your destination in Rethymno.
FAQs
How to get from Heraklion Airport to Rethymno?
If you want to travel from Heraklion Airport to Rethymno, you can catch an airport taxi or book a private airport transfer. In that way, you’ll travel in comfort. Alternatively, you can rent a car at the airport or opt for an affordable yet indirect bus ride.
How long is the transfer from Heraklion Airport to Rethymnon?
A car ride (via an airport taxi, a private airport transfer, or a rental vehicle) from Heraklion Airport to Rethymno usually lasts around 75 minutes. On the other hand, although they are far cheaper, bus journeys are time-consuming. Thus, a bus journey from HER to Rethymno takes around 90 minutes.
How much is a taxi from Heraklion Airport to Rethymno?
A taxi ride from Heraklion Airport to Rethymno usually lasts around 75 minutes, while its cost varies depending on the exact traveling time and the traversed distance. In any case, the metered taxi journey from HER Airport to Rethymno is priced at around 90€/97.80$.