The island of Crete stretches approximately 255 km from west to east and 55 km from north to south at its widest point. Covering distances in Crete is a pleasure, especially if the road lies along the northern coast on the E75 highway. Movement from the north of Crete to the south can be hampered by mountains, so it is worth considering that the same distance from east to west of the island of Crete will be covered much faster than from north to south. In order to roughly plan your time, you need to imagine how far the cities of Crete are from each other, and approximately how long it will take to cover these distances.

The table shows the distances between the cities of Crete with approximate travel times. Of course, if you don’t know the way, the travel time will increase, and if you get lost, the mileage will also increase. It is also clear from the table presented that distances in Crete take quite a long time to cover. For example, the travel time from Kissamos to Sitia will be more than 5 hours, which is long enough for a vacation. Therefore, it is better to plan your trip in advance, because the seemingly insignificant distances in Crete are not so easy to overcome. We hope that our table will help you adequately assess your capabilities and have a great time.

Chania on the map of Crete.

Chania is a city that many tourists recognize as the most beautiful in Crete. People come here to stroll along the Venetian streets, visit museums with rich collections, and at the same time go to the Samaria Gorge, Balos Lagoon and Elafonisi Beach. There are many resorts near the city, among which every tourist will find a suitable place to relax. How to get to Chania? Here are some basic ways.

By plane to Chania

In Chania, there is the Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport, located 10 km from the city - near Souda Bay. It is the second largest and busiest airport in Crete with one two-story terminal. The air harbor receives regular flights from Athens, Thessaloniki (Aegean Airlines, Ryanair), Munich (Aegean Airlines), charters from Larnaca (Blueair), Tel Aviv, Oslo, Stockholm, Vilnius, Bucharest (Aegean Airlines), Belgrade (Air Serbia) .

There are no direct regular flights from Russian cities, but sometimes charter flights are launched during the summer season. It is much easier to fly to Heraklion first. One of the largest international airports in Greece is located here, which receives flights from Moscow and many other regions of Russia. From the airport you need to get to the Heraklion bus station (bus no. 78), and from there change to a regular bus to Chania. Travel time is about 3 hours.

However, if you are going to vacation in the west of Crete, then, of course, it is better to fly to Chania.

Flights to Chania:

From the airport to Chania

As for transport links between Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport and the city of Chania, getting to your destination will not be difficult. Buses depart from the terminal to the city daily according to the following schedule: first bus at 7:15, then at 9:15, 10:40, 14:15, 16:50 and 18:50. The last one departs at 21:15. Travel time is 30 minutes.

For those who do not want to wait for the bus, there are taxi counters to Chania near the terminal. But it’s better to reserve a convenient time and a suitable car before your arrival.

Ferry to Chania

You can get to Chania by sea from mainland Greece. The room is home to the large modern port of Souda. It receives ferries and cruise ships. Most often, tourists arrive here from the Athens port of Piraeus. The journey from the capital of Greece lasts approximately 10 hours. And luxury liners, which inevitably attract the attention of Cretans and tourists, make a stop during Mediterranean cruises from Israel and Southern Europe.

Another port of Chania is located in Kissamos. It is 43 km away from the city and connects Chania by ferry with Corfu, Gythio and Kalamata. Ferries from Athens (Piraeus) operate three times a week. On the way to Chania, they make stops on other Greek islands.

Souda Port is located 6.5 km from Chania (15 minutes drive). The easiest way to cover such a short distance is by taxi. Also, buses run between the two points from 6:00 to 23:00 every 20 minutes. They depart from the port terminal and stop at the central market of Chania. From the port of Kissamos you can reach Chania in 60 minutes. The final stop is KTEL Chanion.

How to get to Chania from other regions of Crete

Crete has excellent intercity transport links. Therefore, you can get to Chania for at least a couple of days from the major settlements of the island.

From Rethymno, intercity transport departs from the bus station. The distance to Chania is 55 km, approximately 50 minutes on the road. KTEL buses operate daily and go through Kavros, Georgioupolis and Vrisses. The first bus leaves at 6:00 (at 7:00 on weekends) and then every hour until 23:00. The trip will cost 6.7 euros.

From Heraklion bus station, the distance to Chania is 103 km (3 hours travel time). Buses run daily, every hour from 5:30 to 21:30, and also at 12:00 along the old road (except weekends). The route Heraklion - Chania runs through the village of Bali, then through Rethymno and Georgioupolis. The trip will cost approximately 15 euros. There are no buses from Agios Nikolaos to Chania. First you need to get to Heraklion.

All buses in Crete are comfortable, air-conditioned and much safer and cheaper to travel than rented cars. But in some cases, tourists prefer to call a taxi. A trip from the center of Rethymnon to Chania can cost between 75 and 90 euros. You can get from the center of Heraklion to Chania by taxi for 170-190 euros. From Agios Nikolaos, Elounda - for 240-280 euros, and from Ierapetra - for 310 euros.

To Chania - by rented car

Numerous rental offices offer their services to tourists arriving in Crete. You can rent a car at the representative offices of Avis, Sixt, Hertz, Suropcar, Firefly. During peak season (from the beginning of July) the price per day will be approximately 45 euros, per week - 192 euros. In the low season (spring or with the arrival of autumn) - from 33 euros per day and from 110 euros per week. It is worth remembering that rental companies have the right to increase the price if the client is under 25 years old.

It is best to rent a car at the airport, for example at Heraklion airport, and use this car to get to Chania.

Please note that it is better to book a car in advance - in the middle of summer there are not enough cars.

Getting to Chania by car from other regions of Crete is very easy. A national highway runs along the entire northern coast of the island, connecting all the main cities of Crete. She also passes by Chania. You just need to not miss the right turn. But the road signs in Crete are fine, and there are several turns in the city area. - wild gorges and picturesque beaches, ancient monasteries and hospitable villages, as well as many picturesque views.

Chania area on Crete

The area that represents atmosphere of romance and Crete. Chania is the westernmost part of the island, which is not yet so popular among tourists. There are not many hotels and Russian vacationers here, but there is more than enough peace and tranquility. The center of the region is the city of the same name.

The distance from the airport of the capital of Crete - Heraklion - is about 100 km.

Chania, not entirely deservedly, still remains not so beloved among people who fly to Crete on vacation. This is the area you should come to if you want to experience the real Greek flavor. It is the resort towns of Chania that are considered the greenest in all of Crete - such an abundance of cypress and plane trees cannot be found anywhere else on the island. This landscaping was made possible by the region's more humid climate.

Despite all the modesty and seclusion, Chania is very multifaceted: there are noisy streets and quiet villages, nightclubs and cozy local taverns located far from tourist life, beautiful beaches and houses built in the Venetian style, a real medieval port.

Another feature of holidays in the towns of Chania is the placement of rooms in ancient buildings, each of which has its own roof terrace. The interior of many rooms is designed in a medieval style: individual elements, such as mirrors or canopies, make it possible to mentally appear in that era.

Main cities and towns of the region: Chania - the main resort center, Georgioupolis, Paleochora, Stavros

Rethymno area in Crete

The second, no less large region of the island, Rethymno is considered the most picturesque corner of Crete. The center of the area is a town with a similar name - Rethymnon.

Tourists arriving on holiday at Heraklion airport will quickly get to "Cretan Venice". This is what Rethymno is called not only by guests of Crete, but also by local residents who love their area very much for its preserved medieval buildings and the prevailing atmosphere of the Venetian style everywhere. The distance from the center of Heraklion to Rethymnon is less than 50 km.

Travelers must include the Rethymnon region in their Crete itinerary. Seeing green meadows and opening views of hills with toy villages is a real aesthetic pleasure. It seems possible to get to any of the villages hidden on the hill only along winding paths, driving along which is already a kind of real adventure in Crete.

The city of Rethymno itself is a great place for walks, during which you can completely immerse yourself in the Middle Ages. After all, it will certainly be a great pleasure for you to be able to walk along the narrow streets paved with stone several hundred years ago. While walking through the areas of Rethymno, every tourist will be delighted by the houses standing on the streets of the town, decorated with completely different types of carvings.

In addition, the Rethymno region is rich in the presence of both picturesque pebble beaches and sandy beaches stretching along the northern coast. Therefore, every vacationer here will find his place in the sun.

Main cities and towns of the region: Rethymno - the main resort center, Bali, Panormo, Adele, Skaleta

Heraklion area on Crete

Heraklion is the central region of the island, personifying Crete as a resort that never falls asleep and never stops talking. The capital of the region is the town of the same name, next to which the same air gates are located that hospitably open their doors to tourists from all over the world.

In addition, it was in Heraklion that the tourist life of the island began - the first hotels and hotel complexes were built here. It was in this area that foreign tourists who flew to the resorts of Crete were first noticed.

And as it turned out, not in vain. Every corner of the Heraklion area is imbued with the spirit of antiquity and is strewn with the main attractions of Crete. There will be something to do and see for vacationers in Crete, tourists of different ages and categories. Travelers with completely different incomes will be able to comfortably stay in one of the hotels in Heraklion, of which there are a great variety to suit every taste and wallet size. I would like to note that this is the only area in Crete where such a huge number of shopping centers, shops, restaurants, cafes and boutiques are concentrated. Heraklion is a paradise for shopaholics. If the purpose of your holiday is primarily shopping in Crete, then there is no better place for you here.

Holidays in almost any major town in the Heraklion region will provide you with round-the-clock entertainment. In addition to nightlife, you can have a great time in any of the water parks in Crete, and the largest aquarium in Europe, which was built in this region, will also be worthy of your attention.

As for the beaches that spread out on the coast of the area, they are very diverse, but no less beautiful than any other beaches in Crete. Heraklion is distinguished primarily by its large population. It will be possible to retire to the coast here only if you go some distance and move a little away from the central streets. If you try, among the cleanest pebble beaches in the area, you can find stunningly beautiful sandy ones.

Heraklion is a place where lovers and connoisseurs of architecture will feel great. Among the attractions of Iralion are the Palace of Knossos, the Palace of Malia, the ancient city of Archanes, Lake Zaros and the popular Agiofarango gorge among tourists.

The main cities and towns of the region: Heraklion - the main resort center, Agia Pelagia, Malia, Stapida, Hersonissos, Amoudara

Lassithi area on Crete

The easternmost part of the island is an area located on the picturesque plateau of the same name Lasithi. This part of Crete boasts a wide variety of landscapes.

Only here you can see Cretan villages literally drowning in flowers. Everywhere you can see coniferous groves and mountain ranges covered with amazing vegetation.

The area is not very far from the main airport in Heraklion, the distance from it is about 80 km. But what is 80 km when it comes to accommodation and recreation nearby? the most beautiful bay in all of Crete - Mirabello Bay. As for a beach holiday, the Lasithi area, like no other, is the best place to achieve this goal. Two of the island's most beautiful sandy beaches are located within accessible proximity primarily for any vacationer in Lassithi - the popular Golden Beach and the unusual palm-lined Vai Beach.

The atmosphere at the resorts in the area is very romantic. The famous “Valley of Windmills” in Crete does not leave any traveler indifferent, and the snow-white coast surrounded by a huge number of palm trees invariably attracts couples in love.

Main cities and towns of the area: Agios Nikolaos - the main resort center, Elounda, Ierapetra, Sitia

You don’t need to be a bird to take in all of Lasithi’s properties: just visit the equipped slope on Mount Dikti with panoramic views. From there you can see the most beautiful bay, the mountains proudly rising above the area, and all the delights of Lassithi's location on the most fruitful plateau of the island.

A bonus for vacationers in the cities of the easternmost region of the island is the proximity of the location to one of the places visited during the most popular excursion in Crete - the island of Spinalonga, overlooked by the ruins of a fortress that once stood here.

When making their first trip to Crete, novice tourists often seek to settle in Heraklion, the largest administrative center of the island. But experienced travelers know that Crete is beautiful in every corner, and the most beautiful city on the island is Chania, which has preserved the exquisite architecture of the times of Venetian rule. Even if you are not yet ready to travel around the entire island, even inexperienced tourists can overcome the distance from Heraklion to Chania. What is remarkable about this journey, and what is the best way to take it, we will tell you in today’s article.

The first step is to study the distance between the cities of Heraklion and Chania using a map. It doesn’t matter whether we get there by public transport or drive ourselves in a rented car. When going on a trip, you should always imagine its approximate duration and route.

On the map you can see popular routes through Heraklion to Chania.

The short route goes along the well-maintained E75 highway. It covers 142 km and takes about 2 hours, excluding possible stops and rest time. The route runs along the northern coast of the island with a stop in another large city of Crete - Rethymnon. It is along this highway that public transport runs, and most independent tourists get to Chania by this road.

The length of the second route is 186 km, and the time spent on the road increases to 3.5 hours. The route leads deeper into the island, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the southern coast and head north again, to the city of Rethymno. The choice of this route is suitable for those who like to be on the road and want to explore as many places and attractions as possible in Crete.

Please note that the second route can only be used by travelers traveling to Chania in a rented car.

There are other routes from Heraklion to Chania, following winding local roads and paths. But they are hardly suitable for tourists, due to the unsatisfactory condition of the roads, often sharp and “blind” turns, as well as the small number of signs. Even with the help of a navigator, it is not always possible to get out of the “labyrinth” of secondary island routes.

Attractions along the route

On the way to the final destination of the route, travelers will encounter many attractions, hotels, cafes and shops. Some of them will be close to the highway, while others will be at a fairly distant distance. But if you have free time and are eager to explore Crete, then making an extra detour along local roads will not be a problem.

Among the cultural recreation sites on the way to Chania, we recommend visiting the following places in Crete:

• Melidoni Cave;
• Vamos village;
• Askifou Plateau;
• Preveli Monastery;
• Kourtaliotiko Gorge.

The city of Rethymno is incredibly attractive for tourists, with its fortresses, churches, museums, natural park and Venetian harbor. Fans of active recreation will be offered mountain hiking, scuba diving, sea cruises, and sports entertainment. Relaxation will be provided by numerous SPA salons and health centers, and local cafes, taverns, restaurants and nightclubs will deliciously feed and drink visiting travelers.

The nature of the island is also beautiful: Greece delights with warm sunny days, so on the way to Chania you can stop by the famous beaches of the resorts of Bali, Rethymnon, Georgioupolis and others.

Distance from Heraklion to Chania – bus ride

The western direction of the island is served by buses departing from the city bus station “A”. This station has already been mentioned in the material on how to get from Heraklion airport to the city, because it is here that newly arrived tourists arrive by buses No. 1 and No. 78.

Thus, to go to the western coast of Crete, travelers only need to make one transfer. You can purchase bus tickets to Chania or Rethymnon at one of the bus station ticket offices. A trip from Heraklion to Chania will cost 15.10 euros, and a trip to Rethymno costs 8.30 euros.

The distance from Heraklion to Rethymno is 80 km and the journey takes about two hours by bus. Tourists will need an hour more time to travel by public transport to Chania. The detailed bus schedule for the 2018 season is in the table below.

How to get from Heraklion to Chania by car

Using the shortest route, traveling from Heraklion to Chania by car will take about two hours, during which you will cover about 140 kilometers. For a comfortable and quick trip, you can rent a car or take a taxi in Crete.

Taxi ordering

If you are just planning to arrive in Greece, then it is worth booking a transfer, then a taxi driver will meet you at Heraklion airport and take you to Chania. If you are already vacationing in the largest city of Crete, you can order a car by phone or walk to the taxi stand. A trip to Chania with a personal driver will cost tourists 120-150 euros.

Car rent

You can get from Heraklion to Chania along a wide, modern highway, so experienced drivers prefer to rent a personal car. The island is full of rental offices, so it won’t be difficult to arrange a contract in Heraklion or at the international airport.

Regarding prices and rental conditions, tourists often prefer to contact local rental companies, although there are also bureaus of transnational corporations on the island. Of the most popular car rental companies, we note:

• Rent-a-car;
• Intercars;
• Royal Rentals;

The cost of renting a car depends on the class of the car, the terms and duration of the contract. On average, prices for passenger cars range from 40 to 100 euros per day of rental.

Distance between Heraklion and Chania

So, we have given several ways to help tourists get from Heraklion to Rethymnon and Chania.

The shortest route from the capital of Crete to Chania is just over 142 kilometers, and the longest is even impossible to calculate. After all, Crete gives tourists complete freedom of action: you can simply go from city to city, or you can take a multi-day trip visiting popular attractions and walking through seaside villages. Whether to make stops along the way between Heraklion and Chania or quickly rush from city to city is up to you!

Have fun traveling and good luck on the roads!

In contact with

Classmates

Chania International Airport Ioannis Daskalogiannis (IATA code - CHQ) is the second largest airport on the island of Crete after Heraklion Airport. Sometimes it is also called “Suda” airport, since one of the sides of the peninsula on which it is located is washed by the bay of the same name. This is where tourists come who want to start their journey around Crete from the western part of the island.

The airport handles fewer Russian charter flights than the former, but is often used during the peak tourist season when the island's main airport is overloaded. Aegeanair and Rossiya Airlines operate charter flights from Russia to Chania. The airport connects Crete with Thessaloniki and Athens. It also receives flights from Austria, Israel, Cyprus, Sweden, Germany, Poland and serves airlines such as Ryanair, Astra Airlines, Finnair.

The distance from Heraklion to Western Crete is quite large. Therefore, if you are going to relax in Chania or another resort in western Crete, then it is better to fly to the local airport.

Chania Airport Terminals

Chania Airport consists of one passenger terminal - it is a two-story building, but construction of a second one began in 2013. Passengers have medical assistance, a restaurant, bars and souvenir shops at their disposal. You can brighten up your waiting time by visiting Duty Free, which sells traditional Greek drinks, food, and cosmetics. There is also a children's playroom, free Wi-Fi and a small relaxation area with massage chairs.

Note! In the airport terminal, all services are located in a small area, as a result of which you may encounter queues for registration and delays upon departure. Therefore, it is better not to be deluded by the compactness of the airport and arrive two hours before departure.

Hotels near the airportChania

There are several hotels in the vicinity of the airport, which can be reached either on foot or by taxi. We invite you to check out the hotels located near Chania Airport:

• Green Spot House - 1 km.
• Lush Holiday Home - 1 km.

Tax free

To obtain a VAT refund paper (TaxFree), go with your unpacked luggage and boarding pass to customs, which is located next to passport control and the entrance to the “clean zone”. Receive a tax exemption document. With this document, go to the GLOBAL BLUE counter, located in the interior of the departure area (after passport control).
GLOBAL BLUE tax refund counters are located in the departure area of ​​both international flights and in the Schengen departure area.

Please note that queues at customs and VAT refund points can be long and you should arrive at the airport early to count on receiving your money.

How to get there from Chania airport

The airport is located 15 kilometers east of the city of Chania (Chania, Χανια) almost in the center of the Akrotiri peninsula, so getting from it is quite easy to any city on the island.

On the island of Crete, all public transport is buses and taxis. Therefore, when planning a trip from the airport deep into the island or to the coast where your hotel is located, you should choose the appropriate route in advance.

By bus

Public bus is the most economical transport to get from/to the airport. When deciding how to get from Chania airport to the city, many people choose the bus.

Bus stop is located approximately 30 meters from the terminal exit.

The bus route passes through the market square (Agoras), the square of 1866 (Platia 1866), then the bus goes to the central bus station.

Travel time- 20-30 minutes, depending on which stop you need to get off at, as well as the degree of traffic congestion.
Bus operating hours- from early morning to late evening - a detailed bus schedule can be viewed.
Ticket price- 2.30 euros per passenger, tickets can be purchased from the bus driver.

To get to one of the districts or suburbs of Chania, you can get off at Agoras or 1866 Square - the final stops of other routes and transfer to the desired bus, as well as get to the intercity bus station on Kidoyanis Street. The town is small and most local bus services have a stop here.

From the Chania bus station, buses depart both towards Rethymnon and Heraklion, as well as Vrises, Kastelli, Elafonissi, Paleochora, Omalos, Samaria, Stavros.

It is worth noting that the frequency of intercity flight departures at bus stations depends on the importance of the destination. To some cities, buses depart only 1-2 times a day.

The current schedule can be found at the information desk at Chania Airport or downloaded .

By taxi

Catching a taxi at the airport is the easiest, most convenient and fastest way to get to any location in Crete and at any time of the day.

The standard cost of a trip from/to Chania airport to the city center is considered to be 30-35 euros, and to other resorts of Crete - 40-50 euros, depending on the class of car and the number of luggage pieces. At Chania airport, it is very common for tourists to “warm their hands” on tourists who have arrived on the island for the first time. Taxi drivers at the airport like to charge prices approximately twice as high as the official one.
There is an effective way to avoid getting into trouble with “extra tariffs” (boarding cost, travel per 1 km, surcharge for night time, surcharge for idle time in traffic jams, payment for each piece of luggage, take into account the fact that taxi drivers do not like to turn on the meter, etc.) d.)
One of the most effective alternatives is to call a taxi online. It is quite possible to catch a taxi at the airport, but with this option, all risks are transferred to the passenger; the cost of a taxi may cost you 2 times more than the real tariff. That is why it is advisable to place a pre-order in the search form below. Your order confirmation will be sent to you by email, and the driver will be waiting at the exit from the arrivals area with a sign with your name on it. The driver can also help you with your luggage, and payment of the full cost will be made only after arriving at the place, which you will already know when booking a taxi.

By rented car

If you like to drive and intend to travel around the island often, then it makes sense to rent a car, especially since you can do this right at the airport. Go to order a car from a reliable operator, choose a suitable car, and it will be waiting for you in the parking lot. In fact, renting a car in Greece is very easy. You can do this right at the airport. If you booked a car in advance, completing all the documents and receiving the car will take you about 30 minutes - this is very convenient.

Please note that the earlier you decide to book a car, the more options you will have at a reasonable price.
You can also pre-order additional options, such as a navigator or child seat.

Find cheap flights to Crete

If you have not yet purchased air tickets to Crete, you can use our convenient search form right now. All you need to do is enter your origin and destination and your expected travel dates, and then click “Find flights.” The air ticket search engine will select the optimal route for you and show the minimum price among airlines and air ticket sales agencies.