A Local’s Guide: How to Get from Heraklion to Chania (and from Chania to Heraklion)
This post offers updated information on traveling from Heraklion to Chania in Crete, including bus and transfers. Discover all the options you have to get from Heraklion to Chania during your holiday in Crete. Travel by bus, taxi, or drive!
The island of Crete has three airports, a small one in Sitia, an international airport in Chania, and Crete’s main airport in Heraklion. Many people fly into Heraklion from other European cities, while many travelers from Athens also land in Crete’s capital. If you’re one of them, this article will show you how to get from Heraklion to Chania (or the other way round).
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Both cities are on the island’s northern coast, so the trip is pretty straightforward, no matter what travel method you choose. Let’s see how to get from Heraklion to Chania and all your transport options.
Arriving at Heraklion
Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport is located under 10 minutes from the center of Heraklion (about 6 km), while the Ferry Port of Heraklion is pretty central, only 5 minutes from the center of town.
Many tourists landing in Heraklion spend their holidays in Chania, a region home to some of Crete’s best beaches and one of the prettiest old towns on the island.
While Heraklion is in the island’s center, Chania is located to the west, about 140 kilometers from Heraklion’s airport.
The most important road on Crete, the National Road, runs along the north coast, connecting the easternmost city of Sitia to the western city of Kissamos.
No matter what transport method you choose, this is the road you must take to reach Chania from Heraklion or Heraklion from Chania. And the length of the trip will mostly depend on how you decide to get there.
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Different Ways to Travel
Depending on your budget, travel style, and likes, you can get to Chania from Heraklion by public transport or private car. Taxis are probably the most expensive way to get there, while renting a car can prove a cost-effective solution. It will also let you explore the rest of Crete at your own pace and without trusting buses and schedules.
Bear in mind that bus travel is really easy when it comes to reaching cities and villages on the north coast of the island while getting to popular places in the south, such as Elafonisi, Loutro, Preveli, Matala, Ierapetra, or Plakias can be more difficult.
Often, buses do not connect smaller villages, making a car indispensable unless you have an unlimited budget for taxis.
When it comes to buses, remember that services don’t often run very late at night or very early in the morning, so plan accordingly and always check this website for further accurate information.
How to Get from Heraklion to Chania by Bus
Getting the bus from Heraklion is one of the most cost-effective ways to reach Chania. It leaves from Heraklion’s Central Bus Station A (New building – Efesou Street) hourly. The station is just a few meters from the port.
The bus connecting the Heraklion airport with the Central Bus Station leaves you right behind the station. It’s a frequent, convenient service (the bus has ample space for luggage), and the ticket is under €2.
Once there, head to Heraklion’s Bus Station ticket office to purchase your ticket to Chania.
Buses cover the Heraklion-Chania route every hour. Depending on demand, this frequency can increase during the high season. The service is reliable and quite affordable.
A ticket from Heraklion to Chania costs €16 one way. Buses usually depart on the hour, and you should always keep your ticket with you during the whole trip since ticket controls on the bus are not rare.
Buses from Heraklion to Chania leave every hour, starting at 5:00 in the morning. The last bus departs every night at 9 p.m. According to the official website, the trip takes 2 hours and 45 minutes; however, heavy traffic can take up to 3 hours (sometimes even more, especially in summer).
>> All bus schedules are published on this website.
The bus makes a few stops along the way, being the city of Rethymnon the most important one. During the stop, you’re not allowed to leave the bus for long (always ask the driver first if you need to get off the bus).
Those traveling with plenty of time and a flexible schedule can easily stop in Rethymnon for an afternoon or a couple of days and then continue their trip to Chania.
Always check with the controller on the bus or at Heraklion’s Bust Station (before your departure) whether your ticket will still be valid or if you need to buy a new one.
>> Hotel City Life is ideal for staying near Heraklion Bus Station.
Traveling with a pet: Traveling by bus with your pet, according to the official website of the bus company, the itineraries on which two escort animals are accepted within the passengers’ area are the ones departing at 5:30, 09:30, 11:30, 14:30, 17:30, and 21:30.
Luggage restrictions: Passenger luggage must be placed in the bus’s luggage compartment. Each passenger can carry 2 pieces of luggage for free.
There is an extra charge for every extra piece of luggage. Small pieces (hand luggage, backpacks, etc.) can be taken on the bus but must be placed on special luggage racks.
WiFi: All buses offer a free Wi-Fi network service powered by external GSM antennas and advanced Wi-Fi routers. There is also free Wi-Fi access inside the bus stations.
Discounts: Discounted rates are available for students; families with more than 3 children get a 50% discount on all routes. People with disabilities have the same discount. Infants until 6 years old travel free of charge. Credit cards and debit cards are accepted to pay for all tickets.
Refunds: If you pay for a ticket and don’t travel, the company gives the passenger a 70% refund of the ticket price or a 50% refund in case of a cancellation within 8 hours before departure time.
💡Always keep your ticket with you during the trip since ticket controls on the bus are common and frequent.
More info: Information for passengers is available daily from early morning to late at night on the phone at 2810-246530.
You can also call to learn about the timetable by calling this number 2810-245020 with an answering machine 24 hours a day.
RELATED ARTICLE:
– Bus Travel in Crete
How to Get from Heraklion to Chania by Taxi
It’s also possible to reach Chania from Heraklion by taxi. You can take a taxi to Chania from the airport or the Heraklion port. The 140-km trip can take about 2 hours (depending on traffic and the season), and the ride can cost 180 to 200 euros.
Discussing and agreeing on the price with the driver before you get into the taxi is always advisable. Taxis are a good way to get to Chania if you arrive late at night, when there’s no bus service available, or when sharing the cost with other travelers. Remember that it’s not odd for taxi drivers to charge an extra fee for night rides.
How to Get from Heraklion to Chania with a Private Pre-Booked Transfer
Pre-booked transfers are always more convenient than taxis since you can arrange the price beforehand and book online before your trip.
A driver will be waiting for you at the port or the airport and will take care of your luggage. Since everything will be arranged before the trip, you won’t need to bargain for the price.
Prices can range from €150 to €180, depending on the company and the number of passengers. For your peace of mind, book the return trip if you’re flying out of Crete from Heraklion Airport.
You can book a private transfer in advance with Welcome Pickups. The company offers a convenient pre-paid airport transfer service, and transfers can be made via their website. I’ve used their company abroad and a few times at the Piraeus port in Athens to get to Athens International Airport, and I have always had a great experience!
How to Get from Heraklion to Chania by Car
Hiring a car is probably the best way to get from Heraklion to Chania. Driving allows you to stop anytime and reach Chania at your own pace.
I’ve written a guide with tips and suggestions about car rental and driving in Crete. Don’t forget to check it before making up your mind.
Driving from Heraklion to Chania is quite straightforward too. You will be driving along the National Road for about 2 hours. And, of course, you can stop in Rethymnon and any other village you find on the way.
DISCOVER CARS > CHECK CAR RENTAL FEES IN CRETE
A note on fuel: Most gas stations close at 7 p.m., but others, especially those on the highway, stay open much later. Ask the locals for information.
Some stations accept credit cards, but it’s always a wise idea to have some cash with you. There’s almost no self-service option in Crete; the staff will fill your vehicle, and you will pay either him or inside the shop.
Remember: Unfortunately, once the station is closed, you cannot automatically buy fuel with your credit card.
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How to Get from Heraklion to Chania and from Chania to Heraklion
Gabi, the Crete Insider
Hi, I’m Gabi — your go-to local expert in Crete! I’ve been living in Chania, Crete since 2016, and I’ve turned my love for the island into a full-time passion — guiding travelers, writing for travel media, and curating local experiences.
I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and other guides. I run the blogs The Tiny Book, Greece Planner, and My Cretan Recipe. Through this platform I help travelers design unforgettable trips to Crete.
