A Local’s Guide to the New Parking Areas in Chania (Where to Park in Chania + Electric Bus Transfer Info for 2026)

This post brings you the latest information about Chania Parking and is constantly updated by a local driver who struggles with city parking 365 days a year!
Want to travel to Chania but unsure where to park your car? Or maybe you are looking for free parking in the city right now as you drive! Either way, this post is just for you. Keep reading to discover all you need to know about Chania parking.

Where to Park in Chania: General Directions

I have to be honest. Finding parking in Chania is not the most straightforward task you will have in your holidays. As the city becomes increasingly popular, this task can be a nightmare.

Especially during the last two seasons, the town’s streets have gotten exceptionally busy, which will give you a hard time if you come here by car. Yet, worry not. I have done the hard work for you, prepared an ultimate list of the best parking spots in Chania, and added the most updated information.

But before we get into the details, you need to know one or two things about parking in Chania. First, like any big city, Chania has parking regulations, which boil down to the color markings around the city.

>> Check out the live map with all Chania Parking spots. You can also check out all the necessary details to use the new app for parking, iPark Chania.

The Color Markings in Chania

YELLOW MARKINGS: You cannot park there if the markings are yellow. Only special vehicles or residents with permits can.

BLUE MARKINGS: If the markings are blue, you must pay for parking. Just look for the nearest parking meter, insert some coins, and you are ready to explore Chania on foot. These spots are reserved for local residents.

WHITE MARKINGS: Free parking areas.

Remember that you need coins or banknotes; most parking meters don’t accept cards—at least not yet. However, the best way to pay for parking is to download the iPark Chania app and top up as you go. The app works fine (although it may ask you to log in more often than you wish).

There are twenty-nine active parking meters around Chania, for a total of 746 parking spots, so there are plenty of options. 

>> You can also check out this guide to driving in Crete.

Private Parking in Chania

That is the gist of color markings in Chania. Yet, this applies only to public parking spaces. There are two main alternatives for private parking. For one, you can use the service of dedicated parking parks, which may charge you on a per-hour basis. They guarantee your car’s safety, leaving you with the peace of mind you deserve.

The second option is to use the private parking from the hotel or studio where you spend the night. Not only will that cost you nothing, but you will be parking your car right next to your room! That means less walking!

Just a heads up, when you visit Chania, prepare to walk quite a lot. Everything here is pedestrian-friendly, which is also why parking in Chania can be tricky. 

But if you ask me, that is a welcoming compromise. There is nothing like exploring the old town without looking out for traffic or passing cars. Still, many parts of the city, especially its more modern neighborhoods, often have too much traffic. And I do mean too much!

Above all, to ensure your time in Chania goes smoothly, you must find a good parking spot. So, let’s dive right into the complete list of all parking alternatives in Chania.

Regional Parking Area: Kladissos

As of June 2024, the municipality has opened a new parking station in Kladissos (Periferiako Parking Kladissos), about 10 minutes by car from the Old Town. This space offers some relief to the city’s yearly parking problems, especially during the high season.

This alternative parking area allows you to park your vehicle and use the service of free electric buses that run free routes for citizens and travelers who want to go from the Kladissos parking lot to the city. Thus offering a connection between the parking lot and the city ​​center.

The bus’s first route starts at 7 a.m. and the last one at 10 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. The route starts at the Kladissos parking lot and will make the following stops:

• starting point from the Kladissos parking lot
• stop on Kissamos Street (Agios Nektarios)
• stop on Kydonias Street (KTEL Bus Stop)
• stop on Hatzimichali Giannari Street (Central Stop)
• stop on Kissamos Street (Central Stop) – return to the Kladissos area

Bear in mind that the use of the electric bus is free and open to all passengers regardless of whether or not they use the parking lot.

Free Spots to Park in Chania 

If you don’t feel like looking for the white markings in public spaces, head directly to any of the addresses below. If you are lucky, you should have a free spot to claim.

Agioi Apostoloi Area

This area is good if you visit Agioi Apostoloi Beach, but not convenient if you want to get to Chania Old Town on foot:

• Jumbo, Daratsos 73100, is available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays. However, the spot is open, and I’ve often left my car there way before the official opening hours.

• Agion Apostolon 73100, available 24/7

Areas Closer to Chania Old Town

Some places are closer to the center than others; check on Google Maps how much walking you are willing to do

• Kyprou Street (ZIP code area 73132) is available 24/7

• Kydon Heart City Hotel, in front of the Sofokli Venizelou square

• Talos Square, right in front of the Lighthouse of Chania, below San Salvador, is available 24/7. It is the most popular parking spot in Chania, and it is usually full.

• Akti Kanari (ZIP code area 73131) is available 24/7

• Gerasimou Pardali (ZIP code area 73131) is available 24/7

• Square Katechaki (ZIP code area 73132) is available 24/7

• Square Eleftherias (ZIP code area 73134) is available 24/7

• East Moat Theater near Koum Kapi Beach. There is a large free parking area here. Don’t believe anyone who asks for your money. That is a known scam you can easily avoid. Also, this is where I always park my car. It’s only meters from the center, except on Saturdays, when the farmers’ market is on, it’s fairly easy to find where to park.
  >>> As of June 2024, this is the last available free parking spot in the city. However, the municipality has announced its imminent closure.

Chania Souda Port

• Near Chania Port Parking. Apart from the premium parking facilities, several parking spots are always in high demand and hence occupied. Consider yourself lucky if you find a place there.

24/7 Places to Park in Chania

As you drive around the city, you will come across several signs with blue markings that indicate this area belongs to the municipality. You can park here and pay using the nearby parking meter. Expect to pay around 80 cents per hour, although the charge may vary per location and season.

You will find those parking spots at the following addresses:

• Reggina is at the intersection of Fola and Minoos Streets. There are 115 parking spots here. Santa Lucia (only steps from Reggina). 94 parking spots. You can park here for a maximum of 4 hours.

• Nikiforou Foka in front of the Odeon and the local high school buildings. 71 parking spots. You can park here for a maximum of 4 hours.

• Ammos Gate Square. 100 parking spots. You can park here for a maximum of 4 hours.

• Mylogianni Street is at the intersection of Koraka and Kriari Streets. 24 parking spots.

• Arxontaki Street has 13 parking spots.

• Mihelidaki Street has 20 parking spots.

• Trikouri Street has 22 parking spots.

• Ploumidaki Street has 18 parking spots.

• Venizelou Street, in front of the Chania National Stadium. 27 parking spots.

• Venizelou Street, in front of the bank, between the intersections with Michelidaki and Trikoupi streets, has 8 parking spots.

• Square Markopoulou, in the intersection of Venizelou and Papandreou Streets. 75 parking spots.

• Tzanakaki Street, between the intersections with Valaoriti and Ktistaki Streets, is along the public park of Peace and Friendship. There are 40 parking spots.

• Square Xortarson. 40 parking spots.

• Karaiskaki Street, between the intersections with Ipsiladon and Koraka Streets. 23 parking spots.

Private Chania Parking

If you are willing to pay a premium for your parking spot, you can easily find private parking. The best part about using such services is that you don’t need to worry about anything other than paying. 

There is always a guard on duty, or the area is monitored with cameras. So, if your priority is peace of mind, head to any of the private parking facilities below:

• Parking TALOS at Partheniou Kleiadi 73136. Parking here costs €3.60 per two hours. They accept card payments too.

• Aktep Auto Park at Papanastasiou 1 & 8 73132.

• Parking Plus at Iroon Polutechneiou. Open from 07.00 to 11 pm Monday to Sunday.

• Splanzia Hotel parking at Daskalogianni 23 73100. Parking here costs €12 per 24 hours or €8 for overnight parking.

• Parking Plaza at Peiraios 1-5 73131. Cost: €2.30 per hour. Open from 07.00 to 02.00 Monday to Sunday. (Next to Sklavinitis Supermarket).

• Sklavinitis Carpark at Mitropolitou Kirillou 22. The cost starts from €2.30 per hour.

• Chania port parking. Cost: €2 per 2.5 hours.

• Parking Ermis at Bouniali 11-15. The cost starts from €2.90 per hour. Open from 07.30 to 23.00 Monday to Friday and until 17.00 on Saturdays. You can also park your car overnight here for an extra surcharge.

• Parking Apollon at Grigoriou E. The cost starts from €2.90 per hour. Open 24/7. You can also have your car cleaned here while it is parked. If you do so, expect to pay around €15 and benefit from free parking!

Parking at Chania Airport

If you arrive at Chania by plane or need to visit the airport to pick up a friend, you can easily find parking on the premises. First, you have the obvious choice: the official airport parking, which is right in front of the terminal. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and features 240 parking spots. 

The best news? The first 20 minutes are free of charge! Parking here will cost around €5. 

Apart from the official facilities, you have a few other options if you care to walk a bit further. Akrotiri Station and Soudas Parking are two such parking areas that offer free shuttle services to the airport.

Choosing one of the above two alternatives means that you can save a few bucks. For example, parking here for anything up to 12 hours will only cost you €2, whereas a full day comes at €4.

They also offer cleaning services if you care. You can leave your car here and ask them to clean it inside out for just €10.

Whereas the Akrotiri Station may sound like the best option for long-term stays, it is not worth the hustle if you plan to remain at the airport for a few minutes or an hour. You can quickly get to the official airport parking and enjoy direct access to the terminal.

Times Change: The Old Parking Meter in Chania

All the Parking Spots in Chania

Free Chania Parking

• Kyprou Street: Every day 24 hours
• Kydon Heart City Hotel: Opposite Sofokli Venizelou Square Every day 24 hours
• Talos Square: Opposite the Lighthouse of Chania Sofokli Venizelou Square Available 24/7 – often full!
• Akti Kanari: Street: Near Koum Kapi Area Available 24/7 – often full!
• Gerasimou Pardali Street: Near Koum Kapi Area Available 24/7
• Tolon Square: At the end of Theotokopolou Street (pedestrian), almost next to Talos Square Available 24/7
• Katechaki Square: Available 24/7
• Eleftherias Square: Available 24/7
• East Moat Theater: Near Koum Kapi Beach Available 24 – Saturday mornings often full

Parking at the Port of Chania

• Chania Port Authority: Entrance area, opposite the port. Available 24/7

Chania Airport Parking

• Chania Official Airport Parking: Chania (Right opposite the arrivals terminal). Available 24/7 (€2/1h €5/day) – long stay fees available
• Akrotiri Station: Airport area. Mon-Sun (€2/1h) – Shuttle to the terminal available – Longer stay fees available
• Soudas Parking Airport area. Mon-Sun (€2/1h) – Shuttle to the terminal available – Longer stay fees available

Private Chania Parking

• Parking TALOS: Partheniou Kleiadi Street. Available 24/7 €3.60/2h (Credit card available)
• Aktep Auto Park: 1 and 8 Papanastasiou Street. Available 24/7 (price info at the facilities)
• Parking Plus: Iroon Polutechneiou Street. Mon-Sun 7.00 am – 11.00 pm (price info at the facilities)
• Splanzia Hotel: 23 Daskalogianni St. €12/24 hours (€8 for overnight parking)
• Parking Plaza: 1-5 Peiraios Street. Mon-Sun 7.00 am – 02.00 am €2.30/hour (Sklavinitis Supermarket)
• Sklavinitis Carpark: 22 Mitropolitou Kirillou Street. €2.30/hour
• Parking Ermis: 11-15 Bouniali Street. Mon-Fri 07.30 am – 11.00 pm, Sat 07.30 am – 5.00 pm €2.90/ hour Overnight parking is available for an extra surcharge.
• Parking Apollon: Grigoriou Street. Available 24/7 €2.90/ hour. (Cleaning available)

So, there you are. That’s all you need to know about Chania parking. Yes, it can be tricky, but if you follow the tips and choose one of the listed parking spots here, you are in good hands.

My advice? Head to a private parking service and prepare for a carefree visit to the charming town of Chania! And remember: the best part of your holidays in Crete is only a few minutes away. 

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Parking Spots in Chania, Crete

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