✈ Heraklion Airport → Chania

📍 Route Map

🌍 About Chania

Chania is widely regarded as the most beautiful city on Crete and one of the most picturesque in all of Greece, situated at the far western end of the island 131 kilometres from Heraklion Airport. The transfer takes approximately 149 minutes via the E75 coastal motorway, travelling westward through the landscapes of central Crete — past olive groves, vineyards, and the dramatic change in terrain as the island narrows toward its western reaches. The journey itself is scenic, particularly in the final approach as the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) come into view south of the road.

Chania's historic old town revolves around a perfectly preserved Venetian harbour, considered one of the most romantic and evocative in the Mediterranean. The waterfront lighthouse, the curved harbour walls, the domed mosque of the Janissaries, and the former Venetian arsenals all stand as reminders of the city's long history under Venetian and Ottoman rule. The covered market (Agora), built in the early twentieth century in the shape of a cross, provides an excellent introduction to Cretan food culture with stalls selling herbs, olive oil, local cheeses and honey.

The greater Chania region offers exceptional diversity for visitors: the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe's longest gorges at 16km, begins just south of the city; the beaches of Balos Lagoon and Elafonisi, both frequently ranked among Europe's finest, lie to the west; and the Akrotiri Peninsula to the northeast offers monasteries, ancient ruins and some of the best seafood restaurants on the island. While Chania has its own international airport for direct flights, many travellers arrive at Heraklion and use a private transfer to travel west — a journey best accomplished in comfort with a reliable transfer service.

⭐ Premium Transfer Service

🚌 Other Transport Options

If a private transfer does not suit your plans, here are the main alternatives for travelling between Heraklion Airport and Chania:

• KTEL Bus (KTEL Chania) — KTEL Chania operates express coaches between Heraklion and Chania departing from Heraklion's KTEL Bus Terminal near the port. Services run approximately every 30–45 minutes throughout the day, with the journey taking around 2.5 hours. Ticket price is €13.40 per person. The terminal is not at the airport — take ASTIKO Line 2 from the airport to the port first (€1.20, ~25 minutes). Total journey time from airport to Chania via public bus is approximately 3–3.5 hours. Approximate cost: €13.40 per person.
• City Bus Line 2 — ASTIKO Line 2 connects Heraklion Airport to the city port area for €1.20, where the KTEL Chania terminal is located. The bus runs every 20–30 minutes and takes about 25 minutes to reach the port. This initial connection is a necessary step for all public bus travel to Chania from the airport. Journey time is manageable for budget travellers with light bags, but for the 131km to Chania with luggage, a private transfer represents significantly better value of time. Approximate cost: €1.20 airport to city.
• Standard Taxi — A metered taxi from Heraklion Airport to Chania represents a significant fare, typically ranging from €140–175 due to the 131km distance and approximately 2.5-hour journey time. This option is rarely taken by individual travellers, but may be considered by large groups of 4–5 people splitting the cost, or by business travellers with urgent schedules. Pre-booking through a licensed operator is essential for this distance. Approximate cost: €140–175 per taxi.
• Car Rental — Renting a car at Heraklion Airport and driving to Chania is a popular choice for visitors who plan to explore multiple regions of Crete. The E75 motorway provides a fast, well-maintained connection the entire length of the northern coast. Rental rates start from €30–45 per day. Having a car in Chania is useful for excursions to the Samaria Gorge, Balos, Elafonisi and the Sfakia coast, though the city centre is best explored on foot. Approximate cost: from €30/day.