✈ Heraklion Airport → Rethymno

📍 Route Map

🌍 About Rethymno

Rethymno is one of Crete's most historically rich and architecturally captivating cities, located 73 kilometres west of Heraklion Airport along the northern coastal highway. The transfer takes approximately 79 minutes, travelling westward through the suburban areas of Heraklion, past the town of Fodele, and along the scenic stretch of motorway that hugs the Cretan Sea coastline before reaching Rethymno's distinctive skyline dominated by the massive Venetian Fortezza fortress. The drive offers panoramic sea views for much of the route.

The old town of Rethymno is a remarkably well-preserved example of Venetian and Ottoman urban planning, with a labyrinthine old quarter full of narrow streets, minarets, Venetian loggia, ornate fountains and Renaissance doorways. The lighthouse at the entrance to the old harbour has become an iconic symbol of the city. Rethymno hosts a lively university community that contributes to a year-round cultural programme including one of Crete's finest Renaissance festivals, held annually in summer within the walls of the Fortezza.

The city's long sandy beach stretches east of the old town for several kilometres, backing a continuous strip of hotels and tavernas. Rethymno is also an excellent base for excursions into the Cretan hinterland — the Arkadi Monastery, a symbol of Cretan resistance, is just 23 km away, while the dramatic Psiloritis mountain range (Mount Ida) with its mythological caves rises to the south. A private airport transfer from Heraklion to Rethymno is the most comfortable way to begin or end your stay in this fascinating city.

⭐ 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 Rethymno:

• KTEL Bus (KTEL Rethymno) — KTEL Rethymno operates frequent express coach services between Heraklion and Rethymno, departing from the main KTEL terminal near Heraklion Port. Services run every 30–60 minutes throughout the day, with a journey time of approximately 1.5 hours. Ticket price is around €7.80 per person. As the terminal is at the port rather than at the airport, travellers must first take ASTIKO Line 2 from the airport, adding 30–40 minutes to the journey. The bus drops passengers at Rethymno's central bus station. Approximate cost: €7.80 per person.
• City Bus Line 2 — ASTIKO Line 2 serves as the airport's public bus connection to Heraklion city and port, running every 20–30 minutes during operating hours. The fare is €1.20 per journey. From the KTEL terminal near the port, passengers must transfer to the Rethymno intercity coach. The overall journey by public bus involves two changes and takes approximately 2.5 hours from airport to Rethymno centre, making it suitable only for light travellers with time to spare. Approximate cost: €1.20 airport to city.
• Standard Taxi — A metered taxi from Heraklion Airport to Rethymno costs approximately €90–120, depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. Taxis from the airport rank are available without advance booking for shorter routes, but for the 73km journey to Rethymno, pre-booking through an official taxi company or private transfer service is strongly advisable to guarantee vehicle availability and fixed pricing. Approximate cost: €90–120 per taxi.
• Car Rental — Renting a car at Heraklion Airport is an excellent option if you plan to explore the Rethymno region independently. Major rental companies including Budget, Enterprise and local operators offer competitive rates, starting from approximately €30–45 per day in the shoulder season. The E75 motorway provides a fast, direct connection westward to Rethymno. Paid parking is available in Rethymno near the old town and along the beach promenade. Approximate cost: from €30/day.