Crete has two main airports for UK flights. These are Heraklion (HER), in the centre of the north coast, and Chania (CHQ), in the west. This guide explains how Crete airport transfers work from each one, by public bus, taxi, private transfer or hire car, so you can plan the first hour of your holiday before you land.
Quick answer
- Heraklion town: the KTEL airport bus runs to Heraklion’s central bus station by the port, and a taxi is a short ride.
- Hersonissos, Malia and Agios Nikolaos: fly into Heraklion. KTEL buses run east along the coast, but a taxi or pre-booked transfer is simpler with luggage.
- Chania town and the west: fly into Chania if you can. The KTEL bus goes from the airport to Chania bus station on Kydonias Street.
- Rethymno: it sits between the two airports, so compare flight times and transfer options for both.
- Villas, late arrivals or children: book a private transfer before you travel.
Not sure which airport to choose? Our guide to flights to Crete from the UK compares Heraklion and Chania, including which UK airlines fly to each.
Crete airport transfers compared
The table below compares Crete airport transfers by area. Driving times depend heavily on traffic and the season, so treat them as rough guides and allow extra time in summer.
| Where you’re staying | Best airport | Public transport | Easiest door to door |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heraklion town | Heraklion | KTEL airport bus | Taxi |
| Hersonissos and Malia | Heraklion | KTEL coastal bus from Heraklion | Taxi or private transfer |
| Agios Nikolaos and Elounda | Heraklion | KTEL bus via Heraklion | Private transfer or hire car |
| Rethymno | Either | KTEL intercity bus | Private transfer or hire car |
| Chania town | Chania | KTEL airport bus | Taxi |
| Platanias, Kissamos and the far west | Chania | KTEL bus via Chania | Private transfer or hire car |
In short, buses work well for the two main towns. For resorts further away, however, a taxi, transfer or hire car usually saves a lot of time.
Heraklion Airport transfers
Heraklion Airport is Crete’s busiest airport and lies just east of Heraklion town. As a result, it’s the natural arrival point for the town itself, the resorts east along the coast, such as Hersonissos and Malia, and the Agios Nikolaos and Elounda area.
KTEL bus from Heraklion Airport
The regional bus company, KTEL Heraklion–Lasithi, runs the airport route to Heraklion’s central bus station (Station A, by the port). Departures are frequent through the day. In addition, from the central station you can change to KTEL buses along the coast. However, times change with the season, so check the live departures on the KTEL website on the day you travel.
Taxis and private transfers
Taxis wait outside arrivals. Also, for Heraklion town the ride is short, while for resorts further east or a villa in the hills, a pre-booked private transfer gives you a fixed price before you travel. You can compare offers from local drivers with GetTransfer (affiliate link).
Chania Airport transfers
Chania Airport is on the Akrotiri peninsula, north-east of Chania town. Because of this, it’s the better choice for Chania’s old town and harbour, the beach resorts west of town, such as Platanias, and the far west of the island.
KTEL bus from Chania Airport
KTEL Chania–Rethymno runs the airport bus to Chania bus station on Kydonias Street, which is a short walk from the old town. The company publishes a separate timetable for the airport route, and it changes during the year. For example, one timetable runs until 24 October 2026 and a new one starts on 25 October, when airlines switch to their winter schedules. Therefore, check the current timetable before you fly, especially for a late arrival.
Taxis and private transfers
Similarly, taxis wait at the rank outside the terminal. For resorts west of Chania or rural villas, though, a pre-booked transfer is often easier, because the driver already has your address and the price is agreed in advance.
Affiliate link: GetTransfer is a booking platform where local drivers and transfer companies send offers for your trip. If you book through our link, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. The price and availability are set by the provider. See our affiliate disclosure.
Should you hire a car at a Crete airport?
Crete is a large island; in fact, many of its best beaches, villages and gorges are hard to reach by bus. So if you plan to explore beyond your resort, a hire car collected at the airport is often the most practical choice. On the other hand, for a week in Heraklion or Chania town, buses and taxis are usually enough.
Where to stay after you land
Your airport choice and your base go together, so plan your Crete airport transfers and your hotel at the same time. Our guide to where to stay in Crete compares Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, Hersonissos, Elounda and the south coast. If you land late, you can also compare hotels in Heraklion (affiliate link) or compare hotels in Chania (affiliate link). These links go through Stay22 to booking sites such as Booking.com and Expedia, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Tips for Crete airport transfers
- Check the bus on the day: both KTEL companies change their timetables during the year, so look at the live departures before you fly.
- Late flight? Buses thin out at night, so book a transfer or a hotel near the airport.
- Cash helps: bring a little cash for bus tickets in case card payment isn’t available.
- Compare both airports: for Rethymno, the cheaper flight may not be the shorter transfer.
Related guides
- Flights to Crete from the UK: Heraklion or Chania?
- Where to stay in Crete: the best bases for your trip
- Flights to Athens from the UK
How we research: this guide is based on the official websites of the bus operators and airports, not on a sponsored visit. Information was checked on 10 October 2026. Timetables and services change, so confirm with the operator before you travel.
Sources
- KTEL Heraklion–Lasithi, routes, timetables and live departures (Heraklion Airport route): ktelherlas.gr
- KTEL Chania–Rethymno, printable timetables, “From & to Chania Airport” (valid 1–24 October 2026 and from 25 October 2026): e-ktel.com
- Region of Crete tourism portal: incrediblecrete.gr
- Greek National Tourism Organisation: visitgreece.gr
We research Cyprus and Greece trips for travelers from the UK and Europe, using official tourism, airport and transport sources and published airline schedules. No sponsored rankings. How we research · How we earn