Chania, also known by its Greek name Chania, is located in western Crete. A former Venetian port lined with colorful alleyways, the town’s mix of historical influences is a real draw. It’s an ideal place for a short break or vacation.
Here we share all the practical options for getting to Chania, whether you’re arriving by plane, ferry or day trip from another town in Crete.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Summary: How to get to Chania
If you don’t want to read the whole article:
- On the northwest coast of Crete
- 20min drive from Chania airport (direct flights from Europe in high season)
- 2h15 drive from Heraklion airport (Crete’s main airport)
- 15 min drive from Souda Ferry Port and 2h15 from Heraklion Ferry Port – Boats mainly from Athens and, in season, from other Greek islands. See ferry timetables.
- Day trips available from Rethymnon or Heraklion
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Where is Chania and Map
Chania lies on the northwest coast of Crete, Greece’s largest island. The town borders the Cretan Sea and backs onto the foothills of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori), whose peaks rise to over 2,400m. This geographical position gives the town a dual appeal: a coastline dotted with coves and beaches on one side, and a wild, mountainous hinterland on the other.
Crete stretches some 260km from east to west. Chania lies in the western third of the island. Here’s a map to help you find your way around, and understand the journey times:
Good to know: the A90 (or E75) freeway runs along the north coast of Crete, linking Kissamos (west of Chania) to Sitia (east). Journey times given are for normal traffic conditions. In summer, allow a little more time, especially between Rethymnon and Heraklion.
Day trips from other towns in Crete
If you’re looking for a complete vacation to Chania (by plane or ferry), see the following sections.
But if you’re wondering how to get to Chania from your holiday destination in Crete, here are our answers:
From Rethymnon or Heraklion
By car, the drive along the north coast is easy: 1h10 from Rethymnon and 2h25 from Heraklion.
Or take a guided tour, so you don’t have to drive and can enjoy the scenery and information.
- See options from Rethymnon
- See options from Heraklion (often combined with a stop in Rethymnon)
From other cities in the western half
If you’re staying elsewhere, you can:
- Driving (simplest)
- Book a cab or private transfer
From eastern Crete
From Agios Nikolaos or Sitia, the distance makes a day trip more tiring. We advise you to plan at least one night’s stay, so you can enjoy the city without rushing.
RENT YOUR CAR IN Crete
- Our preferred agency is Rental Center Crete
everything is included in the price and the service is excellent. No stress! - Choose a car with a decent engine for greater comfort on the few mountain roads.
- Book early for choice.
- If you prefer more choice, compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars
From the nearest airport: Chania – Ioannis Daskalogiannis
Chania by plane
Chania International Airport is named after Ioannis Daskalogiannis, an 18th-century Cretan hero. Located on the Akrotiri peninsula, it is just 14km from downtown Chania, about 20 minutes by car.
This airport mainly serves seasonal flights (April to October) from many European cities. During the high season, connections are frequent and varied. In the off-season, service is considerably reduced, and some airlines suspend their services.
Main flight connections to CHQ
- From France: seasonal flights from Paris, Lyon, Nantes, Bordeaux and Marseille (Transavia, easyJet, Volotea).
- From Switzerland: Geneva and Zurich (Edelweiss, easyJet)
- From Belgium: Brussels-Charleroi (Ryanair), Brussels-Zaventem (TUI fly)
- From Germany: Munich, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Berlin (Eurowings, Condor, Ryanair)
- From the UK: London (Gatwick, Luton, Stansted), Manchester, Birmingham (easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2)
- From Scandinavia: Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo (SAS, Norwegian)
- From Greece: Athens (Olympic Air, Aegean Airlines) – flights all year round, approx. 50min flight time
The Athens-Chania route remains the only one operated year-round. Frequencies vary from 2 to 5 flights a day, depending on the season.
Tip: if you’re traveling out of season (November to March), it’s often easier to transit via Athens.
Access to the city from Chania Airport (CHQ)
The airport is 14km from the city center. There are several ways to get to Chania, depending on your budget and preferences.
By rental car
A rental car is the most practical way to explore Chania and the surrounding area. The main agencies (Hertz, Avis, Sixt, as well as local rental companies) have counters in the arrivals hall. We advise you to book well in advance, especially in July and August, as rates rise and available vehicles become scarce.
The journey from the airport to the city center takes about 20min on the main road.
See Our tips for renting a car in Crete and Driving in Crete.
By public transport
The KTEL Chanion bus network links the airport with Chania city center. The line serves the airport in partial coordination with flight schedules, but frequency remains limited (approximately every 30min to 1h in high season). The bus stops at the Municipal Market, right in the heart of town.
Duration: ~30min
Cost: approx. €2.50 per person
We recommend that you check the updated timetables on the official KTEL website, as frequencies decrease in low season.
By cab
Cabs are waiting outside the arrivals terminal. The fare is set by the meter; we advise you to check that the driver switches it on when you leave. At night and on Sundays, a supplement applies.
Duration: ~20min
Cost: €25-45
Organized transport (private transfer or shuttle)
For added convenience, you can book a private transfer in advance. A driver will meet you at the terminal exit and take you directly to your accommodation. This solution is particularly interesting if you’re traveling with your family or in a group, as the cost is divided between the passengers.
WHERE TO STAY IN Chania
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
The old town and the Venetian port
Hotel Azade – See prices, photos and availability
Halepan quiet area
Lagon Life Spirit Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Nea Chora, with the long beach
AeliosDeign Hotel- See prices, photos and availability
From Crete’s other airport: Heraklion
By air via Heraklion – Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport (HER)
Heraklion International Airport, named after the Cretan writer Nikos Kazantzakis (author of Zorba the Greek), is the largest airport in Crete.
Situated 5km from the center of Heraklion, it welcomes millions of passengers every year and boasts a far more extensive network of connections than Chania.
We mention this option because it can be advantageous to go via Heraklion – flights are more plentiful, fares can be more competitive, and you can combine your arrival with a visit to Heraklion or Knossos before setting off for Chania.
Main air routes to HER
From Greece: Athens (Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Ryanair) – several flights a day, all year round
From Europe:
Heraklion offers year-round flights from most major European capitals. Seasonal flights (April-October) are much more extensive, from smaller European airports (Lyon, Nantes, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, München, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburg…).
Access options to Chania from Heraklion Airport (HER)
From Heraklion, Chania is about 140km to the west. The route takes the A90/E75 coastal freeway, a road in good condition that runs along Crete’s northern coastline.
By rental car
Picking up a rental car in Heraklion is easy: numerous agencies (international and local) are located right outside the terminal or in the immediate vicinity. The journey to Chania takes around 1h45 on the freeway. The road is well signposted and presents no particular difficulties.
We like this option, as it gives you the freedom to make stops along the way – in Rethymnon, for example, whose old town is well worth a visit.
The journey from the airport to the city center takes around 2h15 on the main road.
See Our tips for renting a car in Crete and Driving in Crete.
By public transport
The KTEL intercity bus network provides regular connections between Heraklion and Chania. Buses depart from Heraklion Bus Station A, which can be reached from the airport by local bus or short cab ride.
In high season, there’s a bus every hour or so. The journey takes between 2h30 and 3h, depending on the stop. Buses are air-conditioned and have luggage compartments.
By cab or organized transport (private transfer)
Booking a private transfer between Heraklion and Chania offers the comfort of a dedicated driver, without the constraints of driving after a flight. This option makes sense for groups or families, as the price is per vehicle and not per person.
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By ferry via the port of La Souda or the port of Heraklion
The ferry is an interesting alternative to flying, especially if you’re traveling by car from mainland Greece. There are two Cretan ports from which you can reach Chania or the surrounding area: the port of Souda (Souda Bay) and the port of Heraklion.
Port of La Souda – nearest to Chania
The port of La Souda is just 7km from the center of Chania. It is the most convenient port of arrival for travelers whose final destination is Chania. There are daily crossings from Piraeus (the port of Athens): approx. 8.30 a.m.-9 a.m.
Port of Heraklion – most options
The port of Heraklion is the busiest in Crete. Several companies offer daily crossings from the port of Athens (Piraeus): approx. 7h-9h (classic ferry) or 5h30 (fast, seasonal ferry)
Seasonal connections serve some Cycladic islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Paros).
If you arrive in Heraklion by ferry, you will then have to drive to Chania (approx. 2h15).
Ferries are often full in high season. Reserve in advance.
Good to know: overnight ferries from Piraeus offer the advantage of saving one night’s hotel accommodation. You leave in the evening and arrive early in the morning, ready to start the day. In the cabin, comfort is decent; in the seat or on deck, bring a cushion and something to cover up, as the air-conditioning can be strong on board.
From the ports to Chania
In both cases, you’ll find the same transport options to Chania as for the airports.
And once in Chania…
Once in Chania, there’s a lot to discover!
Find out more about our favorite neighborhoods and places to stay in this article.
- The Venetian port
- The must-see archaeological museum
- Incredible beaches in town and on the Arkotiri peninsula
- Excursions to Balos lagoon and Elafoniss pink beach
- …
See our article on Chania’s top attractions.
DISCOVER Chania
