![\"How](\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/how-to-get-to-rethymnon.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nThis opinion is completely independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.<\/p>\n\n If you don’t want to read the whole article:<\/p>\n\n It’s time to book! Rethymnon lies on the north coast of Crete, roughly equidistant from Chania (approx. 60km to the west) and Heraklion (approx. 80km to the east). The town overlooks the Cretan Sea and backs onto the foothills of the Psiloritis (Mount Ida) massif, whose summit rises to 2,456m. We appreciate this central location, which makes it easy to reach both ends of the island. <\/p>\n\n Crete stretches some 260km from east to west. Rethymnon is in the central third, linked to the other towns by the A90 coastal freeway. Here’s a map to help you find your way around and estimate journey times: <\/p>\n\n Good to know:<\/strong> the A90 (or E75) freeway runs along the north coast from Kissamos (west) to Sitia (east). The journey times given correspond to normal traffic conditions. In summer, allow a little more time, especially on the stretch between Rethymnon and Heraklion, which is often busy. <\/p>\n\n If you are planning to stay in Rethymnon (by plane or ferry), please see the following sections.<\/p>\n\n On the other hand, if you’re already staying in Crete and want to discover Rethymnon for the day, here’s our advice:<\/p>\n\n Rethymnon is about 1 hour’s drive from Chania on the A90 freeway. It’s a quick drive along the coastline. You can also opt for a guided tour, which often includes stops along the way. <\/p>\n\n Allow around 1h10 on the coastal highway. The road is well maintained and offers beautiful views of the northern coastline. We find that this trip can easily be combined with a stopover in Rethymnon in the morning and a return to Heraklion at the end of the day. <\/p>\n\n From Agios Nikolaos, the drive to Rethymnon takes around 2 hours. The route passes through Heraklion and continues westwards on the freeway. The day trip is still feasible, but we recommend an early start to get the most out of the town. <\/p>\n\n The southern villages of the Rethymnon region (Plakias, Agia Galini) are linked by winding mountain roads. Allow around 45min from Plakias and 1h from Agia Galini. These roads offer spectacular scenery, but require careful driving due to the sharp bends. We recommend an early start. <\/p>\n\n See all our tips<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n Rethymnon has no airport. Heraklion International Airport (HER) is the most frequent option for travelers wishing to fly here. Named after the Cretan writer Nikos Kazantzakis (author of Zorba the Greek<\/em>), it is around 80km from Rethymnon, a 1h15-minute drive via the coastal freeway. <\/p>\n\n This airport is the largest in Crete and one of the busiest in Greece. It operates year-round with daily flights from Athens (Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Ryanair). In high season (April to October), direct flights connect Heraklion to many European cities. We consider this to be the best choice for access to Rethymnon, as the range of flights is extensive and fares often competitive. <\/p>\n\n Tip:<\/strong> in the low season (November to March), direct flights from Europe are scarce. Transiting via Athens remains the most reliable option during this period. <\/p>\n\n Compare available flights.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n From Heraklion airport, R\u00e9thymnon is about 80km to the west. The route takes the A90\/E75 coastal freeway, a road in good condition that runs along Crete’s northern coastline. <\/p>\n\n Several international (Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Europcar) and local agencies have counters just outside the Heraklion terminal. The journey to Rethymnon takes around 1h15 on the freeway. The road is well signposted and presents no difficulties. We recommend booking in advance between June and September, as demand is high and prices rise quickly. <\/p>\n\n See Our tips for renting a car in Crete<\/a> and Driving in Crete<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n The KTEL intercity bus network<\/a> provides regular connections between Heraklion and Rethymnon. Buses depart from Heraklion Bus Station A, which can be reached from the airport by local bus or short cab ride. <\/p>\n\n In high season, there’s about one bus an hour. The journey takes between 1h30 and 1h45 depending on the stop. Buses are air-conditioned and equipped with luggage compartments.<\/p>\n\n We advise you to check the updated timetables on the official KTEL website, as frequencies decrease out of season.<\/p>\n\n A cab from Heraklion airport to Rethymnon costs between \u20ac100 and \u20ac140, depending on the time and traffic. The journey takes around 1h15. A surcharge applies at night and on public holidays. This option is ideal if you’re travelling in a small group and want to share the fare.<\/p>\n\n Booking a private transfer in advance means you’ll have a driver ready to take you straight from the terminal to your accommodation in Rethymnon. We appreciate the convenience of this option after a flight, especially with a family or group, as the price is set per vehicle and not per person. <\/p>\n\n Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In the historic center<\/strong> Downtown<\/strong> By the sea<\/strong> See our selection of the best hotels in Rethymno<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Chania International Airport (CHQ) is the second option for reaching Rethymnon by air. Located on the Akrotiri peninsula, it’s around 60km from Rethymnon, a 1-hour drive by freeway. <\/p>\n\n This airport mainly serves seasonal flights (April to October) from many European cities. The Athens-Chania route (Olympic Air, Aegean Airlines) operates year-round, with 2 to 5 daily flights. Out of season, the European offer is much reduced. We recommend comparing fares between Heraklion and Chania airports: depending on the season, one may be considerably cheaper than the other. <\/p>\n\n Compare available flights.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n From Chania airport, Rethymnon is about 60km to the east. The journey follows the A90\/E75 coastal freeway and takes about 1 hour. <\/p>\n\n The main rental agencies (Hertz, Avis, Sixt, as well as local rental companies) are located in the arrivals hall in Chania. The journey to Rethymnon takes about 1 hour on the freeway, an easy, well-marked road. We suggest booking in advance in high season to benefit from the best rates. <\/p>\n\n See Our tips for renting a car in Crete<\/a> and Driving in Crete<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n From Chania airport, take the KTEL Chanion bus to the center of Chania (~30min, approx. \u20ac2.50). From there, KTEL<\/a> intercity buses connect Chania to Rethymnon several times a day. The journey takes about 1 hour. A cab from Chania airport to Rethymnon costs between \u20ac80 and \u20ac120, depending on the time of day. The journey takes about 1 hour. For a private transfer booked in advance, a driver will meet you at the terminal exit and drop you off directly at your accommodation.<\/p>\n\n To plan your road trip:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more<\/a> >>><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Rethymnon has its own ferry port, which is an advantage over other Cretan towns of comparable size. The port is located on the eastern outskirts of the town, around 3km from the historic center. <\/p>\n\n Anek Lines operates regular crossings between Piraeus and Rethymnon. Departures are in the evening and arrivals early in the morning, saving one night’s accommodation. We find this option particularly suitable if you wish to take your vehicle from mainland Greece. Ferries often sell out in high season, especially if you’re traveling by car. Book your tickets in advance. <\/p>\n\n See times and availability.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n Good to know:<\/strong> the night ferry from Piraeus is an economical option. You embark in the evening and arrive in Rethymnon in the early morning. Cabin comfort is decent. If you opt for a seat or the deck, bring a cushion and something to cover up, as the air-conditioning can be cold on board. <\/p>\n\n The port of Rethymnon is about 3km from the historic center. Cabs are available from the port exit. A cab ride takes 5 to 10 minutes and costs around \u20ac8-12. Alternatively, you can walk along the coast to the center in about 30 minutes. <\/p>\n\n If the direct ferry to Rethymnon doesn’t suit you, there are two other Cretan ports where you can reach the city by road:<\/p>\n\n These alternatives offer more choice in terms of companies and frequencies, especially in low season. We recommend them if you can’t find a direct crossing to Rethymnon on your desired date. <\/p>\n\nSummary: How to get to Rethymnon<\/h2>\n\n
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![\"flat](\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/crete-plane-2.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Rethymnon](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Rethymnon\/Town\/i-cxmrB46\/0\/NVVwNgfVQCLF5X375Psqp6hPtbkRfkDwzxprx4b9D\/L\/Rethymnon_lighthouse-L.jpg\")
Where is R\u00e9thymnon and Map<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Time](\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Crete-driving-times-map.jpg\")
Day trips from other towns in Crete<\/h2>\n\n
From Chania<\/h3>\n\n
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![\"Fortress\"\/](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Rethymnon\/Venetian-Fortezza\/i-nnDGVDW\/0\/KT4R6643xmQsKnP54pc9fZkPP4Zb5mJDFTVtqwhWr\/L\/rethymno_fort-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nFrom Heraklion<\/h3>\n\n
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From Agios Nikolaos or eastern Crete<\/h3>\n\n
From southern Crete<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Veli](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Rethymnon\/Veli-Pacha\/i-vWHcvjZ\/0\/NgL54TN3CdR7SWGzdd6jn5VJ6gG8kpkcTCSgMRS7h\/L\/Mosque_veli_Pacha-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n RENT YOUR CAR IN Crete<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Driving](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Palaiochora\/Drive-Mountains-to-Palaiochora\/i-3FB5j3D\/1\/Kj7Nt7cgMJrhqF2hG3FjcJg77Cvp8csFFZ3hkBMHN\/S\/mountains-crete-greece-5128-S.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBy air via Heraklion – Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport (HER)<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Heraklion](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Heraklion\/Town\/i-9d8FHkW\/0\/NCWCfWHWQJjCnMmkJCKkVB5VX2xWD9Xbjq8BP6Z3d\/L\/airport%20heraklion%20crete-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nMain air routes to HER<\/h3>\n\n
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Access options to Rethymnon from Heraklion Airport (HER)<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Heraklion](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Drive-and-transport\/i-KMJ5KkH\/0\/MKgT496RWfW4xKrwdNkg8NnZCnkNq8WVkmqwCQzGv\/L\/Rental_car_Crete-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nBy rental car<\/h4>\n\n
![\"Heraklion](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Heraklion\/Airport\/i-KsPmb6C\/0\/MbJsGPmZRcR82jJnB7Lz55ZZ9sSVg5BBTMKjfgrrq\/L\/Bus_heraklion_airport-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nBy public transport<\/h4>\n\n
![\"Heraklion](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Heraklion\/Airport\/i-Lq244tf\/0\/LvC9CCq6ggsWFLg4LFXMpXrrnpsNzpkPW8P54RfZc\/L\/Taxi_Heraklion_airport-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nBy cab<\/h4>\n\n
Private transfer<\/h4>\n\n
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WHERE TO STAY IN Rethymnon<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n![\"Pepi](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Rethymnon\/Hotels-best-of\/i-wcXkJWz\/0\/MCVq4pf3wDnwKxv4mVXqs4BX6SkFWp6vJZX6XC6cw\/S\/pepi%20boutiqque%20hotel-3-S.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBy air via Chania International Airport – Ioannis Daskalogiannis (CHQ)<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Chania](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Chania\/Town\/i-gtv5ZQH\/0\/Lp7Ch8tbF7jB3bTXLTwdWxP3dk3h7Bx8WR9HT3bfx\/L\/chania_airport-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nMain flight connections to CHQ<\/h3>\n\n
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Access options to Rethymnon from Chania Airport (CHQ)<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Car](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Chania\/Town\/i-wLhF9x8\/0\/MXQrHQp5cG5FWm6M2j9hvNjZzfB9PTXkkKgRkd9jm\/L\/chania_airport_car_rental-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nBy rental car<\/h4>\n\n
![\"Bus](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Chania\/Town\/i-NT5kdq9\/0\/ND5jPTTMVhpfqc3T9WF7DMhSGrkBr8bMbC7Xx4LLc\/L\/chania_bus-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nBy public transport<\/h4>\n\n
![\"Cab](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Chania\/Town\/i-mkVw24Z\/0\/MjLpZhFMrk42KSvKQBKxH8NM47cDftZb5ngP3DMsJ\/L\/chania_taxi-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nBy cab or private transfer<\/h4>\n\n
OUR GUIDE TO Crete<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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![\"medium-FR-Crete-eBook-road-trip\"](\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Medium-Crete-eBook-Cover.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\nBy ferry via the Port of Rethymnon<\/h2>\n\n
Crossings from Piraeus (Athens)<\/h3>\n\n
![\"ferry](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Drive-and-transport\/i-K4rDjg3\/1\/LSsjpcjb2RQ9NfQKjJ5bpzFncKqqFmKLmWX4Mn7zM\/L\/ferry-island-greece-6891-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nFrom the port to downtown<\/h3>\n\n
By ferry via the ports of Heraklion or La Souda<\/h2>\n\n
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![\"Rimondi](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Rethymnon\/Town\/i-KvfFGKK\/0\/LQ3WBhTfj9rJtgdTxJ8tbvVkhWdb9j6GpxgQvJWt2\/L\/Rethymno-crete-greece-6968-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n![\"Rethymnon](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Rethymnon\/Town\/i-xcMchzv\/0\/MVFJDC5LDTq3dMmZ5xT4gW6fn9JfPGKvcBWvVHC45\/S\/Rethymno-crete-greece-3974-S.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Madeira-Lovers\/Portraits-equipe\/i-WCb99j5\/0\/2d0b98a0\/L\/regionlovers-3-L.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n