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How to get from Chania to Crete
Chania is already on Crete, so this trip is from Chania in the west to the centre of the island, around Rethymno, Heraklion and the Psiloritis mountains. The fastest way is to drive the north coast national road, about 1 h to Rethymno and 2 h 15 to Heraklion. KTEL buses take about 1 h 15 to Rethymno and 2 h 45 to Heraklion.
Best option: Car. A car lets you reach the villages, beaches and mountain sites of central Crete that buses serve rarely or not at all.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| car North coast national road (VOAK) east from Chania towards Rethymno and Heraklion | about 1 h to Rethymno; about 2 h 15 to Heraklion | fuel only, no tolls | The road is being upgraded in places; drive carefully, as overtaking and mixed traffic make it one of Greece's more dangerous roads. | |
| bus KTEL buses from Chania bus station to Rethymno and Heraklion | about 1 h 15 to Rethymno; about 2 h 45 to Heraklion | roughly hourly or more often in summer, fewer in winter | about €8 to Rethymno; about €15 to Heraklion | Comfortable and cheap; connecting KTEL buses serve villages inland, but infrequently. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- There are no trains on Crete and no flights within the island; road is the only option.
- For Knossos, take the KTEL bus to Heraklion and then a city bus to the site.
- Mountain roads inland are narrow and winding; allow more time than the map suggests.
- Avoid driving the national road after dark if you are not used to Greek roads.
Common questions
Is Chania on Crete?
Yes. Chania is the main town of western Crete. This route covers travel from Chania to the centre of the island, around Rethymno, Heraklion and the Psiloritis mountains. You do not need a ferry or a flight: everything is connected by the north coast national road and KTEL buses.
How do I get from Chania to Heraklion?
By KTEL bus, about 2 h 45 and roughly €15, or by car, about 2 h 15 on the national road. Buses leave Chania bus station frequently in summer and stop in Rethymno on the way. A car is better if you also want to stop at beaches or villages.
Can I visit Knossos as a day trip from Chania?
Yes. Leave early by KTEL bus or car to Heraklion, about 2 h 15 to 2 h 45, and continue to Knossos by city bus or taxi, about 20 minutes more. Allow two to three hours at the site and add the archaeological museum in Heraklion if time allows.
Is there a train on Crete?
No. Crete has no railway and no flights within the island. Travel between Chania, Rethymno and Heraklion is by car, KTEL bus or taxi. The KTEL buses are reliable and cheap, and they run frequently along the north coast, especially between May and October.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.