Getting Around in Crete

Getting around in Crete Crete is very well organised for travellers, and there are excellent coach, taxi and ferry services, as well as a good quality road system.

The roads are a little smaller in the rural areas, and signage is almost non-existent, so you know you are having a real adventure.

That's fine, those experienced travellers amongst us wouldn't have it any other way and actually look to get off the beaten track.

Below is information about:

• Taxis
• Transfers
• Buses
• Hire Cars
• Crete Ferries
• Maps

Taxis in Crete

Taxi drivers in Crete are marginally better than some parts of the world, however it is suggested that you protect yourself from overcharging by knowing the decent rate for the journey you need, and agreeing on this before the journey. Most Cretan taxi drivers are savvy enough to know that by using this method, you are an aware customer, and not ready to be ripped off today.

Generally, if in doubt, ask at the airport information desk for the reasonable rate to your destination, or better still, find out before-hand by obtaining a realiable up-to-date guidebook. Below you will find some of the most common trips and their approximate value. If you have a lot of luggage, expect to pay a little more. Tipping is also common. For journeys within towns, expect to pay no more than €2-€5.

For that all-important first day, a taxi ride from the hotel to your village, hotel or domatia is a very good way to begin your Cretan stay. You can book online for a taxi to meet your flight, put your luggage into the vehicle and get you safely to your destination. Generally this pre-booked service is more expensive than the local taxi you would hail on the kerbside, but we find it is worth it for the peace of mind.

If you are travelling as a family or large group you may need a pre-booked transfer. You may also like to pre-book your taxi or shuttle from home to your departure airport. This can all be arranged online for that extra peace of mind. Check prices and pre-book a taxi in Crete.

Local taxi prices

Local Bus Service in Crete

The local and regional bus services in Crete are run by regional collectives known as Kino Tamio Eispraxeon Leoforon or KTEL.

More about KTEL Bus Service here...

Bus Stations

Most bus stations are fairly basic and central in each town, except for Heraklion which has two regional bus stations for KTEL buses and then the town bus stops for town buses.

Heraklion Bus Stations: The station down by the port, between the old harbour, the new port and the town, is named Bus Station A and buses depart from here for destinations along the north coast of Crete including west to Rethymnon and Chania, and east to Agios Nikolaos in Lassithi.

The station located on the outskirts of town at Chanioporta (next to the buttress walls) is called Bus Station B and buses depart from here for destinations to the south in Heraklion prefecture such as Mires and Matala and towns in between. From here you will also catch buses to Anogia, Gortys and Festos.

• Just down from the Liondaria on 25th August St, near El Greco park. From here you can catch bus #2 to Knossos.

• Outside the Capsis Astoria Hotel on the large central plateia Eleftherios Venizelos.

Hire Cars in Crete

It is really worth having a vehicle for getting around in Crete to enjoy touring and exploring. The island is 260 by 60 kms, so it is a large island. Hiring a car in Crete can be more expensive than in other European countries. The local companies offer better rates than the multi-nationals. Here are a few tips to assist in your smooth journey.

Click here for car hire in Crete...

Hire Cars are available for pickup from the airports at Iraklion and Chania, and from town centres in each capital town of Chania, Rethymnon, Iraklion and Agios Nikolaos.

Map of Crete with markers showing airports and capital towns.

Pre-book your car hire in Crete...or just check rates...

Ferries within Crete

Minoan Lines, Anek Lines, Lane Lines and other large Greek ferry companies have itineraries that include multiple stops within Crete. See our page about getting to and from Crete.

There are also many smaller ferry services, especially on the south coast, that are convenient for getting around in Crete for daytrips or to explore the beautiful inaccessible little coastal villages of Kriti.

When getting around in Crete by ferry, remember that the sea has the final word on all ferry and boat departures and scheduled departures may be cancelled due to weather conditions.

From the small town of Sfakia, also known as Chora Sfakion, in the south of Chania prefecture, ferries link to the beautiful coastal villages of Loutro, Agia Roumeli, Sougia, and Paleohora and the beach at Elafonisi. Sfakia can be reached by bus from Chania. See the KTEL Bus timetables for times and routes.

Anendyk Maritime S.A. runs three ferries on the south coast of Chania and bookings are generally not required, but for groups or in the very busy season it would be safe to purchase your ticket ahead of time, which you can do from ticket offices in Agia Roumeli, Loutro and Sfakia. Bookings can also be made on the phone or by email. Tickets are between €3-€15 with discounts for children and pensioners. Getting around in Crete by ferry is quite easy on the south coast.

Getting to and from Loutro by ferry. This whitewashed village is a 15 minute ferry ride from Sfakia, on the south coast of Crete. Its charm is that it may only be accessed by foot or by boat. Ferries cross between the Sfakia and Paleohora regularly in busy season. Taxi ferries can also take you from Sfakia to Loutro.

Getting to and from Sougia by ferry. It is possible to get the bus between Chania and Sougia, and to walk the beautiful Agia Irini Gorge from the north, and ferries pass here to both Paleohora in the west and to Agia Roumeli, Loutro and Sfakia to the east. Ferries also leave Sougia less frequently for Gavdos Island.

Getting to and from Paleohora by ferry. It is possible to reach Paleohora by bus, however if you want to include it in your ferry-hopping on the south coast, it is a great idea. Ferry connections are available from Sfakia, Loutro, Agia Roumeli, Sougia and Gavdos Island.

Getting to and from Elafonisi by boat. In busy season boats run daily between Paleohora and Elafonisi.

Getting to and from Chrissi Island by boat. From the southern coastal town of Ierapetra in eastern Crete, boats leave for the island of Chrissi Island also called Donkey Island 12 km to the south. Known for its white sand and patches of pine and cyprus, this uninabited island is a protected area and you can only visit during the day. Boats do travel there for a day visit, and tavernas are open in peak season. Private boat charters are also available.

Getting to and from Spinalonga Island by boat. From both Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, boats take day trips to Spinalonga to explore the ruins and the ex-leper colony. These cruises take in the views of the beautiful Mirabello Bay.

These are just some of the ferries for getting around in Crete.

Maps of Crete

If you wish to purchase a detailed map before you get to Crete, check out the Road Editions Map of Western Crete or Map of Eastern Crete.

If you would like to purchase a map or guide whilst in Athens en route to Crete, visit Road Bookstore at 71 Solonos Street in Athens for a wide range of maps, guides and publications about Greece.

If you would like to purchase a map or guide upon arrival in Iraklion, visit Taxidiotiko Bibliopolio ~ Travel Bookstore on Handakos 29 in Iraklion (just walk down between the trees from the Liondaria). You can find road maps, walking maps and hiking maps with good detail. Here is also a good map of Iraklion town. Not far from this bookstore is the Planet International Bookshop which has a wide range in many languages. These maps and guides will give good help for getting around in Crete.

Travel Agent in Crete. Looking for assistance with getting around in Crete? To make your travel arrangements, a reliable travel agent is Vai Travel in Heraklion at 10, Chandakos Street (just walk through the trees behind the Liondaria).

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