Airport to Crete City Center — Transfer Options & Prices
By Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-10
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Getting from Crete's airports to the city centers is straightforward, but your choice depends on budget, time, and group size. Crete has two main airports: Heraklion International Airport (HER) (serving Heraklion city) and Chania International Airport (CHQ) (serving Chania city). Here’s the real deal on transport options, prices, and times.
Heraklion Airport (HER) to Heraklion City Center
1. Bus (Line 12)
- Price: €2.50 ($2.70) one-way. Valid for 90 minutes on all buses.
- Journey time: 20–30 minutes (depends on traffic).
- Pros: Cheapest option, runs every 15–20 minutes (6:30 AM–11:30 PM), direct to Heraklion central bus station (KTEL).
- Cons: Can get crowded, no AC in summer, takes longer than taxis.
- Best for: Budget travelers, solo backpackers, and small groups. Not ideal for families with heavy luggage or elderly travelers.
2. Train (Hersonissos Line)
- Price: €1.50 ($1.60) one-way.
- Journey time: 25 minutes to Heraklion Railway Station (next to city center).
- Pros: Reliable, cheap, avoids traffic, runs every 30–60 minutes (7 AM–10 PM).
- Cons: Only connects to the train station, not the main city square (10-minute walk to central areas).
- Best for: Budget travelers wanting a stress-free, eco-friendly ride. Not great for families with strollers or business travelers needing downtown access.
3. Taxi
- Price: €25–35 ($27–38) flat rate to city center (includes luggage). No meter—negotiate before boarding.
- Journey time: 15–25 minutes (traffic-dependent).
- Pros: Direct, door-to-door, no waiting for buses, ideal after dark.
- Cons: Expensive for solo travelers, can be haggled, drivers sometimes take longer routes.
- Best for: Families (easy with kids/luggage), business travelers (time-sensitive), and groups of 3+.
4. Private Transfer
- Price: €50–70 ($54–76) for 1–2 people (book online in advance via companies like Crete Transfers).
- Journey time: 20–30 minutes (no traffic delays).
- Pros: Professional driver, meet-and-greet service, comfortable car, no haggling.
- Cons: Costly for solo travelers, requires pre-booking (not available on arrival).
- Best for: Business travelers (arrive ready for meetings), families with heavy luggage, or those prioritizing comfort over cost.
Chania Airport (CHQ) to Chania City Center
1. Bus (Line 2)
- Price: €2.50 ($2.70) one-way.
- Journey time: 15–20 minutes (direct to Chania central bus station).
- Pros: Very cheap, runs every 20 minutes (6 AM–11 PM), stops near the Old Town port.
- Cons: Less frequent than Heraklion’s bus, can be packed during peak season.
- Best for: Budget travelers and small groups. Avoid if traveling with multiple suitcases late at night.
2. Taxi