Written by Celine Fournier, Julien Lambert, Maria Gaulto
07/08/2025
Sleurink .JPEG, Pexels
Rethymno does not have its own airport; travelers typically arrive via Heraklion Airport (HER) or Chania Airport (CHQ). The city features a central bus station (KTEL) that serves as a hub for intercity and local routes, and a port that accommodates ferry services.
From Heraklion Airport (HER):
Bus:: No direct bus service. Take a local bus to Heraklion Central Bus Station (KTEL Terminal A) (approx. 20 min, ~€1.80), then an intercity bus to Rethymno (approx. 1.5 - 1 hr 50 min, ~€7-€13). Total journey is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
Taxi/Private Transfer:: The journey takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, with costs ranging from €80 to €120.
Car Rental:: Available at the airport, allowing for travel via the E75 highway. Daily rates start from approximately €25-€60.
From Chania Airport (CHQ):
Bus:: Direct bus services operate from the airport to Rethymno, taking about 1 hour to 1 hour 50 minutes. Fares are typically €5-€8.
Taxi/Private Transfer:: Travel time is around 45 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes, with costs generally between €55 and €140.
Car Rental:: Available at the airport, with the drive to Rethymno taking approximately 1 hour.
From Athens (Piraeus Port):
Ferry:: Direct car ferry services from Piraeus Port to Rethymno are available, typically operating twice weekly from June to September. The journey takes around 5 hours 35 minutes to 6 hours 5 minutes. Passenger tickets generally range from €40-€70, with vehicle transport being an additional cost.
Intercity Bus (within Crete):
KTEL buses provide frequent connections to major cities on Crete.
From Heraklion City:: The bus journey to Rethymno takes about 1 hour 15 minutes and costs €6-€11.
From Chania City:: The bus trip to Rethymno is approximately 1 hour 50 minutes, with fares around €5-€8.
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