Crete is the largest Greek island — roughly 260km from east to west and up to 60km wide — and transport planning here matters far more than on smaller islands. The north coast is accessible by road and bus; the south coast is a different proposition. Prices listed here are approximate as of 2026.
Guided Tours and Island Excursions
| Tour | Duration | Price (from) | Group Size | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crete East-West Full-Island Day Tour | 10 hrs | from €60/person | Up to 40 | Knossos, Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania Old Town, north-coast stops |
| Samaria Gorge Day Trip from Chania | 10 hrs | from €30/person | Up to 40 | Coach to Xyloskalo, gorge walk, boat from Agia Roumeli, coach return |
| Knossos and Heraklion Museum Tour | 5 hrs | from €35/person | Up to 15 | Expert archaeologist guide, palace complex, Minoan museum highlights |
| Cretan Villages and Mountain Drive | 7 hrs | from €55/person | Small group | Archanes, Zaros, Arkadi Monastery, mountain taverna lunch |
| Crete Private Driver Day Trip | 8 hrs | from €120/person | Up to 5 | Custom route, private car, flexible stops across the island |
Browse all Crete guided tours and island excursions → GetYourGuide
Understanding Crete’s Geography
The island divides naturally into four areas: the Chania prefecture in the west, Rethymno in the centre-west, Heraklion in the centre, and Lasithi in the east (home to Agios Nikolaos and Elounda). The E75 motorway runs east-west along the north coast, connecting the main cities quickly. The south coast has no equivalent — it is reached only via mountain roads, some of which are narrow and steep.
Key distances by road:
- Heraklion to Chania: 140km (approximately 2 hours via motorway)
- Heraklion to Rethymno: 80km (approximately 1 hour)
- Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos: 70km (approximately 1 hour)
- Heraklion to Elafonisi beach: 170km (approximately 2.5 hours)
- Heraklion airport to city centre: 5km (approximately 15 minutes)
Car Hire
A hire car is by far the best way to explore Crete, particularly for anything beyond the main north-coast corridor. Pick-up locations are available at Heraklion airport (HER), Chania airport (CHQ), Heraklion port, and in major towns.
- Rates: approximately €20–30/day for a small car in shoulder season, €40–60/day in July and August as of 2026
- Operators: international companies (Europcar, Hertz, Sixt) and local operators are all present at both airports. Local operators are often cheaper; compare total prices including insurance
- Insurance: check whether CDW (collision damage waiver) is included or adds to the daily rate. Full-coverage options from approximately €10–15/day extra
- Road conditions: motorway and main roads are good. Mountain roads in the south and White Mountains area are paved but narrow; some tracks to remote beaches are unpaved
Book hire cars in advance in summer — availability at airports drops sharply in July and August and prices rise accordingly. For organised tours across multiple sites in Crete, see Crete tours and excursions.
KTEL Crete Buses
KTEL Crete operates the intercity bus network. The main route runs Chania–Rethymno–Heraklion–Agios Nikolaos–Sitia along the north coast.
Key fares (approximate as of 2026):
| Route | Fare | Journey time |
|---|---|---|
| Heraklion to Chania | €14 | 2.5 hours |
| Heraklion to Rethymno | €7 | 1 hour |
| Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos | €7.50 | 1 hour |
| Heraklion to Sitia | €15 | 2.5 hours |
| Chania to Rethymno | €7 | 1 hour |
The main bus stations: Heraklion (adjacent to the port on the east side), Chania (east of the Old Town), Rethymno (east of the Venetian harbour). Frequency is roughly hourly on the main corridor during the day, reducing in the evening and off-season.
South-coast routes are limited. KTEL buses run from Heraklion to Matala (approximately €6.50, 2 hours) and to Agia Galini with a connection at Mires. Buses do not reach Elafonisi, Balos, or Preveli directly — these require a hired vehicle or a day-trip from one of the towns.
Scooter and ATV Hire
Scooter hire is available at most resorts and in the main towns. A 125cc scooter covers distances within a coastal resort area well — useful for reaching nearby beaches and tavernas.
- Cost: approximately €20–30/day for a scooter, €25–40/day for a two-person ATV as of 2026
- Limitations: the E75 motorway prohibits scooters under 50cc; mountain passes require at minimum a 125cc engine. For anything beyond a fixed base, a hire car is significantly more practical
Taxis
Taxis are metered in the cities and fixed-rate on longer journeys. Sample fares:
- Heraklion airport to Heraklion centre: approximately €15–20
- Heraklion to Knossos: approximately €10–15 one way
- Chania to Samaria Gorge trailhead (Xyloskalo): approximately €40–50 one way
- Heraklion to Elounda: approximately €60–70
For long distances, taxis are expensive compared to buses or car hire, but useful for one-way transfers to trailheads like Samaria.
Ferries and Coastal Boats
Overnight ferries from Piraeus: ANEK Lines and Minoan Lines run nightly from Piraeus (Athens) to Heraklion (8–9 hours) and less frequently to Rethymno and Chania (Souda). Economy seats from approximately €25 as of 2026; cabin costs more. The Heraklion–Piraeus route runs multiple times per week year-round.
Seasonal boat services: In summer, small boats connect beach-to-beach along the south coast (Agia Roumeli to Hora Sfakion, Loutro to Hora Sfakion) and from Kissamos port to Balos lagoon (approximately €20 return, 45 minutes). These run May to October and are the only practical way to reach some south-coast locations without a very long hike.
Getting to and from the Airports
Heraklion airport (HER) is 5km east of the city centre. No public bus connects directly; take a taxi (approximately €15–20) or hire car pick-up from the arrivals hall. Chania airport (CHQ) at Souda is 15km from Chania town; taxi costs approximately €25–35.
See our Crete island guide for an overview of regions and what to expect, or where to stay in Crete for accommodation across Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, and the resorts.
See Also
- Crete Travel Guide - island overview, what to see, and when to go
- Things to Do in Crete - Knossos, Samaria Gorge, beaches, and village walks
- Best Beaches in Crete - Elafonisi, Balos, Preveli, and Falasarna
- Day Trips in Crete - Knossos, Spinalonga, and the Samaria Gorge in one day
- Where to Stay in Crete - Chania vs Heraklion vs Rethymno for your base
- Athens to Crete Ferry - overnight ferry from Piraeus, cabins, and booking tips