How to reach Crete, Flights, Buses and Taxi to Crete

How to Reach Crete

To reach Crete, Greece's largest island, you have several transportation options depending on your starting point and preferences. Here's a detailed guide to help first-time travelers to Crete, along with estimated costs.

How to Reach Crete from India

New Delhi and Mumbai has various daily flights for Athens. Qatar Airways, Jet Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Egypt Air, Turkish Airlines offer services to Athens. From there, you can take summer charter flights to Crete.

How to reach Crete by flight

From International Destinations: Most travelers from abroad will likely fly into Athens International Airport (ATH) or Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) first, then take a connecting flight to Crete. Airlines such as Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, and Olympic Air offer frequent flights to Crete's main airports.

From Other Greek Islands: If you're already in Greece or planning an island-hopping adventure, you can take a domestic flight from major Greek islands like Athens, Santorini, or Rhodes to Crete. These flights typically take around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Cost: International flights to Athens or Thessaloniki vary widely depending on the departure location and time of booking. Domestic flights within Greece can range from €50 to €150, depending on the season and demand.

How to reach Crete by road

From Athens: If you prefer a scenic road trip, you can drive from Athens to Crete. The journey includes taking a ferry from Piraeus to Crete, which allows you to bring your car onboard.

From Other European Countries: For travelers coming from neighboring countries or those already in Europe, driving to Crete via ferry connections from Italy (Venice, Ancona, Bari) to Greece (Patras) and then driving down to Piraeus for the ferry to Crete is an option.

Cost: The cost of driving to Crete includes fuel, tolls (if applicable), ferry tickets for both passengers and vehicles, and possibly accommodation if you choose to break up the journey. Total costs will vary based on distance traveled and vehicle type.

How to reach Crete by train

There are limited train services in Greece, but they do not directly connect to Crete.

How to reach Crete by bus

By Bus: From Athens: Travelers can take a long-distance bus from Athens to ports like Piraeus or Rafina and then catch a ferry to Crete.

Cost: Bus fares from Athens to Piraeus or Rafina are relatively affordable, ranging from €10 to €20. Ferry prices from Piraeus to Crete will be additional, as mentioned earlier.

How to reach Crete by Waterways

From Athens (Piraeus Port): Travelers can take an overnight ferry from Piraeus Port in Athens to Crete's main ports such as Heraklion, Chania, or Rethymno. Ferry operators like Minoan Lines, Blue Star Ferries, and ANEK Lines offer several departures each week.

From Other Greek Islands: If you're island-hopping in the Aegean, you can also catch ferries from islands like Santorini, Mykonos, or Rhodes to Crete.

Cost: Ferry prices vary depending on the type of ticket (economy, business, or cabin class), the ferry company, and the season. A one-way ticket from Piraeus to Crete can range from €30 to €60 for economy class, while cabins are priced higher.

Local transport in Crete

Rental Cars: Renting a car is one of the most popular ways to explore Crete, offering flexibility and convenience.
Rental agencies are available at major airports, cities, and tourist areas.
Prices vary depending on the vehicle type, rental duration, and season. On average, expect to pay around €20-€50 per day for a compact car, excluding fuel costs.

Public Buses: KTEL buses are the primary public transportation system, connecting major cities, towns, and tourist destinations across the island.
Buses are relatively affordable, with fares starting from around €2 for short distances and increasing based on the route length.
Schedules and routes can be found on the KTEL Crete website or at bus stations.

Taxis: Taxis are readily available in urban areas, tourist spots, and outside major hotels.
Taxis in Crete operate on a metered fare system. Starting fares typically range from €3-€5, with additional charges for distance traveled and waiting time.
Negotiate prices in advance for longer journeys or tours.

Bicycle Rentals: Cycling is a popular way to explore Crete, especially in coastal areas and rural villages.
Many rental shops offer a variety of bicycles, including mountain bikes, road bikes, and electric bikes.
Rental prices vary depending on the type of bike and rental duration, ranging from €10-€30 per day.

Scooter and Motorcycle Rentals: Renting a scooter or motorcycle provides a convenient and exhilarating way to navigate Crete's winding roads and scenic routes.
Rental costs depend on the vehicle type, engine size, and rental duration, with prices typically starting from €15-€40 per day.

Ferries: Ferries connect Crete with other Greek islands and mainland ports, offering an alternative mode of transportation for island hopping.
Prices vary depending on the route, ferry company, and ticket class. Expect to pay anywhere from €20-€50 for a one-way ticket to nearby islands.

Walking: Exploring on foot is a fantastic way to discover the charm of Crete's towns, villages, and natural landscapes.
Many tourist areas are pedestrian-friendly, with well-marked walking paths and trails.

Transportation Cards or Passes: Crete does not have a unified transportation card system like some other European cities.
However, travelers can benefit from multi-day bus passes or discounted fares for specific attractions or routes.
Additionally, rental car agencies may offer discounts for extended rentals or package deals.