How to Get to the island of Crete: A Comprehensive Transportation Guide to Greece’s Largest Island
Crete, Greece’s largest and most southern island, isn’t just a summer escape — it’s a whole world in itself. Rugged mountains tumble into sapphire seas, ancient palaces whisper Minoan secrets, and coastal roads wind through olive groves and sleepy villages. But first, you need to get there. And once you do, you’ll want to know how to navigate its varied landscapes with ease.
Here’s your complete guide to reaching Crete — by air or sea — and getting around once you’re there, with a special focus on Crete’s reliable (and often underrated) bus network, or by renting a car.
✈️ Flying to Crete: Airports, Routes, and Tips
Crete is served by two international airports and one domestic hub:
- Heraklion International Airport (HER) – The busiest gateway, serving the capital of Crete. Ideal if you’re heading to central or eastern Crete, including Knossos, Heraklion, Ammoudara, Hersonissos, Agia Pelagia, Elounda and Agios Nikolaos.
- Chania International Airport (CHQ) – The perfect entry point for exploring the western half of the island, including Chania, Rethymno, Plakias, Balos, and Elafonissi.
- Sitia Airport (JSH) – A smaller airport in the far east, useful for domestic flights and access to more remote eastern villages and beaches.
From Abroad:
- In the summer months (April–October), numerous direct international flights connect Crete with European cities such as London, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Vienna and many more cites in Europe. There are also many charters flights to Crete from numerous cities (check Kayak.com そして Skyscanner.com ).
- Off-season, you’ll usually connect via Athens Airport or Thessaloniki Airport, with daily flights to both Heraklion and Chania operated by Aegean Airlines, Sky Express, Olympic Air, KLM, Air France (Ryanair, Easyjet, Transavia, Condor, Volotea and many more charter airlines in summer season).
Tips for Air Travel to Crete:
- Book early in high season — prices and availability change fast.
- Consider flying into one airport and out from another if you’re planning a road trip across the island.
- Most international flights land late at night — arrange a transfer or overnight stay nearby in advance.
🚢 Ferries to Crete: Sailing the Aegean Sea
For those who prefer a slower, more scenic approach — or want to travel like the locals — ferries to Crete offer a quintessential Greek experience. Plus, most ferries to Crete are huge and luxurious ferry boats that can also carry your car.
Main Ferry Ports on Crete:
- Heraklion Port – Largest port, well connected to Piraeus (Athens), the Cyclades, and the Dodecanese.
- Chania (Souda Bay) – Western Crete’s port, with nightly ferries to and from Piraeus.
- Rethymno – Occasionally served by ferries, mainly during high season.
- Sitia – East Crete’s port for less frequent connections, including routes to the Dodecanese.
Major Ferry Operators with routes to Crete
Minoan Lines
One of the biggest Greek ferry companies, founded in Heraklion in 1972
– Services include Piraeus ↔ Crete (Heraklion, Chania) with car/passenger Ro‑Ro and high-speed ships (e.g. Festos Palace, Kydon Palace)
Blue Star Ferries
Largest Greek ferry operator, part of Attica Group
– Offers conventional ferries Piraeus ↔ Crete (Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Sitia, Kissamos) and connections via Cyclades
SeaJets
High-speed ferry specialist founded in 1989
– Operates fast catamarans and Ro‑Ro ferries connecting Crete (Heraklion, Rethymno) with Cyclades and mainland ports
ANEK Lines / Anek‑Superfast
Based in Chania since 1967; merged with Attica Group in December 2023
– Runs Piraeus ↔ Chania and Piraeus ↔ Heraklion routes via ANEK‑Superfast joint‑venture
Hellenic Seaways
Another Attica Group subsidiary
– Seasonal high-speed routes Piraeus ↔ Heraklion (via Nissos Rodos)
Other Notable Ferry Operators
Cyclades Fast Ferries – serves Piraeus ↔ Heraklion with car ferry options
Aegeon Pelagos Sea Lines – a smaller carrier with limited weekly sailings to Crete
Anek-Superfast – joint brand combining ANEK Lines and Superfast Ferries for Piraeus–Heraklion services
Blue Star & Cyclades Fast Ferries also operate various island-hopping routes that touch Crete
From Athens (Piraeus Port):
- Ferries to Heraklion and Chania depart daily, usually in the evening, arriving early morning (around 8–9 hours overnight).
- Companies like Minoan Lines, Anek Lines、 そして Blue Star Ferries offer comfortable cabins, airplane-style seats, and vehicle transport.
From the Islands:
- Seasonal ferry connections from Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos、 そして Rhodes make island hopping to Crete a popular choice in summer.
- Keep in mind: These routes are less frequent and can be affected by weather.
Ferry Tips:
- Book a cabin for overnight ferry trips — you’ll arrive rested and ready.
- Use SeaJets or Fast Ferries for speedboats from Cyclades (note: rougher rides in windy weather).
- In summer, tickets sell out quickly, especially for cars and cabins — reserve ahead.
Search for ferries, compare all ferry routes and ferry company prices and book your ferry tickets online – www.ferry-tickets.com
🚌 Getting Around Crete by Bus: Comfortable, Reliable, and Budget-Friendly
Don’t be quick to write off public transport — Crete’s intercity (KTEL) buses are clean, air-conditioned, and surprisingly punctual. They offer a budget-friendly and scenic way to explore the island without renting a car.
Two Main KTEL Bus Companies Operate in Crete:
- KTEL Heraklion–Lassithi (Bus Transportation company in Crete): Covers routes in and around Heraklion and to eastern destinations like Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, and Sitia.
- KTEL Chania–Rethymno (Bus Transportation company in Crete): Manages the western and central routes, including services between Chania, Rethymno, and Heraklion.
Popular Bus Routes:
- Heraklion Airport ↔ Heraklion city centre – Every 10–15 minutes.
- Heraklion ↔ Rethymno ↔ Chania – Comfortable, frequent service (about 3 hours total).
- Chania ↔ Elafonissi – Seasonal daily service to the famous pink-sand beach.
- Heraklion ↔ Agios Nikolaos ↔ Sitia – Regular coastal routes with stunning sea views.
Buying Bus Tickets:
- Available at bus stations, onboard, or online (some routes).
- Prices are very reasonable (e.g., Heraklion to Chania around €15).
- Luggage is stored securely underneath — just hold onto your baggage tag.
Bus Tips:
- Buses are clearly marked and usually bilingual (Greek/English).
- Timetables can change seasonally – check the KTEL websites or local stations.
- Bring small change if buying onboard.
🚖 Final Notes: Airport Transfers, Taxis, and Local Travel
If you’re arriving late at night or carrying heavy luggage, taxis and transfer services are widely available at both airports and ports. Pre-booked transfers are especially popular for hotel drop-offs or remote village stays.
Car rental is also a popular option and can be picked up directly at both Heraklion and Chania airports. However, Crete’s bus network is excellent for most travellers — particularly solo adventurers, backpackers, or anyone preferring not to drive winding mountain roads.
🧭 Choose the Journey That Suits Your Style
Whether you arrive in Crete by air, sea, or a combination of both, the journey is part of the magic. From the bustle of Heraklion to the charm of Chania, the freedom of a road trip or the ease of a coastal bus ride, getting to and around Crete is simpler than you might think — and far more rewarding than you might expect.
One thing is certain: however you get there, Crete will stay with you long after the journey ends.
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