Posted by Bus Routes, Timetables, Airports & Tips 2025 🚍
Crete is the largest and one of the most popular Greek islands – and if you’re vacationing here, you don’t necessarily need a car. The public bus network is well-developed, affordable, reliable, and covers almost all the important towns and attractions. Whether you want to travel from the airport to your hotel, commute between cities, or visit secluded beaches and mountain villages – you can get almost anywhere by bus.
On this page, you’ll find all the important information about bus routes in Crete, including timetables, fares, tips, key hubs, and frequently used connections. This way, you can plan your vacation with ease – without a rental car and without the stress.
🚌 The Bus Network in Crete – Two Major Companies
There are two major bus companies in Crete that cover local and long-distance public transport:
KTEL Chania–Rethymno: responsible for the west of the island, i.e., connections from Chania, Rethymno, and the west to the Samaria Gorge or Elafonissi.
KTEL Heraklion–Lasithi: responsible for central and eastern Crete, i.e., connections from Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, Sitia, and the surrounding areas.
The buses run regularly, are clean and air-conditioned, and you can buy tickets directly from the driver, at larger bus stations, or online.
We have created similar pages about ferries to and from Crete and flights to and from Crete.
🏙️ Important Bus Hubs in Crete
If you are planning longer journeys or day trips, you should be familiar with the most important bus hubs:
Chania (Kidonias Street bus station) – central station for western Crete, including connections to Elafonissi, Falassarna, Omalos, Sougia, Paleochora, and Rethymno.
Rethymno (bus station at the port) – ideal transfer point between western and central Crete.
Heraklion (Bus Station A at the port) – Main hub for central and eastern Crete, including routes to Malia, Hersonissos, Agios Nikolaos, Matala, and Sitia.
Agios Nikolaos (Bus Station in the city center) – Important for connections to Elounda, Plaka (Spinalonga), Ierapetra, and Sitia.
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Overnight stay in Crete
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✈️ Airports in Crete – How to get there and away by bus
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Chania Airport (CHQ)
Buses run regularly from Chania Airport directly to Chania city center (approx. 25 minutes). There are also seasonal direct connections to Rethymno, usually timed to coincide with arriving and departing flights. The bus stop is located directly in front of the terminal; tickets are available from the driver.
Heraklion Airport (HER)
Direct long-distance buses usually don’t stop directly at the airport. Instead, you first take the local bus (every few minutes, approx. 15-minute journey) to the main bus station, “Bus Station A,” and transfer there to the long-distance bus. Some lines to Agios Nikolaos or Sitia also stop at the airport, depending on the season – but this is not guaranteed.
🚏 Important bus routes in Crete – Overview
1. North Coast (Main connections between cities)
These bus routes are the lifeblood of the island. They connect the largest cities and usually run every half hour or even more frequently in the summer.
Chania – Rethymno – Heraklion: Main route along the north coast, approximately 2.5 hours from Chania to Heraklion, departures roughly hourly.
Heraklion – Hersonissos – Stalis – Malia: Very busy route, especially in summer. Departures often every 20–30 minutes.
Heraklion – Agios Nikolaos: Approximately 1 hour travel time, several departures per day.
Agios Nikolaos – Sitia: Approximately 1.5 hours, several times daily.
2. South Coast (less frequent, but highly recommended)
The south coast is less developed for tourism, but scenically spectacular. Buses run less frequently, usually 2–5 times a day. Planning ahead is recommended.
Rethymno – Spili – Plakias: Popular route for beachgoers, a fantastic route through the Kourtaliotiko Gorge.
Heraklion – Mires – Matala: the perfect connection for a day trip to the hippie caves and beaches of Matala.
Agios Nikolaos – Ierapetra – Makrigialos: for those who want to discover the tranquil southeast coast.
3. Seasonal Summer Routes (May to October)
In summer, there are additional bus routes to popular hiking and beach destinations. These usually run only once a day in each direction, often departing in the morning and returning in the afternoon.
Chania – Elafonissi: one of the most popular day trips. Start early, as the buses fill up quickly.
Chania – Omalos (Samaria Gorge): departing in the morning and returning in the afternoon. Ideal for hikers.
Heraklion – Messara Express to Matala and Phaistos: faster than regular buses, often only seasonal.
📍 Examples of popular routes (tourist tips)
Here are some typical bus connections that are particularly popular with tourists:
Chania → Elafonissi Beach
Departs in the morning from around 8:00 a.m., return around 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Travel time: approx. 2 hours.
Tip: Arrive early, the bus is often fully booked.
Chania → Omalos (Samaria Gorge) → Sougia → Chania
Morning bus to Omalos, hike through the Samaria Gorge, return by ferry and bus.
Note: Only available during the hiking season (May–October).
Heraklion → Agios Nikolaos → Elounda → Plaka (Spinalonga)
Perfect for a day trip to the famous leper colony.
Buses run regularly, often connecting with boat tours.
Heraklion → Matala & Phaistos
A combination of archaeology and beach: Visit the archaeological site of Phaistos followed by a relaxing day at the beach in Matala.
Rethymno → Plakias (South Coast)
A beautiful route with panoramic views and a relaxing beach destination.
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🎟️ Tickets, Prices & Booking
Purchase: You can buy tickets at the bus station, from the driver, or online.
Prices: Prices are reasonable. Here are a few examples:
Chania – Rethymno: approx. €8–10
Heraklion – Agios Nikolaos: approx. €7–9
Heraklion – Matala: approx. €10–12
Reservations: On busy summer routes (e.g., Elafonissi or Samaria), it’s advisable to buy tickets the day before or early in the day.
🧭 Tips for a stress-free bus trip in Crete
✅ Check timetables: Schedules change seasonally and sometimes at short notice. Check them the day before or on-site.
✅ Arrive early: Popular buses often fill up quickly – especially for day trips.
✅ Have small change ready: You can usually only pay the driver in cash and with small bills.
✅ Remember the last bus back: Especially on day trips to beaches or hikes, be sure to note when the last bus returns.
✅ Sunscreen & water: The air conditioning on the bus is cool, but it can get hot at bus stops.
✅ Choose a seat for photos: On northern routes, you’ll usually have a sea view on the right side facing east and on the left side facing west.
🏝️ Getting around Crete without a car – here’s how!
With good preparation, you can easily explore Crete entirely by bus. The main cities and resorts are very well connected, and even remote beaches, hiking areas, or villages are easily accessible with a little planning. The network is particularly dense and reliable in summer, and with a bit of adventure, you can reach even the most beautiful corners of the island.
Many travelers combine longer journeys by bus and shorter trips (e.g., to secluded beaches or viewpoints) by taxi or boat – this way you have maximum flexibility without renting a car.
With good preparation, you can easily explore Crete entirely by bus.
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🏁 Conclusion: Buses in Crete – affordable, reliable, and perfect for your vacation 🚍🌞
Buses in Crete are an excellent way to explore the island affordably and sustainably. They connect all the major cities, many attractions, beaches, ports, and airports. With a little planning, you can even reach remote locations – all without a rental car.
Whether you’re planning day trips to stunning beaches, a hike through the Samaria Gorge, an island tour with several stops, or simply a transfer from the airport to your hotel – the bus network in Crete makes it possible.
For those who want to travel affordably, comfortably, and authentically, buses in Crete are one of the best options.
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