Getting around Crete
Getting to Chania is a flight and a bus; from day two, every stop in this plan wants a car of its own, because public transport between them exists, but rarely.
- From the airport
- KTEL bus to the centre, 25–40 min, €2.50
- Rental car
- €15–43 (season/category varies)
- Samaria
- You leave by ferry from Agia Roumeli
The entry point is Chania airport (CHQ), from where KTEL bus to the centre into central Chania takes 25–40 min for €2.50. From there on, Chania–Heraklion 140 km · Chania–Elafonisi ~75 km · Chania–Omalos (Samaria) 40 km — far enough that public transport between them exists, but rarely and with changes, so from day two a car stops being a choice and becomes a condition.
From the airport into central Chania
The entry point is Chania airport (CHQ). KTEL bus to the centre takes 25–40 min for €2.50 per person — the cheapest way into the centre, though not the fastest compared with a taxi.
A rental car — from day two, not day one
Chania is covered on foot on day one; from day two, every next stop — the gorge, the two beaches, Heraklion — needs a car, because Chania–Heraklion 140 km · Chania–Elafonisi ~75 km · Chania–Omalos (Samaria) 40 km and public transport between them is limited. A small car rental runs €15–43 (season/category varies).
Balos by dirt track — not for every contract
The road to Balos via the village of Kaliviani is nine kilometres of dirt track, slow and dusty — some rental firms exclude that stretch from their contract. The alternative without that risk is the boat from Kissamos, which usually also calls at the Gramvousa islet on the same trip.
Chania–Heraklion — driving or the express bus
Heraklion is the plan's furthest point: Chania–Heraklion 140 km · Chania–Elafonisi ~75 km · Chania–Omalos (Samaria) 40 km. Besides driving, KTEL also runs an express route that goes direct, with no stops in the smaller towns along the way — a practical option for anyone who'd rather not drive the whole of the plan's last day.
Samaria — the one leg of the plan with no return by the same road
Omalos is reached by car or by an organised shuttle; there is no road back from the gorge — you leave by ferry from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia or Sougia, then by bus to Chania. The car stays parked at Omalos, or organised transport is used both ways.
Before you go
Short answers to what people ask most before setting out.
Is a car really necessary on Crete?
For this plan, yes, from day two — Chania–Heraklion 140 km · Chania–Elafonisi ~75 km · Chania–Omalos (Samaria) 40 km, and public transport between them is limited.
Is there a bus from Chania to Heraklion?
Yes, including an express route with no stops along the way — an alternative to driving for anyone who'd rather not spend the whole day behind the wheel.
How do you leave Samaria Gorge?
By ferry from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia or Sougia, then by bus back — there's no road for a car that way.
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