Crete Transport

Getting around Crete can be a little tricky at times and visitors relying on the island’s public bus service may find their movements a little restricted by timetables, although if you can endure this then its by far the cheapest way to travel. Taxis provide a more expensive option for lone travellers, but can be good for families and are altogether a more convenient method of getting around. Car hire is of course the most convenient of all options if you are not worried about the relative cost.

By bus

Bus services cover large parts of the island and all major destinations are covered. Services are cheap, however schedules are irregular and not always convenient for travellers.  With some careful planning, though, you can generally get to where you need to and back without too much trouble. Services run between Rethymnon and Chania and western points of the island as well as to Mallia, Agyios Nikolaos, Sitia, Lerapetra and eastern points, in addition to Phaestos.

Taxis

Taxis can be an economical means of getting around if you have a group of at least three people.  They can be hailed in the street, hired from stands or booked ahead by telephone. Taxis on Crete operate on a dual tariff system, with tariff 1 in use between the hours of 05:00 and 00:00 and tariff 2 from 00:00 to 05:00. Tariff 2 can however be applied for journeys beyond the city limits, irrespective of the time of day.

Many taxi drivers speak at least basic English and if you take the trouble to find one who has a reasonable command of the language then you’ll find yourself not only with a driver, but also with a guide.

From the airport

From Heraklion Airport, a single bus service connects the terminal with the city of Heraklion and other major destinations on the island. Taxis are also available, as are hire cars.  Many visitors will find the hotel with which they have a reservation,  provide a courtesy car/shuttle from the airport to their accommodation.