Travel Information

Travel Information for International Participants to Rethymnon, Crete

1. Flying into Crete:

• Heraklion International Airport (Nikos Kazantzakis) (HER) is the most common airport for international flights arriving in Crete.
  • International Flights: Heraklion has direct international flights from major European cities, especially during the tourist season (spring to fall).
  • Arrival at Heraklion Airport:
    • Taxi: A quick, direct option to Rethymnon (about 1 hour 15 minutes).
    • Bus (KTEL): Regular buses run from the airport to Rethymnon, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
    • Car Rental: Numerous car rental agencies are available at the airport.
• Chania International Airport (Ioannis Daskalogiannis) (CHQ) is another option, located about 60 km from Rethymnon.
  • International Flights: Chania is a smaller airport but still offers seasonal direct flights from several European cities.
  • Arrival at Chania Airport:
    • Taxi: A 1-hour ride to Rethymnon.
    • Bus (KTEL): Buses run regularly from Chania to Rethymnon (approximately 1 to 1.5 hours).
    • Car Rental: Available at the airport.

2. Connecting from Athens to Rethymnon:

If there are no direct flights to Crete from your participants’ departure cities, they can fly into Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos – ATH) and take the following steps:

• Flight to Crete:
  • From Athens, they can take a domestic flight to Heraklion (HER) or Chania (CHQ). This flight is typically about 1 hour long.
• By Ferry:
  • Alternatively, participants could take a ferry from Piraeus Port (Athens) to Heraklion or Chania.
  • Ferries depart daily, and the journey takes 6-9 hours depending on the ferry type. This option is more time-consuming but can be scenic and comfortable.
• Traveling from Heraklion or Chania to Rethymnon:
  • By Taxi: A quick option, taking about 1 hour from Heraklion or 1 hour from Chania.
  • By Bus (KTEL): Public buses depart regularly and take about 1.5 hours from Heraklion or 1 hour from Chania.