Transport options from the airport
Metered taxi: €25–35 to Chania's old town, around 20 minutes. Official, metered, pickup right outside the terminal. Night or Sunday: 10–20% surcharge.
Local bus line 5: around €1.50, stop in front of the terminal, around 35 minutes. Limited timetable — check before relying on it if you're arriving at off-peak times. Doesn't run at night.
Pre-booked private transfer: fixed price, driver waiting with a sign, no stress if your flight is delayed. Most useful if you're arriving late at night, with children, or your accommodation is hard to find.
Car hire: if you've already booked a car, agencies are accessible from the airport or via a quick shuttle to their nearby depot. No need to take a taxi on top.
What other sites don't tell you
Chania airport is small and takes 5 minutes to cross. Baggage claim is directly opposite the main exit. There's no giant waiting hall or confusing zone — that's an advantage.
At night, there are fewer taxis. If your flight arrives after 10pm, a pre-booked transfer removes a real source of stress. Not mandatory, but comfortable.
Airport WiFi works but is slow. If you plan to use Google Maps to find your accommodation on the way out, either get an eSIM or make sure your EU plan is active.
Chania's old town isn't directly accessible by car to hotels in the narrow lanes — plan on walking 5–10 minutes with luggage from the drop-off point.
Chania at night: what you can do from arrival
If you arrive in the evening and your accommodation is in the old town, the Venetian harbour is 10 minutes on foot. The night walk along the harbour is often the first highlight of the trip — free, no booking needed.
Tavernas around the lighthouse stay open until 11pm–midnight in high season. No need to book for an impromptu first dinner.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get from Chania airport to the old town?
Metered taxi (€25–35, 20 min), local bus line 5 (€1.50, 35 min, limited times) or pre-booked private transfer. At night with luggage, a private transfer is the least stressful option.
Is there a bus from Chania airport?
Yes, line 5 serves Chania city centre for around €1.50. But timetables are limited and it doesn't run at night. Check KTEL Chanion's website for times before relying on it.
Does Chania airport have car hire desks?
Yes, major agencies (Europcar, Hertz, Budget, Sixt) have a desk at the airport or a quick shuttle to their nearby depot. Book in advance in high season.
How much is a taxi from Chania airport?
The official metered taxi is about €25–35 to Chania's old town (~20 min), with a 10–20% surcharge at night and on Sundays. The taxi rank is right outside the terminal — no need to book by day. For a fixed price locked in advance, choose a pre-booked private transfer.
How far is Chania airport from town?
Chania airport (CHQ), on the Akrotiri peninsula, is about 14 km east of the old town — roughly 20 minutes by taxi, one of the closest Greek airports to its city centre. To Rethymno, allow 1h; to Kissamos and the west, 45 min to 1h.