Bus Rethymno → Arkadi: times, 2h on site, price

In short

Yes, and it's simple. Departures from Rethymno at 10:15 and 14:15, returns at 13:00 and 17:00, daily. The 10:15 → 13:00 return pair gives exactly 2 hours on site — plenty to visit the monastery. ~1h ride.

Where this route sits

Real city positions, schematic line routing. It also shows what the network does not serve.

The north-west axisThe north-east backboneThe MessaraChania to the south and westThe south coastMount Ida from Chanioporta

Drag the map sideways.

high frequencyregular lineseasonal service, or no timetable of its own publishedferry servicebus stationroadless terminalstop named by the operator, no timetable published✕no line at all⊘line suspended

Schematic map. City positions are real; the routing of the lines is not.Every underlined name opens the page for that place or route.Verified on 3 September 2026 · ktelherlas.gr

At a glance

OperatorKTEL Chania-Rethymno

FrequencyOut 10:15 & 14:15 · return 13:00 & 17:00 (daily)

Duration~1h

Indicative priceA few euros (indicative)

SeasonYear-round

Where to boardKTEL station, Rethymno (Kefalogianni St)

How to do it, step by step

1
Take the 10:15 (or 14:15) bus at Rethymno station, ~1h to the monastery.
2
Visit the monastery and its memorial (allow ~1h-1h30).
3
Take the 13:00 (or 17:00) return bus to Rethymno.

⚠️ The traps to know

There are only two departure pairs a day: plan your visit around one and note the return time carefully.
From the same station, Margarites (pottery village) runs at 10:15 and 14:15, returns 12:45 and 16:45 — combinable if you fancy it.

Plan B

Arkadi is one of the rare trips where the bus is genuinely ideal: no car needed for a half-day. If you want to chain the Mylopotamos villages (Margarites, Eleftherna), a car regains the edge. A taxi is an option for a group in a hurry.

Taxis & transfers in Crete Rent a car in Crete

🕑 Today's official timetable

Timetables often change mid-season. Check the day before on the official source:

KTEL Chania-Rethymno timetables ↗

Frequently asked questions

How long do you get at Arkadi?

With the 10:15 (out) → 13:00 (return) pair, you get about 2 hours on site, plenty for the monastery and its memorial.

Does the bus run every day?

Yes, daily, with two departures (10:15 and 14:15) and two returns (13:00 and 17:00). Check the day before on the official source, as times can shift mid-season.

Network structure checked in August 2026. Times and fares are indicative and change mid-season — always check the official source the day before you travel.

Bus or car? The honest call

The KTEL bus covers the main routes cheaply. But for remote beaches, early starts and stringing stops together, a car changes everything. Here's what's genuinely doable by bus — and how to rent without getting caught out.

What's doable without a car 🚗 Rent a car: guide + live compare →