Bus Rethymno → Plakias & Preveli: times, change, beach

In short

Plakias: easy, several buses a day (06:00-19:30), ~40-50 min, ~€5. Preveli: trickier — 2 departures (10:30 and 16:30) with a change at Plakias, returns 12:00 and 18:00, in season. The bus drops at the monastery; the beach means a 15-20 min descent down steep steps.

Where this route sits

The « Chania to the south and west » corridor, within the whole network. The other axes stay visible, in the background.

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 terminal⊘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

FrequencyPlakias several/day · Preveli 10:30 & 16:30 (via Plakias)

DurationPlakias ~40-50 min

Indicative pricePlakias ~€5

SeasonPlakias year-round · Preveli seasonal

Where to boardKTEL station, Rethymno (Kefalogianni St)

How to do it, step by step

1
For Plakias: direct bus from Rethymno station, several times a day (06:00-19:30), ~40-50 min.
2
For Preveli: take the 10:30 or 16:30 departure; you change at Plakias.
3
At Preveli, the bus drops at the monastery: allow 15-20 min down steep steps to the beach. Returns 12:00 and 18:00.

⚠️ The traps to know

Preveli has no direct bus: the change at Plakias and only 2 departures make for a tight day. Note the two returns (12:00, 18:00).
Preveli beach is earned: 15-20 min down (and back up) steep steps, in the sun.
Alternative for Preveli: stay at Plakias and take a water taxi to the beach.

Plan B

For Preveli especially, a car (or the water taxi from Plakias) avoids the 2-bus constraint. Plakias, though, works fine by bus for a day. A taxi Rethymno → Plakias helps if you miss the bus.

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

Is there a direct bus to Preveli beach?

No: you change at Plakias, with only 2 departures (10:30 and 16:30) and returns 12:00/18:00 in season. The bus drops at the monastery, then 15-20 min down to the beach.

Is Plakias easy by bus?

Yes: several buses a day from Rethymno (06:00-19:30), ~40-50 min, ~€5. It's an excellent car-free southern base.

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 →