Updated: July 2026 · Indicative fares — agree the price before getting in if there's no meter.
How taxis work in Crete
First thing to know: Uber, Bolt and FreeNow do not work in Crete. You take an official taxi — recognisable by its sign and plate — at a rank (airports, bus stations, central squares), or by calling a local company; your hotel or the taverna can order one too. In town, the fare is metered. For intercity trips or to a remote spot, the driver often quotes a fixed price: have it confirmed before getting in. Pay in cash where possible — many taxis don't take cards.
Indicative fares
In town, the meter runs on tariff 1 by day and tariff 2 (about double) at night, outside the town limits and on public holidays. As a guide, a ride from Chania airport to the old town comes to about €25-35, and from Heraklion airport to the centre about €15-20. Over long distances a taxi quickly gets expensive: a Chania-Heraklion crossing costs several tens of euros, no comparison with the KTEL bus. The taxi shines on short and medium distances, or when comfort matters most.
Private transfers booked in advance
For arrival, many travellers prefer to book a private transfer ahead: the price is fixed and known, the driver waits for you with a sign — even if the plane is late — and you head straight to your hotel, with no queue or haggling. It's especially valuable at night, with family, with luggage, or for an out-of-the-way, hard-to-find accommodation. Platforms compare transfer offers and let you book in a few clicks, with immediate payment and confirmation.
To and from the airports
At both airports (Chania and Heraklion), official taxis wait outside; reckon on the indicative fares above, plus possible surcharges for luggage or night trips. Three options are open to you: the official taxi (meter or fixed price), the private transfer booked ahead (fixed price, waits for you), or the bus — very affordable if you arrive by day and travel light. Our dedicated Chania airport and Heraklion airport pages detail each option, fares included.
Avoiding nasty surprises
A few simple rules are enough: if there's no meter or for an intercity trip, agree the price before getting in. Check the meter is on and on the right tariff (1 by day, 2 at night). Always take an official taxi with a visible sign, keep cash, and ask for a receipt if needed. Finally, for a late arrival or an isolated hotel, booking a transfer in advance remains the surest way to avoid waiting and uncertainty over the price.
On arrival, at night or with luggage, a private transfer booked in advance waits for you at a fixed price — even if the plane is late. Compare the options:
Compare transfers in Crete →Frequently asked questions
Is there Uber in Crete?
No — Uber, Bolt and FreeNow are not available in Crete. You take an official taxi at a rank or by phone, or book a private transfer in advance, especially from the airport.
How much is a taxi from the airport?
As a guide, about €25-35 from Chania airport to the old town, and €15-20 from Heraklion airport to the centre. Luggage or night surcharges may apply. Confirm the price before getting in.
How do you call a taxi in Crete?
At a rank (airports, bus stations, squares), by phone to a local company, or by asking your hotel or the taverna to order one. Keep cash: many don't take cards.
Taxi or private transfer — which to choose?
A taxi is simple for a spontaneous ride. A private transfer booked ahead has a fixed price, waits for you even if the plane is late and avoids the queue — ideal at night, with family, with luggage or for an isolated hotel.
Do taxis accept cards?
Not always. Many taxis in Crete run mainly on cash. Carry some, or book a prepaid private transfer if you'd rather not handle money on arrival.
Is a taxi expensive for long distances?
Yes: on long trips like Chania-Heraklion, a taxi comes to several tens of euros, far more than the KTEL bus. For those distances, prefer the bus or a rental car.