Heraklion Airport to Rethymno: distance and transport

Heraklion Airport to Rethymno: comparison

Driving to Rethymno

West on the national road from the airport, around Heraklion and along the coast. The road climbs over the hills past Fodele (El Greco’s village) and drops back to the sea before Rethymno. Plan 75 minutes; more in summer. Rethymno’s old town has limited parking: if your hotel is inside the walls, ask where to leave the car. Renting? Start with car rental at Heraklion Airport.

By KTEL bus to Rethymno

City bus from the airport to Heraklion, then a KTEL Chania–Rethymno coach from the main bus station. The coach takes about 1 h 30 and costs around €8–10; services are frequent in summer. Total door-to-door about 2–2½ hours. See the KTEL guide.

Heraklion or Chania airport for Rethymno?

Rethymno sits almost exactly between the two: about 75 minutes from Heraklion, about an hour from Chania. Pick the cheaper or more convenient flight. More in Chania or Heraklion.

Where to stay in Rethymno

The old town is a compact maze of Venetian and Ottoman houses below the Fortezza, with the harbour and a long sandy town beach right next to it. East of town, the coast road runs past a string of beach hotels at Platanes, Adelianos Kampos and Skaleta: quieter, with parking, and 5–15 minutes from the centre. Arriving by car, park outside the old town walls and walk in.

Stops on the way from Heraklion Airport

• Fodele (about 35 min): the village associated with El Greco, a short detour inland.
• Bali (about 45 min): a fishing village with small coves for a first swim.
• Panormo (about 55 min): a small harbour and beach just off the national road.

From Rethymno, day trips to the Arkadi monastery, the south coast at Plakias or the Preveli palm beach are easy with a rental car.