Travel Information

Travel Information

Travel Information for International Participants to Rethymno, Crete

1. Flying into Crete

Rethymno is conveniently located between Crete’s two international airports and can be reached from either Heraklion International Airport (HER) or Chania International Airport (CHQ).

Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” (HER)

Heraklion International Airport is located approximately 76–80 km from Aquila Porto Rethymno.

International Flights: Heraklion Airport offers numerous international connections, particularly during the tourist season, as well as frequent domestic flights to and from Athens.

Getting from Heraklion Airport to Aquila Porto Rethymno:

  • Private Transfer / Taxi: The journey takes approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Bus (KTEL): Passengers can travel from Heraklion to Rethymno by KTEL intercity bus. Please note that passengers arriving at Heraklion Airport may first need to travel to the Heraklion Central Bus Station before taking the intercity bus to Rethymno. The intercity journey from Heraklion to Rethymno takes approximately 1.5 hours.
  • Car Rental: Several international and local car rental companies operate at Heraklion Airport.

Chania International Airport “Ioannis Daskalogiannis” (CHQ)

Chania International Airport is located approximately 74 km from Aquila Porto Rethymno.

International Flights: Chania Airport offers domestic flights as well as direct international connections with several European cities.

Getting from Chania Airport to Aquila Porto Rethymno:

  • Private Transfer / Taxi: The journey takes approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Bus (KTEL): Public bus connections are available between Chania Airport and Rethymno. Depending on the seasonal timetable, direct airport–Rethymno services may be available. The current fare for the direct Chania Airport–Rethymno service is approximately €8.80 per person.
  • Car Rental: Car rental services are available directly at Chania Airport.

2. Connecting from Athens to Rethymno

If there are no convenient direct flights to Crete from your departure city, you can travel via Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” (ATH).

By Air

Frequent domestic flights connect Athens with both:

  • Heraklion International Airport (HER)
  • Chania International Airport (CHQ)

The flight from Athens to Crete takes approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour.

Upon arrival in Crete, participants can continue to Rethymno by private transfer, taxi, bus or rental car.

By Ferry

Alternatively, participants travelling through Athens may take a ferry from Piraeus Port to either Heraklion Port or Chania (Souda) Port.

Overnight ferry connections are regularly available, with journey times generally ranging from approximately 7 to 9 hours, depending on the route and ferry service.

From Heraklion or Chania/Souda, participants can continue to Rethymno by bus, taxi, private transfer or rental car.

3. Travelling from Heraklion or Chania to Rethymno

By Private Transfer / Taxi

A private transfer is the most convenient door-to-door option.

The journey to Aquila Porto Rethymno takes approximately:

  • 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes from Heraklion Airport
  • 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes from Chania Airport

By Bus (KTEL)

Regular intercity bus services connect Rethymno with both Heraklion and Chania.

Current indicative intercity fares are approximately:

  • Heraklion – Rethymno: €9–€10 per person, one way
  • Chania – Rethymno: approximately €7–€8 per person, one way
  • Chania Airport – Rethymno: approximately €8.80 per person, one way

Please note that bus timetables are seasonal and subject to change. Participants are advised to check the latest KTEL timetable shortly before travelling.

By Car

Rethymno is easily accessible from both airports via Crete’s northern national road.

Approximate driving distances to Aquila Porto Rethymno are:

  • Heraklion Airport: approximately 76–80 km
  • Chania Airport: approximately 74 km

Conference Transfer Services

Private transfer services can be arranged to Aquila Porto Rethymno from either Chania International Airport (CHQ) or Heraklion International Airport (HER).

Heraklion Airport to Aquila Porto Rethymno Hotel

  • Taxi (1–4 passengers): €100
  • Van (5–7 passengers): €125

Chania Airport to Aquila Porto Rethymno Hotel

  • Taxi (1–4 passengers): €90
  • Van (5–7 passengers): €110

For bookings, please contact: stelismakrakis@gmail.com mentioning the “WHOLESUN MEETING” in your email in order to get the special prices for the event.