How to get around in Chania
Updated: Feb 15
Tired of asking the taxi drivers or at the corner kiosks? Here is your Chania transportation guide.
As the time passes on, the distinction between being a traveller or being a tourist in a foreign country is becoming more & more clear in my mind.
Having been an international traveller myself since the times when smart phones & wifi were not an option, slowly but consistently I have created my own traveller status.
A status that has nothing to do with the money that will be spent in each visiting destination. It is more about having daily experiences that you might carry back home.
Like when you're, trying to communicate with people that have different culture or language, using their means of transportation, tasting their local flavours, discovering their cafés & restaurants, watching the local sports team or trying to understand the local newspaper.
With this in mind, connecting all the above with our beautiful city of Chania, we have created a handy guide of Chania Travellers’ Information; the ways to get around Chania & some local unwritten rules.
We hope that people who are looking for something beyond being around a swimming pool drinking all inclusive beers & ouzo, will find this information useful.
Let’s start with HOW TO GET AROUND IN CHANIA:
- Taxi Terminals:
You may find several terminals in Chania with plenty of taxis, so no worries. There might be some delays during the high season night time. The most popular taxi rides are priced on a board, just where the taxi terminal is.
East side of the Central market, in front of 1st Chania High School
Opposite of the central Market, in front of National Bank of Greece .
There is a small taxi station on the side of the Green public busses ( KTEL Chania )
- Radio Taxi Companies: There are few with very good services and of course an extra service cost to cover.
Ask for the estimated arrival time & your taxi number.
1. Radio Taxi ERMIS 2. Radio Taxi Kydon
- Local Public Buses ( Blue & White busses )
This is a very common mean of transportation through Chania’s different neighborhoods. Some of the busses on the fleet are old, noisy & create a lot of smoke. There are also drivers who do not speak much English or official reports saying that they've been not so polite.
So, be prepared!
Make sure you have your ticket ready when you get on board or some coins to buy it from the driver ( alternatively, you can buy your bus tickets from the special white kiosks, if any, at the bigger bus terminals, from special coin machines at some bus stops or from other unclear spots like super markets, cigarette kiosks etc.).
Do not risk trying to get your ticket with a 20 EURO bill or more on the bus!
There are high chances that you’d end up waiting for the next bus.
A very popular line is the one connecting Chania City with Platanias and they normally use a long double-bus which is always full during the high season.
The bus line to Hospital is #24 from Zymvrakakidon street terminal
- Intercity Public Busses or KTEL Chania ( greens )
Known better as KTEL or Green Busses, these intercity busses connect Chania city with many destinations all around the island of Crete.
Routes to Heraklion, Rethymno, Georgioupoli, Apokoronas, Sfakia, Palaiochora or Kastelli all happen through this company. During the summer season there are also busses or minibuses to famous destinations such as: Elafonissi, Falassarna, Samaria gorge or Seitan Limania. They keep updating their fleet & services, with an easy to navigate website. A very good solution to travel on Crete.
A bike sharing system from the municipality of Chania, spreading the culture of pedals all around the city! New bicycle roads have been made downtown, making more easy & safe, the transportation with a bicycle.
Easy to use, free for up to 3 hours of use + 1 EURO per extra hour, this is a modern & eco friendly solution. Their website is well made as well.
There are four bike terminals around the city. You'll must be aware that some of the bikes are in a bad condition. Check them well before you start riding( tires, brakes etc. )
