Elounda is a coastal town located on the Greek island of Crete. It offers a variety of activities for travellers, making it an appealing spot for tourists. Elounda is famous for its harbour, where visitors can enjoy leisurely walks and explore local shops and restaurants. It is also famous for its historical significance, as it was once home to the ancient city of Olous, which is now submerged beneath the sea. Activities in Elounda range from boat trips to the nearby Spinalonga Island, which served as a leper colony in the early 20th century, to relaxing on the sandy beaches and exploring archaeological sites.
Elounda enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterised by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. During the summer months, temperatures typically range from 25 ℃ (77 ℉) to 30 ℃ (86 ℉), making it an ideal time for beachgoers and outdoor activities. In contrast, the winter months are cooler and wetter, with temperatures ranging from 11 ℃ (52 ℉) to 17 ℃ (63 ℉). Travelers should be mindful of the season when planning their visit to make the most of their desired activities.
To get from Chania Airport to Elounda, travellers have several options. The quickest way is by taking a taxi, which covers a distance of approximately 214 kilometres (133 miles) and typically costs around 220 € ($255, £190). This option is convenient and offers a direct route, taking about 2.5 to 3 hours. An alternative is to rent a car, providing flexibility and the opportunity to explore the island during the journey. The cost of a car rental varies, but it typically falls within a similar price range as a taxi. Lastly, one can choose the most economical option by taking a bus. This journey involves multiple transfers, starting with a bus from Chania Airport to Chania's central bus station, followed by bus changes to reach Elounda. While the bus option can take around 5 hours, the combined fare for all segments is typically around 24.50 € ($28, £21).
To travel from Chania Airport to Elounda by bus, one usually needs to navigate through several bus changes. Initially, one boards a bus from Chania Airport to Chania central bus station. This journey typically lasts around 30 minutes and may cost around 2.50 € ($3, £2.30). Upon arrival at Chania central bus station, a transfer to a bus heading to Heraklion is required. This leg of the journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and could cost 15 € ($17.50, £13). Finally, at Heraklion bus station, one needs to board a bus to Elounda. This last segment takes around 1.5 hours and has an estimated cost of 7 € ($8, £6). Altogether, the entire journey can take upwards of 5 hours, excluding waiting times for bus changes.
Although the bus route is cost-effective, it may not be the most convenient method for all travellers due to the multiple bus changes and the overall travel duration. For first-time visitors or those not familiar with the Cretan bus system, ensuring smooth transfers and understanding timetables might pose a slight challenge.
To reach Elounda from Chania Airport by taxi, one must cover a distance of approximately 214 kilometres (133 miles). The journey primarily involves travelling on the National Road of Crete, which stretches across the island's north coast.
The route begins as the taxi exits Chania Airport, joining the main road VOAK/E75. The taxi continues east on this highway for around 143 kilometres (89 miles), passing cities such as Rethymno. As the taxi nears Heraklion, it merges onto the E97, bypassing the city centre. Continuing on this road, one heads in the direction of Agios Nikolaos. This portion of the journey is approximately 70 kilometres (43 miles).
Upon reaching Agios Nikolaos, the taxi turns right onto EO Agiou Nikolaou - Vrouchas, heading directly north to Elounda. This last stretch is around 10 kilometres (6 miles) and winds along the coast. Depending on traffic and specific routes, a taxi ride from Chania Airport to Elounda may cost around 220 € ($255, £190) and can take around 2.5 to 3 hours.
To drive from Chania Airport to Elounda using a rental car, one needs to traverse approximately 214 kilometres (133 miles). The journey primarily uses the National Road of Crete.
Upon exiting Chania Airport, the driver joins the main VOAK/E75 road heading east. The road stretches for about 143 kilometres (89 miles), passing significant locations such as Rethymno. Nearing Heraklion, the route veers onto the E97, bypassing the city's central area. Following this path leads towards Agios Nikolaos, a distance of around 70 kilometres (43 miles). Arriving at Agios Nikolaos, a right turn onto EO Agiou Nikolaou - Vrouchas directs the traveller north to Elounda, a journey of roughly 10 kilometres (6 miles).
Rental companies at Chania Airport have specific requirements for hiring a vehicle. The renter needs a valid credit card or debit card for payments and potential deposits. The minimum age to rent a car is typically 21 years old. Possessing a valid driving license is mandatory, and those intending to drive should be alert and not fatigued. Non-EU citizens are often obligated to present an international driver's license along with their regular driving license. It's essential to check with individual rental companies for specific pick-up and drop-off regulations and any additional stipulations they might have.
The best way to travel from Chania Airport to Elounda is by taxi. Covering a distance of approximately 214 kilometres (133 miles), a taxi offers direct, hassle-free transportation without the need for multiple transfers or navigating through unfamiliar routes.
Choosing a taxi over other modes of transportation has several advantages. Taxis provide door-to-door service, eliminating the need for multiple connections or waiting times associated with buses. Additionally, the journey by taxi, typically lasting around 2.5 to 3 hours, is often faster than public transportation. While the cost, which may hover around 220 € ($255, £190), is higher than taking a bus, the convenience, speed, and comfort make it a preferred choice for many travellers, especially those carrying luggage or travelling in groups.
The taxi fare from Chania Airport to Elounda can vary based on several factors, such as time of day, season, and taxi company. However, a typical cost for this journey is approximately 220 € ($255, £190). Travellers need to note that while this might seem steep compared to other transportation methods, they're paying for the convenience, speed, and direct service taxis provide. It's always a good idea to inquire about the fare with the taxi driver or company beforehand to avoid any unexpected costs.
The cheapest way to travel from Chania Airport to Elounda is by bus. The combined bus fares, which include transfers from the airport to Chania's central bus station, then to Heraklion, and finally to Elounda, typically amount to around 24.50 € ($28, £21) per person.
The primary reason buses offer a more economical option is that the cost is charged per passenger. When travelling alone or with a small group, the cumulative bus fare often remains substantially lower than the flat rate of a taxi or the expenses associated with car rentals, such as fuel and possible parking charges.
However, the cost-effectiveness of buses changes with the number of travellers. While a bus ticket's price is consistent per person, the cost of a taxi or car rental remains static regardless of the number of occupants. Therefore, for larger groups, sharing a taxi or a rental car can sometimes be more economical than purchasing individual bus tickets for each member.
The shortest way, in terms of distance, to get from Chania Airport to Elounda is by renting a car. A rental car allows travellers to choose the most direct route without unnecessary detours or stops, ensuring a distance of approximately 214 kilometres (133 miles) is covered in the quickest manner. Additionally, renting a car offers the flexibility of starting the journey at a preferred time and taking breaks as desired, which can be especially beneficial for families or those with specific needs.
However, when considering the absolute fastest method, taking a taxi emerges as the top choice. Taxis in Chania Airport, driven by professionals familiar with the local routes and current traffic conditions, can navigate efficiently, often making the journey quicker than someone unfamiliar with the area. While both car rentals and taxis offer speed and convenience, taxis edge out in terms of sheer speed due to the driver's local knowledge and experience.
Yes, if you choose a taxi transfer, you can arrange for drop-off directly at your hotel in Elounda. To do this, you need to provide the taxi driver with the exact address of your hotel when you board the taxi at Chania Airport. The driver will then input this destination into their navigation system, ensuring a smooth and direct route to your accommodation. One of the key advantages of taking a taxi is that it eliminates the need for further transfers or additional transportation upon reaching Elounda, delivering you directly to your hotel's doorstep.
If you choose a taxi transfer from Chania Airport, a designated driver from the taxi company will be waiting for you at the meeting point in the Arrivals Hall exit. The driver will be easily recognisable, holding a sign with the taxi company's logo and your name on it. It ensures clear and hassle-free identification of your taxi in Crete driver amidst the airport's arrivals crowd. Once you meet your driver, you can proceed to the taxi, and they will assist you with your luggage before taking you to your destination.
