Elounda is a beautiful coastal town on Crete’s northeastern shore that attracts travelers seeking beaches, historical landmarks, and scenic landscapes. Heraklion International Airport is the closest airport, a convenient transport hub located 66.7 kilometers (41.4 miles) away and accessible by car in approximately 60 to 75 minutes. Chania Airport is another entry point, a more distant facility situated 215 kilometers (134 miles) west of Elounda, requiring around 3 hours by car.
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Transportation options are plentiful including metered taxis, public buses, and private rental cars. Taxi transfers are efficient choices, with direct journeys from Elounda to Heraklion Airport averaging €70–€90 (£60–£77), and trips to Chania Airport ranging from €200–€240 (£171–£205). Buses provide economical connections but longer routes that involve transfers at Agios Nikolaos and Heraklion Bus Station A. Rental cars offer flexibility, a preferred choice for travelers desiring independence to explore the area. Walking and cycling are popular alternatives for getting around Elounda given the town’s compact size and proximity to local attractions. Visitors frequently choose private transfers, superior services characterized by personalized schedules, assistance with luggage, and comfortable vehicles, making travel to and around Elounda smooth and worry-free.
Elounda is a small coastal town on Agios Nikolaos, located on Crete’s northeastern shore. Transfers between Elounda and Crete’s main airports in Heraklion and Chania are regularly needed due to their appeal among international visitors. Heraklion International Airport (HER) is the closest airport, located 66.7 kilometers (41.4 miles) from Elounda, reachable in approximately 60–75 minutes by car or taxi, or via bus connections with transfers. Chania International Airport (CHQ) is situated further west at 215 kilometers (134 miles), and requires around 3 hours by car, while bus travel involves multiple transfers and longer durations.
Travelers can get from Elounda to Heraklion Airport by bus, taxi, or private transfer. Traveling by bus is the most affordable option, costing €10–€15 (£8–£13). There are no direct bus trips from the city to the airport, so visitors must first travel for about 30 minutes by bus to Agios Nikolaos and then transfer to another bus headed to Heraklion Bus Station A, adding approximately 75 minutes to the journey. Bus routes operate regularly during the daytime, stopping at Kato Gouves, Chersonissos, and Malia. The fastest means to get from Elounda to Heraklion Airport is by private transfer or taxi, covering 66.7 kilometers (41.4 miles) in about 60–75 minutes, with fares ranging from €70–€90 (£60–£77).
Travelers can get from Elounda to Chania Airport by bus, taxi, or private transfer. Bus transportation is the cheapest option, an economical journey typically costing about €24.50 (£21.30), divided into three segments. Passengers first travel by bus from Elounda to Heraklion Bus Station (€7 / £6) for approximately 1.5 hours. The trip continues on a connecting bus from Heraklion to Chania Central Bus Station (€15 / £13), lasting around 2.5 to 3 hours. The last trip will then be a short bus ride from Chania Central Bus Station directly to Chania Airport (€2.50 / £2.30), a journey of about 30 minutes. The total travel time may extend to 5 hours or more due to transfers and waiting periods. The fastest and most convenient transportation is a private transfer or taxi, traveling directly to Chania Airport, covering 215 kilometers (134 miles) in approximately 3 hours, priced between €200–€240 (£171–£205).
Transportation in Elounda offers reliable and efficient options for travelers exploring eastern Crete and connecting to its airports. Travelers can choose among taxis, buses, or private rental cars to conveniently reach their destination or explore nearby towns and beaches.
Travelers can get around Elounda by using taxis, public buses, or renting a private car. Metered taxis offer comfortable, direct service between popular locations. Public buses provide economical transportation, although certain routes require transfers, especially when traveling to Heraklion or Chania. Renting a private car gives visitors the most flexibility, allowing independent exploration throughout the region at their own pace.
Taxis in Elounda operate on a meter system, charging passengers based on distance traveled. No specific taxi app exists for Elounda, but they are readily available in central areas or by hotel request. Trips from Elounda to Heraklion Airport cover a distance of 66.7 kilometers (41.4 miles) taking approximately 1 hour and typically cost €70–€90 (£60–£77). Traveling from Elounda to Chania Airport covers 215 kilometers (134 miles) and takes around 3 hours, costing €200–€240 (£171–£205). Passengers should verify the taxi’s meter is activated at the beginning of each journey to ensure fair pricing.
Buses in Elounda are operated by KTEL, Crete’s regional public bus network, connecting Elounda with neighboring municipalities such as Agios Nikolaos, Chania, and Heraklion. Direct bus trips from Elounda to either Heraklion or Chania Airport are not available, necessitating transfers at Agios Nikolaos and Heraklion Bus Station A. The distance between Elounda and Heraklion covers 66.7 kilometers (41.4 miles), with travel time lasting about 90-120 minutes including transfers, and costs around €10–€15 (£8–£13). Bus trips from Elounda to Chania Airport require multiple transfers, covering 215 kilometers (134 miles). The bus trip takes approximately 4-5 hours and the fare normally costs €25–€35 (£21–£30). Tickets are purchased directly at bus stations or onboard, and bus schedules vary seasonally.
Private car rental is the fastest way to get around Elounda. Car rental companies offer various vehicle sizes to accommodate various travel needs and group sizes. Some agencies provide compact cars suitable for couples, while larger vehicles comfortably fit families or groups with luggage. Several companies offer booking ahead through online reservations, allowing travelers to secure their rentals before their trip. Renting a private vehicle gives tourists flexibility, independence, and the opportunity to travel freely without being restricted by public transportation timetables. It is important to note that rental prices vary by car size, and might be more costly during the high season.
No, Uber is not available in Elounda. The ride-hailing app is available in Greece, but it only operates exclusively in Athens, Corfu, and Santorini. Visitors and locals getting around Elounda can choose from traditional transportation options, including taxis, private transfers, public buses, and rental cars. Taxis are readily accessible in central areas and hotels, while private car transfers offer personalized schedules, luggage assistance, and direct service to desired destinations. Public buses and rental cars are also practical alternatives.
A private car transfer is better than a taxi transfer when getting around Elounda and other nearby destinations. Private transfers offer multiple advantages, such as customized schedules, the freedom to choose the vehicle type the passenger prefers, and pre-arranged bookings among others. Travelers avoid inconveniences like lining up in long taxi queues, uncertainty regarding taxi availability, or unexpected stops along the route. Private car transfers also eliminate issues such as navigating unfamiliar roads or dealing with luggage, as the driver provides assistance and ensures a smooth, direct journey to the destination.
No, there is no metro transfer in Elounda, as the town does not have a metro or subway system due to its small size and coastal location. Crete as a whole relies primarily on road transportation networks, with no metro services existing on the island. Travelers visiting Elounda instead use metered taxis, private transfer services, public buses, rental cars, walking, or bicycles. Taxis and private transfers offer convenience and direct travel, while buses provide economical yet indirect service to neighboring towns.
Elounda is a compact coastal town, easily navigable on foot or by bicycle. Walking is practical because most attractions, shops, restaurants, and beaches are located within close proximity to one another. Cycling is another efficient and economical way to explore Elounda and nearby villages, with bicycles available to rent from local shops at affordable daily rates. Both options provide convenience, affordability, and flexibility, making them ideal alternatives for travelers who prefer independent movement around Elounda without relying on motorized transport.
The current taxi rates from Elounda to popular destinations are as follows: a trip to Heraklion Airport (HER), located 67.4 kilometers (41.9 miles) away, costs €74 and takes 60 minutes. Traveling to Chania Airport (CHQ), a distance of 215 kilometers (133.6 miles), costs €275 with a duration of 187 minutes. Heraklion Port, situated 70.8 kilometers (44 miles) from Elounda, has a taxi rate of €72, taking around 67 minutes. A taxi to Heraklion Town covers 71.4 kilometers (44.4 miles), costing €72 and lasting 68 minutes.
Travelers should choose our transfer service in Elounda because we provide unbeatable, world-class service combined with reliable 24/7 customer support. Our private airport transfers and connections across Crete are affordable and transparent, with no hidden fees, meaning the price that customers book is the price they will pay. Our impressive car fleet includes standard and luxury sedans, SUVs, 9-seater minivans, and 18-seater minibuses, all thoroughly cleaned and well-maintained. Professional, experienced, and friendly drivers ensure you reach your booked accommodation quickly, safely, and comfortably.
The closest airport to Elounda is the international airport of Heraklion, located 67.4 kilometers (41.9 miles) away from town, with a travel time lasting about 1 hour via taxi or private vehicle. The next closest aerodrome is the international airport of Chania, located 215 kilometers (133.6 miles) from town, requiring approximately 187 minutes or just over 3 hours of travel by car.
Find below a list of the top landmarks and tourist attractions in Elounda:
