Rethymno is located between Chania Airport (68.5 kilometers/42.5 miles) and Heraklion Airport (81 kilometers/50.3 miles), both of which are major entry points for visitors to Crete. Both airports experience heavy traffic, especially during peak season, leading to long public bus and taxi queues. Best Transfers Crete offers direct airport transfers to Rethymno, ensuring a fast, comfortable, and stress-free journey.
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Visitors traveling from Rethymno to Heraklion Airport will spend about 1 hour and 10 minutes by car or 1 hour and 30 minutes by bus, with bus fares ranging from €11–€16 (£9–£13.50). Rethymno to Chania Airport takes 1 hour by taxi or 1 hour and 20 minutes by bus, with fares in the same price range. Private transfers provide the fastest and most convenient travel option.
Transportation within Rethymno includes taxis, buses, and private car rentals. Taxis use a meter system, with fixed rates for longer distances, such as €100–€120 (£87–£104) for transfers from Heraklion Airport to Rethymno. Buses run frequently and are operated by KTEL Crete, with hop-on-hop-off services available for sightseeing. Private car rentals offer greater flexibility, allowing travelers to explore remote areas at their own pace. Uber and metro services do not operate in Rethymno, making taxis and rental cars the best alternatives.
Key landmarks in Rethymno include the Old Town, Venetian Fortress (Fortezza), Biotopoi Natural Park, Rethymno’s beaches, and nearby caves. Walking and biking are also popular ways to explore the city’s historic streets and coastline.
| Destination | Price | Time | Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heraklion Airport (HER) | €85 | 68 min | 80.5 km | |
| Chania Airport (CHQ) | €0 | 72 min | 70.3 km | |
| Heraklion Port | €85 | 73 min | 77.8 km | |
| Heraklion Town | €85 | 75 min | 78.4 km | |
| Chania Town | €0 | 65 min | 64.9 km | |
| Agia Marina - Chania | €0 | 90 min | 78 km | |
| Agioi Apostoloi | €0 | 33 min | 25 km | |
| Platanias - Chania | €0 | 120 min | 117 km |
Best Transfers Crete provides direct airport transfers to Rethymno, ensuring passengers avoid lengthy queues and crowded conditions. Travelers using Best Transfers Crete can reach Rethymno quickly and comfortably. Bookings via phone or email with the subject line "transfer Rethymno" secure immediate pickup upon arrival, allowing travelers to enjoy the city's attractions and pleasant weather promptly.
Rethymno is located 68.5 kilometers (42.5 miles) from Chania Airport and 81 kilometers (50.3 miles) from Heraklion Airport. Both airports serve as primary entry points for tourists arriving in Crete. Heraklion and Chania airports frequently experience heavy crowds, especially during the summer months. Long queues often form for public buses and immediate taxi services. High temperatures during peak season further add to the discomfort and inconvenience of waiting.
Visitors can get from Rethymno to Heraklion Airport by car, taxi, public bus, or private transfer. The fastest option is a taxi or private transfer, which takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes, offering direct transportation from Rethymno to the airport. Public buses provide a more affordable alternative, running regularly from Rethymno’s central bus station between 5:30 AM and 9:00 PM. A one-way adult ticket typically costs between €11 and €16 (£9–£13.50), with variations depending on age and ticket type. Travelers seeking convenience can pre-book private transfers, which offer tailored services and vehicle choices to accommodate different group sizes and preferences.
Visitors can get from Rethymno to Chania Airport by car, taxi, public bus, or private transfer. The quickest option is a taxi or private transfer, completing the journey in about 1 hour with direct service to the airport. Public buses are the most affordable choice, running from Rethymno’s central bus station between 6:00 AM and 8:30 PM. A one-way adult ticket typically costs between €11 and €16 (£9–£13.50), and the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. For a more comfortable and tailored experience, travelers can book a private luxury transfer or minivan, offering direct and convenient transportation to Chania Airport.
Rethymno is a coastal city on the northern shore of Crete, positioned between Chania and Heraklion. The city covers an area of more or less 126.5 square kilometers (48.8 square miles), surrounded by the Aegean Sea to the north and rugged mountainous landscapes to the south, creating a diverse and picturesque environment. The Venetian-era Old Town, beautiful beaches, and historic landmarks are some of the most-visited attractions for visitors. Rethymno has traditional modes of transportation catering to various travel needs, including taxis, buses, and private car rentals, ensuring both convenience and flexibility for exploring the city and its surroundings.
Getting around Rethymno is easy, thanks to its well-connected transportation network. There are multiple ways to navigate the city, whether exploring the charming old town, heading to nearby beaches, or traveling to other parts of Crete. Walking is a great option for short distances, as many of the city's attractions are located within a compact area. Taxis provide a quick and convenient way to travel, while buses offer an affordable alternative with routes covering both urban and regional destinations. Renting a car is ideal for tourists who want the freedom to explore at their own pace, particularly for visiting more remote areas. Rethymno does not have Uber or other ridesharing services, so traditional transport options remain the best way to move around the city.
Taxis in Rethymno follow a meter system, with fares determined by distance and travel time. Official taxis are available at designated taxi ranks, hotels, and popular tourist areas. Travelers can also hail a taxi on the street or arrange pickups through local taxi services. There is no dedicated taxi app for Rethymno, so bookings must be made by calling taxi companies directly or using hotel reception services. Some taxis allow pre-arranged bookings via WhatsApp or SMS. To avoid overcharging, travelers should always ensure the taxi meter is running and ask for an estimated fare before starting the journey. Carrying cash is recommended, as not all taxis accept card payments. A taxi transfer from Rethymno to Chania Airport covers 68.5 kilometers (42.5 miles) and takes 1 hour, while a taxi ride from Rethymno to Heraklion Airport covers 81 kilometers (50.3 miles) and takes 1 hour and 10 minutes. Taxis are easily available at designated ranks in central Rethymno, including near the old town, the main bus station, and major hotels. Travelers can also hail taxis on the street or arrange a pickup via phone call or hotel concierge.
Buses in Rethymno are a reliable and affordable option for getting around the city and traveling to other parts of Crete. Rethymno Public Transport provides scheduled services within the city, while KTEL Crete operates regional connections. A hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus is available for tourists, offering convenient access to key landmarks. Bus transfers from Rethymno to Chania Airport operate daily. Passengers can board at the central bus station, where tickets are available for purchase. KTEL Crete operates buses between Rethymno and Chania with departures approximately every 1–2 hours. Bus transfers from Rethymno to Heraklion Airport also run daily. Passengers must board at the Rethymno central bus station and may need to transfer in Heraklion before reaching the airport. Bus schedules to Heraklion run every 1–2 hours and can be checked at the central bus station or on the KTEL Crete website.
Private car rentals are widely available in Rethymno, with agencies located in the city center, at major hotels, and near the port. Cars can be rented on a daily or weekly basis, with options ranging from economy vehicles to SUVs. Renting a private car offers flexibility to explore Crete at an individual pace, allowing access to remote beaches and villages that are not served by public transport. It is a convenient option for families or groups traveling together, eliminating dependency on taxi availability or bus schedules.
No, Uber is not available in Rethymno or other parts of Crete, including the major cities of Heraklion and Chania. Other alternative ridesharing apps are likewise unavailable on the island, meaning travelers cannot rely on app-based transportation services. Visitors must use traditional taxis, buses, or private car rentals to get around. Taxis are readily available in Rethymno, but they operate on a meter system and must be booked directly through a taxi company or hailed on the street. Renting a car is a practical option that allows travelers to explore the island without relying on public transportation or taxi availability.
A private car is better than a taxi transfer for travelers who want more freedom and flexibility when exploring Rethymno. Renting a car allows visitors to travel at their own pace and explore destinations beyond the city without being restricted by taxi fares or public transport schedules. Taxis usually charge per kilometer and can become expensive for longer trips, while private car rentals come with fixed daily or weekly rates, making them more cost-effective for travelers planning to visit multiple locations. A rental car also provides access to remote beaches, scenic countryside routes, and traditional villages that are not easily accessible by taxi or bus.
No, a Metro transfer is not available in Rethymno. The city did not construct an underground or suburban rail system, and there are no metro lines connecting Rethymno to other parts of Crete. Public transportation in Rethymno is limited to buses, which run within the city and between major destinations on the island. Travelers relying on public transport must use the bus network or consider private transportation means like hailing a taxi or booking a private car rental.
Walking and biking are great alternatives for getting around Rethymno. The city’s small size and historic Old Town make it effortlessly explorable on foot, with major landmarks, dining spots, and shops conveniently clustered within short distances. Bike rentals are readily available for tourists who prefer a faster, eco-friendly option, allowing them to pedal along picturesque coastal routes or through the heart of the city.
Taxi rates in Rethymno vary depending on the distance and time of travel. A taxi from Heraklion Airport to Rethymno costs between €100 ($109, £87) and €120 ($131, £104) for a one-way transfer. Fares are based on a meter system for shorter trips within the city, while longer journeys, such as airport transfers, typically have fixed prices. Travelers should confirm the fare with the driver before starting the ride and ensure the taxi meter is running for city trips. Prices may be higher during nighttime hours or public holidays.
Best Crete Transfer ensures a seamless, high-quality service from the very first moment. Our transfers provide the fastest, most comfortable, and most convenient way to reach Rethymno, eliminating the hassle of long waits and crowded public transport. Our commitment to transparent pricing translates to offering all-inclusive rates with no hidden fees, allowing tourists to travel stress-free without worrying about unexpected costs. Our fleet includes a wide range of safe, well-maintained vehicles, from standard and luxury sedans to spacious SUVs, minivans, and minibuses, catering to all travel needs. Our dedicated customer support team is available 24/7, ensuring assistance at any time, day or night, for a smooth and worry-free experience.
Chania International Airport (CHQ) is the nearest airport to Rethymno, situated 66 kilometers (41 miles) west of the city. The drive from Chania Airport to Rethymno takes approximately one hour by taxi or car. Another option is Heraklion International Airport (HER), located 82 kilometers (51 miles) east, with a travel time of about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Although both airports are primary entry points for Crete, Chania Airport is the more convenient choice for those traveling directly to Rethymno due to its closer proximity.
Find below a list of the top landmarks and tourist attractions in Rethymno:
