Getting Around Crete

Road Network, Traffic

Car, Camper Van

Having your own vehicle is an excellent way to explore Crete. It's even the best option thanks to the freedom and time saved compared to public transport. However, unless you're staying on the island for a long time, there's little point in bringing your own vehicle. It's better to rent one locally.

Rental

Buses

The Cretan bus network is quite well developed and allows you to get almost anywhere, though sometimes it's best not to be in too much of a hurry outside the main city routes, which are well served. Local companies of the KTEL (KTEL Chanion-Rethimnou and KTEL Heraklion-Lassithi) handle most public transport. Fares remain very affordable (roughly 1 € per 10 km) for this mode of transport, which can be recommended for those without a vehicle.

Two Wheels

Motorcycle

Bicycle

Hitchhiking

Boats

While there are several regular ferry routes between Crete and other islands or mainland Greece, there are few internal options.

On the north coast, you'll find the Heraklion-Sitia route, which is actually part of a "circular line": Piraeus - Milos - Santorini - Anafi - Heraklion - Sitia - Kasos - Karpathos - Rhodes, offered by the company Anek Lines.

Elsewhere, only the southwest has a few small-boat routes, either between villages that are difficult or impossible to reach by road (from Paleochora and Hora Sfakion) or to the island of Gavdos and its hundred or so inhabitants. The company Anendyk handles these routes, which are sometimes subject to weather conditions.

Missing Transport Modes

There are no trains or domestic flights on the island.

In Town

Taxis

Other Means

What to Choose for Your Travels?

Since Crete is a large island with many points of interest spread across different locations, it's best to be self-sufficient when it comes to transport. Therefore, renting a car will be useful for saving time and gaining freedom. Otherwise, the bus can always be a good option for those looking to save money and have some time to spare.

Distances Between Cities

Distances (km) between the main cities of the island: