With an extension of over 8000 square kilometers, Crete is the largest island is more populous than Greece, as well as the fifth of the whole Mediterranean. Here are the reasons why, it is possible to move to Crete exclusively by car or by bus.

GETTING AROUND CRETE BY BUS

The Greek KTEL manages the public road service. The buses are quite efficient and punctual. In particular along the north coast, more tourist is frequented.

The fleet consists of over 240 buses with which to move to Crete, reaching all points of interest, up to small villages. Of these, there are around 70 mini buses running along short-haul routes, and around 150 for medium / long haul routes. Buses are modern and comfortable.

Getting around Crete, during the night, by public transport, is practically impossible. The most important and frequent lines, make the last run to the 23:00 approximately. Typically, the service is suspended from 23:00 to 06:00 in the morning.

On some routes, the frequencies are around 30 minutes. This is the case of the rather busy Chania-Kolymbari line. The bus is active every day, including Saturdays and holidays, from 06:15 (first race) to 21:15 (last race).

Another fairly frequent line is Chania – Rethimnon – Heraklion. The buses leave every day, with a frequency of about an hour, from 05:15 to 21:45 from Chania; from 05:30 to 21:30 from Heraklion. The Chania – Kasteli bus runs daily from 06:15 to 21:30.

The lines that cross the hinterland, the villages and the less touristy areas, are generally infrequent and scarcely used. In some cases, only a couple of weekly trips are scheduled! THE Ticket prices vary depending on the route. In general, for short distances, the price starts from 1,80€. Tickets are quite cheap, and can be purchased directly on board the vehicle.

All information, timetables and routes are available on the official website of the company, from this link.

CAR

The ideal vehicle to move around Crete in total freedom, and autonomy is, without a doubt, the car. Moreover, Crete is the only island to have a motorway network, which mainly develops along the north coast. Right here, you will find the best and paved roads, being the most touristic area. To the south, and particularly inland, the roads are mostly unpaved and unpaved. Typically, these are the areas where you should venture to discover the best and most authentic side of the island.

The road signs, in general, are in Greek and English, although you have to be careful because, often, cities are indicated differently. For example, you might find Heraklion also referred to as Heraklion or Iraklion.

If you intend to venture on winding mountain trails, hire a SUV or SUV, remembering to insure your car against damage.

The petrol stations in the most important cities are open until late evening. The main problem is during holidays: almost always closed. Therefore, it is advisable to protect oneself.

Sicknesses are the parking lots, especially in high season. You will have a hard time finding free parking spaces for your car. Also, almost everywhere, you’ll come across drivers, motorcyclists and pedestrians …. unruly!

In the city, airport and in the main ports, you will find numerous rental agencies. Our advice is to book your car in advance, obtaining the best price. Further details and reservations, from this link.

TAXI

Taxi drivers are obliged to use the taximeter. Generally, getting around Crete by taxi is quite cheap. Especially in short distances. For medium / long haul routes, it is preferable to pre-arrange the price of the trip. Taxi drivers, in general, speak comprehensible English.