Chania Airport (CHQ): Getting In, Getting Around, Getting Out

Chania Airport is a small, single-terminal airport on the Akrotiri peninsula, and for most visitors it is the easiest front door to western Crete. Flights from Athens take 55 minutes, and once you land, a green KTEL bus or a taxi has you in Chania town in well under an hour.

Where is Chania Airport?

The airport sits in the Akrotiri area, about 9 miles (14 km) from Chania's city center. Its code is CHQ, and its official name is Ioannis Daskalogiannis. Crete has one other major airport, Heraklion, and Chania is the smaller of the two, though it still welcomes a lot of travelers every year.

What is the airport like?

A single terminal handles both domestic and international flights, and its fairly small size keeps the distances to a gate or a coffee short. Facilities include:

• Free unlimited WiFi on the open network "Fraport-Free"
• Alpha Bank ATMs both before and after security
• Currency exchange in the arrivals hall
• Baby care rooms on the first floor
• A first aid station on the ground floor
• Free baggage carts

Power outlets are near Entrance 5 before security, at Schengen Gates 1 to 10 and at non-Schengen Gates 13 to 16. There is no luggage storage, and no public showers.

The terminal is fully accessible for wheelchair users, with lifts, ramps and adapted toilets. If you need special assistance, let your airline or travel agent know at least 48 hours before your flight.

Summer is a different airport. Seasonal routes fill the terminal in summer, and some travelers describe slow, disorganized lines from check-in to boarding, along with no air-conditioning to ease the wait in the hot months. Economy passengers can pay for lounge access.

Food is simple: a few cafes and bars, a mini market, duty-free shops and stores selling Cretan products and crafts. Flocafe covers the early coffee, Everest does Greek snacks and Forno Luca serves Italian food. Many outlets close in the late evening once the day's flights are done, so pack snacks if you're flying very early or very late. A reader reported a water bottle refill station after security.

How do you get from the airport to Chania town?

Many arrivals take the bus or a taxi, and both connect the airport with the center of Chania. Drivers can pick up a rental car right in the terminal.

By bus

The green KTEL suburban bus runs between the airport and Chania in about 30 minutes, with an average wait of around 30 minutes between departures. KTEL asks passengers to buy tickets in advance to secure a seat at their preferred time. On its official booking service you choose your departure point, destination, date and number of seats to see routes and prices. Many riders get off at the KTEL station on Kidonias Street, the second stop. Travelers with disabilities can contact KTEL to arrange their trip.

By taxi

Metered taxis wait at ranks outside, 24 hours a day. The ride to a Chania hotel takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic, and heavy luggage may add an extra charge. A taxi is often the better choice for the old town, where parking is difficult. Taxis also run to the rest of the island. For a fixed fare, book a private transfer ahead of time.

By rental car

Rental desks are in the arrivals area. Companies include Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Sixt, Kydon, Avance and Trust, and the drive to Chania town takes about 20 minutes. A car is handy if you plan to explore beyond town. Booking ahead usually gets you more choice and better prices.

How do you reach the beaches and nearby towns?

Chania works well as a base without a car. Golden Beach and Platanias both have regular public buses to the center. Nea Hora, just along the coast from the old town, is close enough for an easy outing, with swimming, coffee and fish tavernas.

For longer trips, the main KTEL bus station is a short walk from the old town. Buses run to Rethymno, 60 km (about 37 miles) east, and to Palaiochora on the south coast. From Palaiochora, boats cross to Gavdos, the southernmost point of Europe. KTEL can also arrange transport to the Samaria Gorge.

Is it better to arrive by air or by sea?

Flying is the simpler choice in 2026, because the Piraeus to Chania ferry line is temporarily suspended. Even in a normal season, the crossing takes about 9 hours and 25 minutes. From Athens the flight is 55 minutes, and from Thessaloniki it is 1 hour and 15 minutes. To check whether the ferry has resumed, and for its updated timetable and fares, call the ferry booking centre at +39 071 201708. Cruise ships dock at the Port of Souda on Souda Bay, east of town.

Where can you stay near the airport?

You can't spend the night in the terminal. It closes overnight once the last flights clear, and it has no cots or rest areas.

Several hotels are a short drive away:

• Areti Suites Chania, about 1.5 miles away (mid-range)
• Psamathi L&T, 3 miles away (apartments)
• Michalis Villas, 3.1 miles away (villas)
• JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa, 3.1 miles away (luxury)
• Pazinos Village Studios, a 4-minute taxi ride away

A taxi, rideshare or hotel shuttle, where one runs, is the easiest way to reach them.

What should you know before you leave?

Arrive at least 3 hours before an international flight. On flights within Europe, arriving 2 hours ahead is usually enough. In summer, give yourself the full margin.

If you have a very early flight, plan to arrive when the terminal reopens, which is usually a few hours before the first departure.

Check the KTEL timetable on the official website before heading out, and confirm your flight status with your airline. When you reach security, have your boarding pass and ID within easy reach, and pull your laptop and liquids out of your bag before you get to the tray.