How to Get from Heraklion Airport to Rethymno: Best Routes & Costs Explained

Heading to Rethymno from Heraklion Airport? Explore all transport options: public buses, taxis, private transfers, shared shuttles, and car rentals.

Getting from Heraklion Airport to Rethymno

The distance between Heraklion Airport (HER) and Rethymno is roughly 81 km (50 miles). You can travel by KTEL public bus for budget-friendly options, taxis for a direct ride, a private transfer for maximum comfort, shared shuttles for cost-effective convenience, or rent a car if you prefer to drive yourself.

Rethymno: Picturesque & Historic

Rethymno is a charming town on Crete’s north-central coast, known for its Venetian architecture, narrow streets, and seaside charm.

Must-see spots include: Rethymno Old Town - cobbled streets, colorful balconies, and artisan shops Rethymno Fortress - the largest coastal fortification on Crete Old Port & Lighthouse - scenic views and lively cafes Archaeological Museum - history and local artifacts

Annual events: Carnival in February Renaissance Festival of Arts in summer Wine Festival in September

Cost: €70-170 per vehicle Waiting time: ~5 min Travel time: 60-80 min

Ideal Clients: Families, groups, travelers with luggage

If you want your trip to start with ease instead of stress, a Kiwitaxi private transfer is the best choice. No waiting around in bus queues, no figuring out connections — your driver meets you right in the arrivals hall, holds a name sign, and helps with luggage so you can head straight to Rethymno without a second thought.

Why travelers love it:

Door-to-door comfort – no dragging suitcases through bus stations, just a smooth ride directly to your hotel.

Peace of mind – our drivers track flight delays, so even if you land late, someone will still be waiting for you.

Space for everyone – choose between cars or spacious minibuses depending on your group size or luggage.

Clear pricing – what you see is what you pay. No hidden fees, no late-night surcharges, no surprises.

For families, groups, or anyone who wants a stress-free start to their holiday, a Kiwitaxi transfer turns the first hour in Crete into part of the vacation, not part of the hassle.

Book Transfer

Cost: €7-13 per person Waiting time: 20-60 min Travel time: 2-2.5 hours

Ideal Clients: Solo travelers, budget-conscious visitors There are no direct buses from the airport. To reach Rethymno: Take bus #78 or Line 6 from Heraklion Airport to Heraklion central bus station (~20 min, €1.80)

Transfer to a KTEL intercity bus to Rethymno (~1.5, €8-13)

Tickets are sold at the bus station or from the driver. Buses run during the day but do not operate late at night.

Cost: ~€80-95 per car; €160-170 for a minibus Waiting time: 5-10 min Travel time: ~60-80 min

Ideal Clients: Travelers with luggage, families, small groups Taxis provide door-to-door service, picking you up directly from the arrivals area.

They are flexible but slightly more expensive than pre-arranged transfers, and fares may increase at night.

Cost: €20-35 per person Waiting time: May vary depending on other passengers Travel time: 75-100 min

Ideal Clients: Solo travelers, small groups Shared shuttles operate on fixed schedules and may wait briefly for other arrivals, offering a balance of affordability and convenience.

If you’d like more than just a transfer, consider Kiwitaxi Chauffeur Service. Instead of renting and driving yourself, you can hire a car with a driver for a few hours or even a full day.

Explore Crete beyond Rethymno — from Knossos to Chania, or mountain wineries

Enjoy stress-free travel without worrying about parking or navigation

Perfect for families, groups, or business trips

The driver stays with you for the whole day, so you can visit multiple locations comfortably

This option lets you turn a simple airport transfer into a mini road trip across Crete, maximizing your holiday time.

No matter your choice, Rethymno is just a short drive away, ready to welcome you with historic streets, stunning views, and vibrant local culture