Traveling in Crete By Bus: Everything You Need to Know!

What You Need to Know About Traveling in Crete by Bus

First things first, buses are your only option for traveling around Crete with public transport. Thankfully, the bus services on the island are reliable, and the roads are in good condition, at least the most important ones.

Of course, there will often be some mountains you have to cross or go around, and that’s the main reason there is no train available.

Although not every village or remote beach is accessible by public transport, the bus services in Crete have an excellent reputation.

The coaches are new, the buses arrive on time, and there are short—and long-distance connections, mainly in the island’s northern part.

Sometimes, the buses are so efficient and reliable that it might seem like you’re not in Greece anymore. I’m sure you’ll appreciate that German-like punctuality in no time. Want to know more? Let’s dive deeper into the world of Cretan buses!

The Bus Network in Crete

Imagine two worlds: a flat plateau in the north and mountainous terrain in the south. Cretan buses view the island this way and prefer to stay in the north, just like our long-forgotten transport buddies, donkeys, would. 

In short, if you want to travel around Crete without a car, stick to the north and avoid the south. Traveling along the southern part of the island would mean a lot of backtracking along routes with infrequent bus services. After all, the main bus stations are in the northern cities of Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos.

So, if you are a city bird, you’re in for a treat. There are several daily connections between those main destinations. At the same time, you’ll also find regular buses to the largest villages and tourist hubs. 

Most Common Bus Routes in Crete

If you’re traveling in Crete by bus, you should know that the most common bus service in Crete is between Heraklion and Chania since both cities have international airports. You can catch a bus every hour from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

If there is no traffic, the trip will take 2 hours and 45 minutes, but chances are it will be around 3 hours, especially during peak hours.

The bus also stops along the way, with Rethymno being the most important one. Here, many passengers will get off, and more will join.

Other common bus routes from Heraklion are the services that take you south to Matala or east to Agios Nikolaos. From Agios Nikolaos, you can easily reach Ierapetra, another known destination. 

Finally, there are less frequent but popular bus services from Chania to the South. Paleochora is the main terminal in the island’s southwest, and most tourists ask about getting to Elafonisi by bus. 

Depending on the season, you might find a direct 2-hour bus to Elafonisi that leaves the Chania station at 9 am and gets back at 4 pm.

Bus Stations in Crete

Almost every large town has one bus station, usually centrally located. The only exception is the capital, Heraklion, which has two.

The central bus station has services to the north coastline of Crete and is only a five-minute walk from the ferry. The second Heraklion bus station is outside the town in the Chanioporta area. From here, buses go south to destinations such as Knossos, Rogdia, and Gortys.

Finally, don’t expect to find many amenities at most bus stations. Mini marts, luggage lockers, and toilets may be the norm for large cities, but a bus station in a village might be as big as an isolated kiosk or sign at the side of the road. 

However, the new bus station in Heraklio has luggage lockers, a restaurant, and a few other amenities. But this station is brand new… and it’s the exception!

The Urban Bus Network in Crete

While most intercity buses are green (or white), you might encounter some blue buses while walking around the streets.

Those are local buses that serve the settlements of Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos, the four largest cities in Crete.

Although the urban buses won’t go far from the city center, they are an excellent solution for visiting the suburbs. For example, in Heraklion, you can hop on Bus No2 to visit the archaeological site of Knossos.

Tips to Travel in Crete by Bus

Keep these suggestions in mind when navigating the island on a bus…

Check the timetable in advance

Although there is no unified Crete bus app, you can find some schedules here. Still, the most reliable way to know the Crete bus timetable is old-fashioned; this means viewing the itinerary from the posters on bus stations. I know it’s pretty archaic, but it is exceptionally reliable.

Keep an eye out for street bus stops

You don’t always need to walk to a normal-looking bus station to catch a bus. As long as you stand on the right side of the bus route, you only have to locate the closest bus stop.

If all else fails, feel free to hail the bus from the roadside. The driver may be kind enough to make a special stop for you.

Tell your stop number rather than the name

Every time you step on a bus, especially if you’re not in a central city, you will be greeted by a ticket person who works with the driver.

Instead of using the name of the place you go, tell them you want to get off at a specific stop number; you can find the numbers online. 

Watch out for changes in the timetable during the holidays

Next to tracking the seasonal updates in the Crete bus timetable, you must be extra careful if you travel on a public holiday.

For example, the 15th of August is a national celebration, so many public services have unique itineraries. Similar dates include the 1st of May, the 28th of October, and Greek Easter. 

Sit on the window facing the coastal side of the bus

If you travel along the northern coastline, make sure to sit closer to the ocean. The views along the way can be incredible at times, so be ready for them.

Even if the sun faces your way, remember all the Cretan buses are air-conditioned, so you’ll not get hot easily.

Bring cash on the bus

Although you can use a card to buy tickets at central bus stations, always remember to bring cash, especially if you take the bus from a village.

Crete bus prices may be reasonable since they are government-regulated, but they have kept increasing over the years. If you want an estimate, a short bus trip may cost around 5-10 euros, whereas a long-distance service will set you off from 10 to 20 euros. 

Consider using both buses and car rentals

Many travelers think they should travel only by car or public transport in Crete. However, mixing the two strategies may save you a ton while giving you the freedom to get to more remote places.

In other words, you can find affordable car rentals for specific activities that are only part of your holiday.In short, if you want to travel to Crete by bus, you will love the island’s efficient public transport. Use the bus to save on transport costs, and feel free to rent a car if you want to go off the beaten path. 

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More resources to enhance your Crete adventure

Start by checking out my guide to planning your trip to Crete, packed with helpful essential information. Explore the articles on prices in Crete, common mistakes to avoid, and insider secrets. If you prefer, you can purchase one of the digital travel guides I’ve specifically written about Crete. They are affordable and practical to check from your mobile.

When it’s time to plan, explore the best places to visit on Crete Island, discover my tours and activities, and be amazed at Crete’s incredible beaches. If you are exploring specific areas like Heraklion, Rethymnon, Lasithi, and Chania, I’ve got detailed guides to help you make the most of your time.

Suggested accommodation in Crete

No time to read all my accommodation guides? Check out these places to stay:

• Heraklion: Galaxy Hotel.
• Chania: Porto Antico.
• Rethymnon: Archipelagos Hotel.
• Agios Nikolaos: Hotel Port 7.

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