Rethymno to Chania: Taxi vs Bus vs Rental Car

Rethymno and Chania are the two western cities of Crete, separated by 55 km of motorway and some of the most beautiful coastal scenery on the island. The journey between them is short, simple, and served by several options — but the right one depends on what kind of traveller you are.

Here's an honest comparison.

Option 1: Private Taxi — €60 Fixed

A private taxi from Rethymno to Chania takes 45 minutes and costs a fixed €60 with PolyTaxi.

You're collected from your hotel, accommodation, or the port and delivered to the Venetian harbour, Old Town, or anywhere in Chania. No timetables, no bus stations, no luggage handling in a crowded vehicle.

This option works best for: Families with luggage, anyone with an early or late journey, people arriving by ferry in Rethymno who want to continue to Chania, and travellers who want to start their day in Chania rather than spend it commuting.

The taxi also covers Souda port — useful if you're arriving by overnight ferry from Athens.

Option 2: KTEL Bus — €8–10

The KTEL intercity bus runs regularly between Rethymno and Chania, roughly every 30–60 minutes during the day in summer. The journey takes about 75–90 minutes and costs €8–10 each way.

Departure points:

• Rethymno: KTEL bus station, about 1 km east of the old town
• Chania: KTEL bus station, on the eastern edge of the city centre (about 15–20 min walk to the Venetian harbour)

The bus is clean, air-conditioned, and reliable. The main inconveniences are the walk to/from the bus station with luggage, and the schedule — if you miss a bus, you wait 30–60 minutes. The last service is mid-evening.

This option works best for: Solo travellers and couples without much luggage who aren't in a hurry and want to save money.

Option 3: Rental Car — €35–70/day

If you already have a rental car for your stay, the drive from Rethymno to Chania is straightforward and enjoyable. The E75 motorway runs along the north coast with sea views for most of the route. The Souda Bay approach to Chania, with the bay spreading below you and the White Mountains rising behind, is one of the great driving views on the island.

The practical downsides are parking in Chania (genuinely difficult in summer — the old town area has almost no parking and the nearest car parks are a significant walk) and the accumulated daily rental cost.

This option works best for: Travellers who already have a car and are combining Chania with other stops.

What's Worth Seeing in Chania

If you're making a day trip, here's what to prioritise:

The Venetian Harbour and lighthouse — the iconic image of Chania. Walk the harbour front in the morning before tour groups arrive. The lighthouse is a 20-minute walk around the harbour wall.

The old town backstreets — the Splantzia neighbourhood behind the harbour is less touristy and more atmospheric. Ottoman mosque, quiet squares, good coffee.

The Municipal Market — a covered market built in 1913 on a cross-shaped plan. Good for Cretan cheeses, honey, olive oil, and herbs. Open mornings only.

Archaeological Museum — housed in a converted Venetian church, strong collection of Minoan artefacts from western Crete.

The Drive Itself

The E75 between Rethymno and Chania is motorway-standard — fast, easy, and well-signed. The approach to Chania from the east offers views over Souda Bay, one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean. The American and British war cemeteries at Souda are visible from the road — a sobering reminder of the 1941 Battle of Crete.

If you're not in a hurry (and with a taxi, you can always ask), the old national road that runs closer to the coast through Georgioupolis is a beautiful alternative — slower but significantly more scenic.

Summary

For a day trip from a hotel in Rethymno, the practical choice for most people is either the bus (if you travel light and like a schedule) or a private taxi (if you want to start and end the day without logistics).