Chania Airport serves the western part of Crete, approximately 15 km from the historic centre of Chania, a port city of Venetian origin.
It is the access point for Samaria Gorge, among the longest in Europe, and for the beaches of Elafonissi and Balos, among the most photographed in Greece.
How to get to Chania International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to CHQ
Parking near Chania International Airport
The airport operates an official parking area right in front of the terminal.
The parking, monitored by cameras, costs approximately 2–4 euros per hour, with discounted daily rates.
How to get to Chania from CHQ
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Private Airport Transfer (CHQ) from/to Chania city
Crete: Private Transfer from or to Ports & Airports
Private Airport Transfers from Chania Airport to Agia Marina
Crete: Shared Transfer to/from Airport-Georgioupolis/Kavros
Car rental at Chania International Airport
Major international car rental companies have counters in the arrivals area, essential for exploring Crete's western coast.
A driver's license, passport, and a credit card in the driver's name are required for the security deposit.
Hotels near Chania International Airport
Old town and Venetian harbour
14 km from the airport, 20-25 minutes by taxi (about 25-30 euros); there's neither a train nor a direct city line, only a taxi or a rental car.
Best for: Travellers who want the Venetian harbour, the central market and evenings among the alleys of the old town within walking distance.
- Venetian harbour, central market and the alleys of the old town reachable on foot from the hotels in the area
- The Hilton Garden Inn is among the few chain hotels just minutes' walk from the harbour
- The only connection from the airport is the taxi: no train, no direct bus
- The harbour alleys are very busy and noisy on summer evenings
Recommended hotels
- Hilton Garden Inn Chania City Opened in summer 2025 at the corner of Kidonias and Zymvrakakidon streets, 48 rooms over 6 floors; seasonal pool and gym, 5 minutes' walk from the central market and 6 from the Venetian harbour. View availability
- 3 Sails - 2BR on Venetian Harbour with Balcony Apartment with a balcony a minute's walk from the Venetian harbour and 8 from the central market; two bedrooms, convenient for families or two couples. View availability
- Four Seasons Homes Renovated two-bedroom apartment in the heart of the old town, 11 minutes' walk from Koum Kapi beach; the name has no connection with the hotel chain of the same name. View availability
Nea Chora and the seafront
About 20 minutes by car from the airport; once in the area, the entrance to the old town is a 5-minute walk along the Nea Chora seafront.
Best for: Travellers who want a pool and a beach while staying just minutes' walk from the old town, in a high-end property.
- Resort-level beach and pools, unlike the hotels in the alleys of the inner harbour
- The old town is reachable on foot in 5 minutes despite the seafront location
- 5-star category, prices above the average of the harbour hotels
- The Nea Chora seafront is less lively in the evening than the alleys of the Venetian harbour
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is designed to handle intense seasonal tourist traffic.
An advance of 2–3 hours (more in high season) is recommended for international flights.
Map of Chania International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. What is the Samaria Gorge?
One of the longest gorges in Europe, a full-day trekking destination in the mountainous interior of western Crete, reachable with an organized excursion.
Q. Which beaches can be reached from Chania?
Elafonissi, with its pink sand, and Balos, with its turquoise lagoon: both among the most photographed beaches in Greece, though they require a significant transfer.
Q. Is the Venetian harbor of Chania the city's main attraction?
Yes, with its Venetian and Ottoman-era architecture, it is among the most picturesque harbors in Greece.
Q. Is it worth renting a car in Chania?
Yes, definitely: the area's main attractions are far from the center and not always well served by public transport.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
