Chania Airport (CHQ) — officially Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport — is your gateway to one of the most beautiful corners of the Mediterranean. Getting from the airport to Chania city is straightforward, but knowing your options in advance will save time and money. This guide covers the Chania airport layout, every transfer option to the city, car rental at CHQ, and the practical details that matter when you land.
Chania Airport Overview: What You Need to Know
Chania Airport (IATA code: CHQ) sits about 14km east of Chania city centre, near the village of Souda. Its official name is Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport, named after the 18th-century Cretan revolutionary leader. The airport is the main international entry point for western Crete and handles a dramatic spike in traffic from May through September when holiday flights from across Europe arrive daily.
Terminals at Chania Airport
Terminal A handles scheduled domestic and international flights — this is where most visitors from the UK, Germany, northern Europe, and Athens will arrive. It has the main check-in hall, arrivals hall, luggage reclaim, car rental desks, and the taxi rank directly outside.
Terminal B (adjacent to Terminal A, a short walk) is primarily used for charter and seasonal holiday flights. Facilities are more basic. Both terminals share the same taxi and bus stop area outside arrivals.
The airport has ATMs, a currency exchange desk, a café, duty-free shop, and car rental desks for all major companies in the arrivals hall. In summer peak hours, all of these can be busy — allow extra time.
Search Flights to Chania (CHQ)
Skyscanner compares all airlines flying into CHQ — including seasonal charters not always shown elsewhere. Book early for summer flights.
Getting from Chania Airport to Chania City
The airport is approximately 14km from Chania city centre. The journey takes between 15 and 30 minutes depending on traffic — longer in high summer. You have three realistic options: taxi, KTEL bus, or a pre-booked hire car.
Fastest, most convenient option. The taxi rank is directly outside the arrivals hall exit. Journey takes 15–25 minutes in normal traffic. Taxis are metered — the higher night-time rate applies between midnight and 5am. A fixed airport supplement is included. For 2 or more people, this is often better value than the bus.
The cheapest option. KTEL (Crete's regional bus network) runs services from the airport to the Chania KTEL bus terminal in the city. Buses run roughly every 30–60 minutes during peak daytime hours and stop around 9–10pm. Buy tickets on board. Not ideal for late-night arrivals, large groups with luggage, or destinations outside the city centre.
The best option if you plan to explore beyond Chania — beaches, gorges, villages, and the south coast all require a car. Pick up from the car rental desks in arrivals and drive directly to your hotel. Note that parking in Chania Old Town is difficult — check whether your hotel has parking before driving into the centre.
Private airport transfers can be booked in advance through GetYourGuide, Viator, or local transfer companies. A driver waits for you in arrivals with a name board. Useful for families, elderly travellers, or those arriving late. More expensive than a taxi but eliminates any queue uncertainty.
| Option | Cost | Journey Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | €25–€35 | 15–25 min | Speed, convenience, 2+ people |
| KTEL Bus | ~€2.50 | 25–40 min | Solo travellers, budget trips |
| Hire Car | €18–€40/day | 20 min | Travellers exploring Crete |
| Private Transfer | €30–€50 | 15–25 min | Families, late arrivals |
Car Rental at Chania Airport (CHQ)
If you plan to visit beaches like Balos or Elafonissi, hike the Samaria Gorge, or explore the villages and south coast of Crete, you almost certainly need a hire car. Public transport on Crete is limited outside of the main towns and does not reach most beaches or scenic areas.
Which Companies Have Desks at CHQ?
All major international brands have desks at Chania Airport arrivals: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Sixt, and Enterprise. Several competitive local operators — including Motorplan, Autorent, and others — also operate at or near the airport via shuttle from nearby depots. Local companies often offer lower base rates but check their excess and insurance policies carefully.
Book well in advance: In July and August, Chania Airport's car rental desks regularly run out of vehicles entirely. Walk-up prices during peak weeks can be 50–80% higher than pre-booked rates. Book at least 4–6 weeks ahead for summer travel. Use RentalCars.com to compare all operators at CHQ simultaneously.
Tips for Renting a Car at Chania Airport
- Book online in advance — never walk up to the desk in summer without a reservation.
- Consider an SUV or higher ground clearance if you plan to drive to Balos, Tigani, or any beach via unmade road — small hatchbacks struggle on gravel tracks.
- Check the excess carefully — many budget companies quote low rates but carry a €1,500–€3,000 excess. Full coverage upgrades (CDW) are often worth the cost.
- Inspect the car thoroughly before leaving the lot — photograph any existing damage on your phone and ensure it is noted on the contract.
- Fill up before returning — the airport has a petrol station nearby. Return it at the same fuel level to avoid refuelling surcharges.
- Parking in Old Town is very limited — if your hotel is in the Venetian Harbour area, confirm parking before driving in. Many visitors park in the municipal car parks and walk.
Compare Car Hire at Chania Airport
RentalCars.com compares all operators at CHQ — international brands and local companies — in one search. Prices are significantly lower when booked ahead.
Practical Arrival Tips for Chania Airport
Use the ATM, not the currency exchange
The ATMs in arrivals offer interbank exchange rates — far better than the currency exchange desk. Withdraw €100–€200 in cash on arrival. Many smaller tavernas, market stalls, and some beach facilities are cash-preferred or cash-only. Cards are widely accepted in hotels and larger restaurants.
Get a SIM card in the city, not the airport
SIM cards are not sold at Chania Airport. Phone shops in central Chania sell COSMOTE, Vodafone GR, and Wind prepaid SIMs from €10–€15 with generous data. EU travellers may use existing plans without extra charge — check your provider's roaming policy first.
Allow extra time in high summer
July and August arrivals can involve long queues at baggage reclaim, car rental desks, and the taxi rank. Build in 30–45 minutes beyond your expected luggage collection time when planning onwards travel or restaurant bookings on arrival day.
Baggage: pack light if you can
If you're visiting beaches and gorges, heavy luggage is a hindrance. Many Chania hotels have luggage storage — drop your main bags and take a daypack to the beach. Samaria Gorge in particular requires hands-free hiking, not wheeled suitcases.
The airport café is adequate but nothing more
The café inside the terminal serves acceptable coffee and sandwiches. Don't waste a meal here — Chania city has exceptional food within 20 minutes of the airport. Your first Cretan meal should be in the Old Town, not at arrivals.
What to Do First When You Arrive in Chania
Once you clear arrivals and collect your hire car or taxi, Chania city centre is 20 minutes away. Most hotels check in from 2–3pm — if you arrive in the morning, your room may not be ready, but almost every hotel will store your luggage.
The best plan for an arrival morning: drop luggage at the hotel, walk to the Venetian Harbour (the heart of Chania), find a café for Greek coffee, then take a slow walk around the lighthouse and the old shipyards. By the time you've oriented yourself, lunch will be calling. See our Chania Old Town guide for a full walking route and the best places to eat on day one.
If you've booked a hire car and want to go straight to a beach, Agioi Apostoloi and Kalathas are the closest good beaches to both the airport and the city — within 15–20 minutes. Balos and Elafonissi are further west (1.5–2 hours) and better saved for a dedicated day trip.
Find Hotels in Chania
From boutique Old Town guesthouses to beachfront resorts — find and compare hotels across Chania, with free cancellation on most bookings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a taxi from Chania Airport to Chania city cost?
A taxi from Chania Airport (CHQ) to Chania city centre costs approximately €25–€35, depending on traffic and your exact destination. The journey takes 15–25 minutes. Taxis are metered with a fixed airport supplement; a higher night-time rate applies between midnight and 5am. Always confirm the meter is running before departure.
Is there a bus from Chania Airport to Chania city?
Yes. KTEL Chania operates a bus service between the airport and the Chania KTEL bus station for approximately €2.50 per person. Buses run every 30–60 minutes during peak daytime hours and stop around 9–10pm. The bus is the cheapest option but unsuitable for late arrivals or travellers with a lot of luggage heading to smaller hotels.
Is Chania Airport big?
Chania Airport is a mid-sized regional airport with two terminals — Terminal A for scheduled flights and Terminal B primarily for charters. It has the essential facilities (ATMs, café, duty-free, car rental) but can feel congested at peak summer arrivals. Allow extra time in July and August.
Should I book car rental at CHQ in advance?
Yes — absolutely book in advance for summer travel. Chania Airport car rental desks frequently run out of vehicles in July and August. Booking 4–6 weeks ahead can save 30–50% and guarantees availability. All major companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Sixt) have airport desks. Compare via RentalCars.com for the best rate.
Does Chania Airport have ATMs and currency exchange?
Yes — there are ATMs in the arrivals hall. Use the ATM for better exchange rates; the currency exchange desk charges a premium. Most places in central Chania accept cards, but carry €100–€200 in cash for market stalls, smaller cafés, and beach facilities.
Can I get a SIM card at Chania Airport?
SIM cards are not sold at the airport. Buy one in central Chania from COSMOTE, Vodafone GR, or Wind stores. EU travellers can typically use their existing plan under EU roaming rules — check your provider's terms before purchase.