Chania Airport to Platanias (2025 Guide): Bus, Taxi, Transfer & Real Tips
Getting from Chania International Airport (CHQ) to Platanias is straightforward once you know the real logic:
there is no direct airport bus, taxis are fast but can vary in cost, and pre-booked transfers are the smoothest option for families,
late arrivals, and heavy luggage.
Fast Answer (CHQ → Platanias)
- Distance: ~25 km
- Typical travel time: 35–55 minutes
- Cheapest option: bus (with a change in Chania)
- Most convenient: taxi or private transfer
- Best for families / late arrivals: pre-booked transfer (child seats on request)
Distance & Travel Time
Platanias is located about 25 km west of Chania Airport (CHQ). Depending on traffic and transport choice, the journey usually takes
35–55 minutes.
Option 1: Bus from Chania Airport to Platanias
There is no direct bus from the airport to Platanias. You must first go from the airport to the Chania Central Bus Station (KTEL),
then switch to a bus heading west toward Platanias.
Bus Route Logic
- Airport → Chania Bus Station: ~25–40 minutes (depends on schedule & traffic)
- Chania → Platanias: ~30–45 minutes
- Total time: up to ~90 minutes (including waiting + change)
Best for: budget travelers with light luggage.
Not ideal for: families with kids, multiple suitcases, very late arrivals, or tight schedules.
For the full airport-bus reality (tickets, luggage, timetable logic), see:
Chania Airport Bus (2025 Guide).
Option 2: Taxi (Fast & Simple)
Taxis are available outside the arrivals area. This is the quickest “no-planning” option, but pricing can vary slightly by time and demand.
Taxi — What to Expect
- Typical price: €45–55 (daytime)
- Travel time: ~35–45 minutes
- Night / peak season: prices can be higher
Tip: In peak summer midday, taxi lines can grow when multiple flights land close together.
If you want predictable timing and price, a transfer is often smoother.
For real-world taxi pricing logic at CHQ, see:
Chania Airport Taxi Prices (2025).
Option 3: Private Transfer (Fixed Price + Best for Families)
Pre-booked transfers remove uncertainty: you lock a fixed price, arrange the correct vehicle size, and request child seats in advance.
This is the most reliable option if you arrive late, travel with kids, or simply want a clean start to your holiday.
Why Transfers Work Well to Platanias
- Fixed price: no surprises
- Meet & greet: easier after a long flight
- Door-to-door: best for hotels/apartments
- Child seats: request by age/weight during booking
For a full breakdown of private vs shared logic, see:
Chania Airport Transfers (Private vs Shared).
Taxi vs Transfer — Quick Comparison
- Taxi: fast to grab, variable pricing, possible queues
- Transfer: fixed price, comfort, car seats on request, best for late arrivals
Which Option Is Best?
- Best budget plan: Airport bus → Chania station → Platanias bus
- Best “land and go” plan: taxi
- Best family / late-night plan: pre-booked transfer
If you land after midnight, use the late-arrival strategy here:
Late-Night Arrival at CHQ (After Midnight).
Local Insight — by Zurab Peikrishvili
If you arrive in Chania with kids, luggage, or after a long flight, a pre-booked transfer is usually the least stressful option.
For solo travelers with time, the bus can work — but expect a longer journey and extra waiting at the Chania bus station.
FAQs: CHQ to Platanias
Is there a direct bus from CHQ to Platanias?
No. You must go airport → Chania KTEL bus station, then switch to a westbound bus to Platanias.
How much is a taxi from CHQ to Platanias?
Usually €45–55 in daytime. Late-night or peak-season demand can increase the final cost.
What’s best for families?
A pre-booked transfer: fixed price, correct vehicle size, and child seats available on request.
Next route in the CHQ resort pair:
Chania Airport → Agia Marina (2025 Guide).
