Chania Airport to Agia Marina (2025 Guide): Bus, Taxi, Transfer & Real Tips
Agia Marina is one of the most popular beach bases west of Chania — long sand, shallow water, family-friendly hotels, and easy access to the city.
If you land at Chania International Airport (CHQ), this guide shows the real transport logic:
cheapest vs fastest, luggage reality, and what works best in high season.
Fast Answers (CHQ → Agia Marina)
- Distance: ~22–25 km (depends on hotel location)
- Typical time: ~30–50 minutes (traffic dependent)
- Cheapest option: bus via Chania Central Bus Station (KTEL)
- Fastest / easiest: taxi or private transfer
- Best for families: pre-booked transfer (child seats on request)
| CHQ Arrival Cluster | Pick the right guide |
|---|---|
| Chania Airport Guide (CHQ) | Main overview: terminal, transport options, timing logic. |
| CHQ → Chania City Center | The core decision page (bus vs taxi vs transfer) after landing. |
| Chania Airport Bus to Chania | Timetable logic, tickets, stops, luggage reality. |
| Chania Airport Taxi Prices (2025) | Realistic taxi costs and peak-season queue tips. |
| Chania Airport Transfers | Private vs shared, fixed price logic, best for families. |
| Car Rental at CHQ | If you plan beaches & day trips — insurance, deposits, fuel policy. |
| Late-Night Arrival at CHQ | What works after midnight: taxi vs transfer, food, ATMs. |
| CHQ with Kids | Strollers, toilets, car seats, the fastest exit plan. |
| CHQ → Platanias | The “sister route” next to Agia Marina (same coast, same logic). |
Distance & Travel Time (CHQ → Agia Marina)
Agia Marina is located about 22–25 km west of Chania Airport.
Depending on traffic and your exact hotel location, the ride usually takes 30–50 minutes.
In July–August, add buffer time — the coastal road can slow down in the afternoon.
Option 1: Bus (Cheapest, but Two Steps)
There is no direct bus from the airport to Agia Marina.
You must first go to Chania Central Bus Station (KTEL), then take a second bus toward Agia Marina / Platanias.
- Step 1: Airport → Chania Bus Station (KTEL): ~30–40 min (schedule dependent)
- Step 2: Chania → Agia Marina: ~20–35 min
- Total travel time: usually 70–100 minutes including waiting time
Best for: budget travelers with light luggage, daytime arrivals.
Not ideal for: kids + strollers, multiple suitcases, late-night arrivals.
For full bus details (tickets, stops, timetable logic), use:
Chania Airport Bus to Chania (2025).
Option 2: Taxi (Fast, Simple, But Variable)
Taxis are available outside arrivals. This is the simplest “no planning” option — especially if you land tired.
The downside: pricing can vary with time, demand, and exact destination.
- Typical daytime range: often similar to Platanias logic (distance is close)
- Time: ~30–45 min
- Best for: couples, short stays, travelers who want speed
Before you go: see realistic taxi cost logic and queue tips here:
Chania Airport Taxi Prices (2025).
Option 3: Private Transfer (Fixed Price, Best for Families)
A pre-booked transfer is the most predictable option:
meet-and-greet, fixed pricing, and child seats on request.
It is the best “sleep-friendly” choice for late arrivals and families.
- Fixed cost: agreed before landing
- Door-to-door: no walking, no station changes
- Family-friendly: request infant/toddler/booster seats
Full transfer logic (private vs shared, luggage rules, timing):
Chania Airport Transfers (2025).
Taxi vs Transfer — Quick Comparison
- Taxi: immediate, simple, but price can vary and queues happen in peak hours.
- Transfer: fixed price, planned pickup, best with kids/luggage and for late arrivals.
Local Tips (So You Don’t Waste Your First Hour)
- High season reality: if multiple flights land close together, taxi lines grow fast.
- Family strategy: decide car seat plan before landing (taxi is not always predictable).
- Late arrival rule: don’t “hope” for the bus after evening landings — plan taxi/transfer.
- If you will explore beaches: consider car rental at CHQ to save hours during the week.
If you plan a beach week, start here:
Car Rental at Chania Airport (CHQ).
FAQ — CHQ to Agia Marina
Is there a direct bus from Chania Airport to Agia Marina?
No. You must go via Chania Central Bus Station (KTEL) and change buses.
What’s the easiest option with kids?
Pre-booked transfer (request the correct child seat type during booking).
Is Agia Marina a good base without a car?
Yes for beach/rest days and Chania city access by bus — but for Balos/Elafonissi/Falassarna, a car is much easier.
Local Insight — by Zurab Peikrishvili
Agia Marina is an easy base, but the first hour after landing can be a trap: people try to “optimize” and lose time.
My approach is simple: if you land with kids/luggage or late — take a transfer.
If you land daytime with light bags — bus can work.
Save your energy for the beach, not for transport decisions.
Plan Your Stay (Agia Marina + Chania)
Agia Marina works best when you connect it with Chania Old Town evenings, food spots, and one or two “big beach days”.
Use these hubs:
