Taxi Transfers To and From Chania Airport

Chania Airport is the second largest airport on the island of Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, and is an important gateway to the western regions of the island. The airport is found on the Akrotiri peninsula, about fourteen kilometers from the city of Chania, and is also officially known as the Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport, in honour of a heroic Cretan rebel of the 18th century. Although not as large as Heraklion Airport, the main airport of Crete, Chania Airport has a number of facilities, and passengers can use the bus or taxi services in order to reach their next destination. Taxis are commonly used, as the bus services from the airport are not very frequently offered.

Chania Airport consists of one terminal building, which handles all arriving and departing passengers, on domestic, international and charter flights, and its traffic numbers amount to approximately three million passengers per year. The airport's busiest time is during the months of July and August, which is summer time for the country of Greece. In the warmer months, thousands of international tourists and local visitors flock to the island of Crete to enjoy the spectacular beaches, sea and sunshine, as well as the numerous attractions found in all the towns and cities. Chania itself is often referred to as one of the most beautiful cities in Greece, and the prettiest in the Mediterranean. It is also the main city for commerce in Western Crete, and therefore Chania Airport is a popular arrival point for business passengers as well. By taxi is an excellent way to travel for professionals who need quick transport to their place of business.

The majority of Chania Airport taxis can be found just outside the arrivals area, and there are always a number of taxis available, ready and waiting for passengers. However, taxis can also be booked in advance, and in this way, you will ensure that one is waiting just for you. Although more expensive, a taxi is the preferred way to travel by many passengers, and at Chania Airport, at certain times of the day, it may be the only way to reach the city, as the bus services are only available three times a day. A taxi journey to Chania will take approximately twenty minutes, depending on the traffic conditions, and is far quicker than a bus. A taxi will also take you directly to the doorstep (curb side!) of your destination, rather than just to a bus station, from where you will most likely need to catch a taxi anyway to get nearer to where you want to go. For travelers with large or heavy luggage items and those with young children, a taxi is much easier to handle than getting on and off buses.

In the larger cities of Greece, a taxi runs on a metered system. This means that the device in the taxi will record the number of kilometers traveled and calculate the price of the journey accordingly. If you are using a metered taxi, always ensure that the meter is turned on and in working condition. In smaller towns and cities, and from Chania Airport, taxis often work with set fare rates. This is also acceptable provided that you are charged the average rate to your destination. Taxi drivers in Crete are mostly honest, but it is wise to make yourself less of a target for overcharging. This can be done by finding out in advance the average price of a taxi trip to your next location, and discussing it with the driver. If he knows that you are aware of the average price, he is less likely to ‘rip you off’. Taxi fares are listed at the information desk in the airport terminal building.

There may be additional costs for luggage loaded, or for taking a taxi to or from an airport location, as well as for driving during later night hours, early morning hours or on Sundays and public holidays. Taxi fares, and any additional costs which may be applicable, should always be discussed with the taxi driver before leaving Chania Airport.

The following are some of the popular destinations from Chania Airport, as well as their average prices by taxi:

• Chania City – 15 Euro
• Stalos – 23 Euro
• Maleme – 35 Euro
• Platanias – 30 Euro
• Rethymno – 55 Euro
• Kolibari – 40 Euro
• Kissamos – 55 Euro
• Georgioupolis – 40 Euro

A taxi journey to Heraklion Airport from Chania will cost in the region of 113 Euro, and to Heraklion City, a little less at 103 Euro.

Taxis can be used in order to travel to Chania Airport, in time for your departure flight. They can be called to come and collect you from your location, or they can be hailed from just about anywhere in the city. It is also not uncommon in Greece to share a taxi with a couple of other passengers, going in the same direction. Taxi fares in Greece can be considered quite cheap when compared to those charged in other countries around the world, therefore this is the way for a Greek taxi driver to make up some of his money. This does not mean however, that the taxi fare will be split between the passengers. When hailing a taxi, especially during rush hour traffic, point in the direction you need to go, and when the taxi draws near, shout your destination. The driver will then not need to stop if he is going a different route. Taxis are also available from the bus station in Chania, and at other popular tourist areas in the city.

At Chania Airport, taxi drivers may speak only a little English or German, but are considered to be friendly, courteous and helpful. A taxi service from the airport is certainly the fastest and most convenient way to reach your next destination.