🗺 Getting to Orthodox Academy of Crete
Kolymbari, Crete — Travel Tips & Transportation Guide
OAC Venue
Chania Airport (CHQ)
Heraklion Airport (HER)
Chania Bus Station
Chania International Airport (CHQ) — Closest option
Taxi — Fastest
- Time: ~35–40 minutes
- Cost: ~€50–€60
- Taxis wait outside arrivals 24/7 — no booking needed
Public Bus — Budget-Friendly
- 1Airport bus CHQ → Chania Central Bus Station (KTEL) (~30 min). Buy from driver or airport machine.
- 2Regional bus from Chania → Kolymbari. Fare ~€3–€4.
- 3Alight at main Kolymbari stop — OAC is a scenic ~1 km / 10–15 min walk from there.
💡 The bus option saves money but requires a connection at Chania Central Station. Allow extra time for transfers, especially with luggage.
Heraklion International Airport (HER) — Longer cross-island journey (~160 km)
Private Transfer / Taxi
- Time: ~2 to 2.5 hours
- Cost: ~€160–€190
- Pre-book a private transfer online for a fixed price — strongly recommended over curbside taxis
Public Bus — Three Hops
- 1City bus or short taxi: HER Airport → Heraklion Bus Station A
- 2Intercity bus Heraklion → Chania (~every hour, ~2 hr 45 min). Fare ~€15–€16.
- 3From Chania Central Bus Station → Kolymbari (same as CHQ option, Step 2–3).
💡 If flying into Heraklion, seriously consider a pre-booked private transfer for comfort — it’s a long ride across the island. Alternatively, look into switching flight arrivals directly to Chania (CHQ) if possible.
🚌 KTEL Bus Network — Tickets & Fares
Crete’s regional bus network is operated by KTEL. Buses are generally reliable and air-conditioned.
Heraklion → Chania: ~€15–€16
Chania → Kolymbari: ~€3–€4
Book intercity tickets online!
Online (Recommended)
Book intercity tickets (especially Heraklion–Chania) in advance at:
e-ktel.com ↗ ktelherlas.gr ↗At the Station / On Board
Buy at ticket counters inside Chania or Heraklion stations, or pay cash directly to the driver at smaller stops.
🚗 Car Rental & Parking
Drive Yourself
- Major agencies available at both CHQ and HER airports
- Route: National Road E75 west → take the exit toward Kolymbari
- Free parking available at the OAC venue
- GPS coordinates: 35.5525° N, 23.7768° E
