There is no railways infrastructure in Crete, but the road network is well-developed thanks to the great investment made in this direction, since the European Union entry of Greece. On the more touristy north coast, there is a highway – the Greek National Road 90, commonly known as the New National Road that crosses the island from west to east. It connects Kissamos to Siteia on a route that passes the main cities of Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos.
Running parallel with the E90, the Old National Highway is a good road that follows the north coast and in some places is very picturesque. Many other roads in Crete are good too, such as the main roads that branch off to the towns and villages on the southern coast. Away from the north coast, as you advance in the mountainous areas, traveling is slow because the roads are narrow, winding, steep, and sometimes vary in their quality and state of maintenance. So if you intend driving in Crete in a hire car, ensure that you choose the right type for the terrain you want to explore.
Rent a Car. Having your own car is the best way to experience Crete’s attractions, flexibly and independently. Car rental agencies are everywhere in cities and tourist villages. The large ones are well organized and have websites in many languages, so you can make your booking remotely, in advance, for more comfort and also for getting a better deal. The formalities are simple and the car will be waiting for you at the point of your arrival. Prices vary between 30 and 80 euros per day, depending on the model and age of the car and of course, do not expect negotiable prices in the picking season.
Driving through the rural area can be challenging as you also have to watch out for goats, sheep, tractors, carts, donkeys, and pedestrians and to stay focused on following the poor road signs, thus avoiding an unwanted off-road experience. Bear in your mind that in the cities, the traffic is crowded and it may be sometimes difficult to find parking spots, that’s why a lot of Cretans ride motor scooters. If your driving skills are not good enough or you simply prefer to rest on your vacation, making use of a taxi or public transport can sometimes be a better choice.
Public transport. The most important form of public transport is the bus service through the national society KTEL, which operates on the mainland and in the Greek islands, as well. The company has a detailed timetable, routes, and maps on the website. Fares are government-regulated and far more affordable for long trips, comparing to taxi services.
Benefiting from good roads, the extensive network of intercity buses makes the journey through the north coast of the island quite pleasant and easy. Each regional capital has buses going to the south of its region. But be aware that bus routes in the south are sparse, so it’s easier to plan an itinerary that takes place in one region only or travels along the north coast.
The renewed fleet consists of vehicles with increased comfort, cream, and turquoise-colored, with an electronic display inside and outside. It is recommended to learn to recognize them because there are lots of touristic private tour busses that look similar from a distance. Supervisors-cashiers, usually English speakers, notify passengers before approaching the stations, but they are also the ones who invite you to sit on the available seats and warn you that it is forbidden to consume food and drinks on the bus.
In the main towns, there are central stations with terminals for intercity routes, equipped with toilets, waiting halls, fast food restaurants, and cafe. Next to them, outside, you may find stops of the blue city line or green regional line which take you to various places in the city and its surroundings.
Taxi Service. Many Taxi companies offer services for city trips and airport transfers and even for all Crete taxi transfers or private day tours. You can choose from a wide range of taxis, minibusses, coaches and VIP cars depending on the number of passengers and your preferences.
It seems that ordinary taxis are still reasonably cheap in Greece. Count a cost of about 1.20 Euro per km out of town, a little less in town. Some modern companies offer 24/7 safe online booking systems including extra facilities and promising value for money, but however, you can even find portals with comparative price analysis, to make the best choice.
Note: Don’t try to find Uber in Crete, because technically, Uber doesn't exist in Greece.
