Chania Airport

The International Airport of Chania “I. Daskalogiannis” (IATA: CHQ, ICAO: LGSA, CAA: KACHND). The airport is located on the Akrotiri peninsula (or Souda) and is approximately 14 km from the city of Chania. The airport is the entry point to Western Crete and beyond for an increasing number of tourists.

As you prepare for your trip to the Greek island of Crete, a key consideration is how you will get to and from Chania airport. Located on the Akrotiri Peninsula about 5 miles from Chania proper, the airport is small but sees over 2 million passengers annually, mainly during the busy summer season. Upon landing at Chania airport, you will find a compact space with basic amenities like currency exchange, car rental agencies, and cafes. However, to make the most of your time on this picturesque island, you will want to have a well-researched plan for navigating to and from the airport efficiently. This guide provides an overview of everything you need to know before your flight lands at Chania airport so you can breeze through and get started enjoying all Crete has to offer.

An Overview of Chania International Airport in Crete

Chania International Airport is the primary airport serving the city of Chania and western Crete. Located about 15 kilometers east of Chania, the airport is a popular tourist gateway for those visiting the western part of Crete.

Currently, Chania Airport has one terminal building with 16 gates. The arrivals and departures areas are located on the ground floor, while the upper level contains several shops, cafes, and car rental agencies.

Upon arriving at Chania Airport, you will go through passport control and claim your baggage at the baggage claim area. Taxis and busses are available just outside the terminal to transport you into Chania city center or your final destination in western Crete. However, it is recommended you arrange transfers with your hotel or travel agency in advance.

Chania Airport offers connections to major European cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, as well as domestic connections to Athens and other Greek islands. The airport stays open 24 hours daily and it is recommended you arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure for international flights.

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, Chania International Airport aims to provide an efficient point of entry and exit for visitors to western Crete. With its convenient location and services, the airport makes it simple to start your Cretan holiday or complete your trip.

Navigating Chania Airport: Arrivals, Departures, Facilities

Upon arrival at Chania Airport on the island of Crete, you will go through standard airport procedures like immigration and customs. The airport has only one terminal, so arrivals and departures are in the same building.

Immigration and Customs

As an international traveler, you will need to present your passport and completed arrival forms to an immigration officer. Your luggage will then go through an X-ray machine and possibly hand search before you proceed to the baggage claim area. Be prepared for spot customs checks of your luggage.

Facilities

Chania Airport offers basic services for travelers including:

• Currency exchange booth to convert your currency to Euros. Exchange rates are usually quite good.
• Small selection of restaurants, cafes, and snack bars after you go through security. Options include Greek specialties, pizza, sandwiches, and coffee.
• Limited shopping including souvenirs, clothing, books, and sundries.
• Car rental agencies if you want to drive yourself around Crete. Major companies have offices at the airport.
• Taxi stands for quick and easy transport into Chania town or your final destination. Fares are regulated.
• Free Wi-Fi internet access throughout the terminal.
• Luggage storage if you have a long wait between flights. Fees apply.

With a single terminal, navigating Chania Airport is straightforward. But allow extra time, especially if it is high season, as queues at check-in, security, and passport control can get lengthy. The facilities, while limited, should fulfill your basic needs upon landing in Chania. Have a wonderful trip to Crete!

Getting to and From Chania Airport: Transportation Options

When arriving at Chania Airport (CHQ) on the island of Crete, you have several options for getting to and from the airport.

Public busses operate between the airport and Chania city center. Bus service is frequent, running approximately every 30 minutes. The bus stop is located just outside the airport terminal. Bus fare is around 2-3 EUR per person for the 25-minute ride into Chania.

Taxis are also readily available at the airport. The fare into Chania city center is around 25-30 EUR and the drive time is 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis can accommodate up to four passengers. For larger groups, consider booking a minibus in advance.

Many hotels, resorts and rental car companies offer shuttle service to and from the airport. Check with your accommodation regarding availability and fares for shuttle transfers. Shuttles can be a convenient way to reach your destination without worrying about public transit or driving after a long flight.

Car rentals are available on-site at Chania Airport if you prefer to drive yourself. Major agencies like Hertz, Avis, Europcar and local Cretan companies operate at the airport. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore Chania and the surrounding region on your own schedule. Rates start around 30 EUR per day for a compact vehicle.

No matter if you choose bus, taxi, shuttle or rental car, transportation from Chania Airport into town or to your final destination is efficient, affordable and stress-free. Within 30 minutes of landing, you’ll find yourself enjoying the charming city of Chania or settling into your Cretan getaway.

Conclusion

As you prepare for your trip to Crete and arrival at Chania International Airport, keep these tips in mind. Do your research ahead of time on transportation options to get into Chania proper or your final destination on the island. Check if your hotel offers shuttle service or book a taxi in advance. Know the layout of the terminal and which baggage claim belt your flight’s luggage will come out on. Have cash on hand for any incidentals. Most of all, embrace the relaxed pace of life and stunning natural surroundings you’re about to experience. The rich history, culture, food, and landscape of Crete await you after you land and make your way out of the airport. Your adventure is about to begin.

Short background

• 1954: Chania Airport is built at Maleme and until 1959 it served only domestic flights
• 1959: The airport is moved to the Akrotiri peninsula and serves as the headquarters of the 115th Combat Wing
• 1967: The first terminal with two aircraft parking stands was built
• 1974: The first international flight to the airport takes place, the increase in tourism in Chania created the need for a new building as flights to the airport increased.
• 1996: The construction of the new terminal was completed in a different location with 6 aircraft parking spaces.
• 2005: The completion of the airport expansion was completed and the airport was named “Chania State Airport Ioannis Daskalogiannis”.
• 2016: the expansion of the terminal and the renovation of parts of Chania Airport are completed.
• 2018: Fraport Greece completes the new aircraft striping, which now depart using push back equipment, resulting in the doubling of parking spaces, the passenger security check area is expanded, with the increase of hand baggage screening machines from 5 to 8 and the Duty Free shop area is increased from 400 sq.m. to 1,200 sq.m, the VIP lounge was relocated to increase the number of boarding gates from 14 to 16; and the partition walls in the departure lounges were removed to create an open area of 3 000 m2, a new sewage pumping station and network (about 3,5 km) was built and connected to the municipal sewage network, and the electromechanical installations were optimised (new KCMs, new wiring, new lighting fixtures, new electrical panels, etc.). The Apron lighting was upgraded, the WC areas were reconfigured in order to increase the number of toilets in the Extra Schengen area and the escalator was moved to a new location in order to make better use of the available space.

BRIEF PRESENTATION
POSTAL ADDRESS

“Ι.DASKALOGIANNIS” CHANIA AIRPORT
73100 CHANIA OF CRETE

Telephone center:+30 28210-83800
Fax:+30 28210-66100
AFTN:LGSAYDYC
E-mail:kaxnd@hcaa.gr

AIRPORT ADMINISTRATION

1. MANAGEMENT 
Civil Airport Manager
M. LAMPATHAKI
Phone no:+30 28210-83801
Fax :+30 28210-66100
E-mail:kaxnd@hcaa.gr

2. DEPARTMENTS–OFFICES
a.Technical Support Department
Phone no:+30 28210-83814
Fax :+30 28210-66100
E-mail:kaxndyp@hcaa.gr

b.  Electronics Department
Phone no:+30 28210-83806, +30 28210-83819
Fax:+30 28210-83835
E-mail:d19id@hcaa.gr

c. Telecommunications Department
Phone no:+30 28210-83805, + 30 28210-66357
Fax:+30 28210-66100
E-mail:d5iz@hcaa.gr
AFTN: LGSAYTYX

d. Airport Operation Department
Phone no:+30 28210-83803, + 30 28210-83832
Fax: + 30 28210-65653
Ε-mail:kaxndar@hcaa.gr

e. Airport Security Office
Phone no: +30 28210-83832
Fax:+30 28210-65653
E-mail:kaxndgas@hcaa.gr

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Useful Links: Chania airport taxi