How to Get ThereHow to Get There

How to Reach Crete

Any delegate travelling from outside Greece can reach Crete by plane, landing either at Chania International Airport (CHQ) or Heraklion International Airport (HER).
Both airports operate regular domestic flights from Athens and Thessaloniki throughout the year, as well as numerous direct international connections during the tourist season (May to October).

Please note that in May, when the conference takes place, the tourist season is in full swing. You may find direct flights from several major European capitals to either Chania or Heraklion.
If there is no direct connection from your city, you can fly via Athens (Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport) and then take a domestic flight to either Chania or Heraklion.

Both airports are conveniently situated close to Rethymnon:

  • Chania Airport is approximately 62 km west of Rethymnon.

  • Heraklion Airport is approximately 79 km east of Rethymnon.

Alternatively, you may reach Crete by ferry:

  • The Port of Souda (Chania) and the Port of Heraklion are connected to Piraeus (Athens) with daily ferry routes.
    From either port, you can continue your journey to Rethymnon by car, taxi, or intercity bus (KTEL).

Car rental services are available at both Chania and Heraklion airports and ports.
Delegates can book a vehicle in advance through international online platforms (such as Rentalcars, DiscoverCars, or Skyscanner) or directly with local rental companies operating at the terminals.
Booking early is recommended, especially during May, when the tourist season is already underway.

By Car or Taxi

You can hire a car directly at the airport or port and drive to Rethymnon via the Northern Highway (E75).
The drive takes about 1 hour and follows the northern coast of Crete.
A taxi from Chania Airport or Souda Port to Rethymnon costs approximately €100–120 (shared rides are also possible).

By Bus

There are some direct buses from Chania Airport to Rethymnon.
If you miss them, take the local bus from the airport to the Chania central KTEL bus station (around 30 minutes).
From there, intercity buses (KTEL) to Rethymnon run every 1–2 hours, with a travel time of about 75–90 minutes.

For updated schedules and ticket information, please visit: https://www.e-ktel.com/en/ 

By Car or Taxi

You can rent a car at Heraklion Airport or Heraklion Port and drive to Rethymnon via the E75 National Road (direction: Chania).
The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
A taxi from Heraklion Airport to Rethymnon costs approximately €110–130, depending on the season and time of day.

By Bus
  1. From Heraklion Airport, walk across the airport yard to the local bus stop.
  2. Take the bus to the Heraklion KTEL bus station (a 15-minute ride, ticket price approx. €1.10).
  3. From there, take the intercity KTEL bus to Rethymnon; the trip lasts about 90 minutes.

For updated schedules and fares, please check:
https://www.ktelherlas.gr/en

The University of Crete – Gallos Campus (Panepistimioupoli Gallou) is located approximately 3.9 km southwest of the city center of Rethymnon.
The 20th Child and the Book Conference will take place at the heart of this campus.

By Local Bus

A city bus connects downtown Rethymnon with the University every 20 minutes.
One-way tickets cost €1.40 and can be purchased at kiosks or mini-markets.
Please refer to the local timetable atδρομολ

Look for the routes titled:

  • Tsesmes–Platanias–Perivolia–Rethymnon–University Gallou (towards campus)

  • University Gallou–Rethymnon–Perivolia–Platanias–Tsesmes (towards downtown)

By Taxi

Taxis are available throughout the city; a ride from downtown to the campus costs €8–10.
You may also share a taxi with other delegates.
Local taxi service phone: +30 28310 25000

By Car

If you rent a car, you can park it in the designated parking areas on campus. It is recommended that you park your car either in Parking 6 or Parking 9 as these parking areas are closer to the conference venue. Volunteer students and on-site signage will assist delegates in finding the correct venue during the conference days.

Useful contacts

Airports

Parking spots in Rethymnon

Free Parking Spots

You’ll find several reliable options for free parking:

Paid Parking 

Some travelers prefer the security and convenience of paid lots.

Gallos Campus Map

20th Child and the Book Conference

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20th Child and the Book Conference: 35.353668, 24.450266