Chania Airport Guide

sleeping in chania airport — (photo courtesy of Tim / July 2024)

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Chania Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

We had to stand in line for one hour to get our boarding cards, another 20 minutes to leave our baggage and finally 15 minutes to the security check. – a traveller (2015)

CHQ Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Chania International Airport.

What to Expect

Chania Airport (code: CHQ) has a single terminal that serves a few domestic routes year-round but is especially busy in summer with many seasonal routes. Reviewers report chaotic, disorganized and time-consuming procedures, from check-in to boarding and arrival. The lack of air-conditioning also doesn’t help during the hot summer months. Facilities are limited to a few bars and shops and a mini market. We are unable to confirm if WiFi is available. For added comfort while you wait, economy class passengers can pay to enter an airport lounge. See Airport Lounges in the guide below for its location and access information.

Sleeping in Chania Airport

Though the airport is open 24 hours, overnight stays are not permitted inside this airport. For uninterrupted sleep, hotels are nearby. See our Airport Hotels section below for more info.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Chania Airport Guide.

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Airport Hours

The airport operates 24 hours a day; however, the terminal closes overnight and passengers are not permitted to remain inside after the final departures and arrivals have cleared. Travellers with very early flights should plan to arrive when the terminal reopens, typically a few hours before the first scheduled departure.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the terminal sounds like a nightmare, several hotels are located a short drive from the airport. The closest option is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) away, and a taxi, rideshare or hotel shuttle (where available) is usually the easiest way to reach them.

Areti Suites Chania (1.5 mi) Mid-range hotel.
Psamathi L&T (3 mi) Apartment.
Michalis Villas (3.1 mi) Villa.
JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa (3.1 mi) Luxury resort.

Airport Lounges

As of this update, we could not confirm details about the airport’s VIP lounge. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.

Food & Drinks

Food outlets operate on varying schedules and many close in the late evening once flights are finished. Options may be limited outside peak travel hours. Dining options include:

Landside: Everest
Airside, Non-Schengen: Air Canteen • Flocafe
Airside, Schengen: Air Canteen • CREAT • Fono Luca • Labyrinth Flavors

If you are travelling early morning or late at night, consider bringing snacks.

Drinking Water
A reader (August 2025) reports a water bottle refill station is available airside.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

Power outlets are available in the following areas:

• Landside – near Entrance 5
• Airside – Schengen Gates 1–10
• Airside – Non-Schengen Gates 13–16

Showers

Public showers are not available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi/Internet

Free unlimited WiFi is available at Chania Airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs operated by Alpha Bank are available in both landside and airside areas. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limits before travelling internationally.
Baby Care Facilities – Baby care rooms for breastfeeding and infant care are available on the 1st Floor.
Baggage Carts – Baggage carts are available free of charge.
Currency Exchange – OneXchange provides foreign currency exchange services in the landside Arrivals area.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Passengers will find duty-free shops, a mini market, and stores selling traditional Cretan products and crafts.
Information Desk – An information desk is available to assist with flight and airport service inquiries.
Medical Services – A First Aid station is located on the ground floor.

Airlines

Chania Airport is served by the following airlines: Aegean Airlines • Air Serbia • Air Seven • Atlantic Airways • Austrian Airlines • British Airways • Brussels Airlines • Buzz • Condor • Corendon • DAT • EasyJet • Edelweiss Air • Enter Air • Eurowings • Finnair • Jet Time • Jet2 • LOT Polish • Lufthansa • Neos Norwegian • Novair • Olympic Air • Ryanair • SAS • S7 • Sky Express • Smart Wings • TAROM • Transavia Travel Service • TUI • Wideroe • Wizz Air.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

The KTEΛ public bus connects the airport to the Chania city centre and surrounding areas. As of this update, the fare is € 2.50. For more information regarding routes, schedules and ticket purchasing, visit the KTEΛ website.

Car Rentals

The following car rental agencies offer service on-site: Avance/Trust • Avis/Budget • Hertz/Thrifty • Kydon • Sixt.

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Hotel Shuttles

Taxis

Metered taxis are readily available in the ground transportation area. The fare estimate to Chania is approximately € 25.00 and lasts 25 – 30 minutes. An additional fee may be added for excess luggage.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Last updated: 2026-02-11

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.