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Travelling with Pets in Rethymno
🇬🇷Rethymno, Greece·Updated 19 June 2026
Rethymno's old town is walkable and dog-friendly on foot, but getting to and around Crete with a pet means knowing the KTEL bus, ferry and taxi rules. KTEL intercity buses on the island carry up to two pets per bus: small dogs under 10 kg in a 50x40x35 cm carrier, and larger dogs leashed and muzzled. Crete has no airport in Rethymno itself, so most visitors arrive via Chania (CHA) or Heraklion airports, or by overnight ferry from Piraeus to Rethymno or Heraklion.
| Mode | Policy | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| KTEL Intercity Bus | Maximum two pets per bus. Small animals under 10 kg travel in a carrier up to 50x40x35 cm. Larger dogs must be leashed and muzzled. Pets are never placed in the luggage hold. Carry up-to-date pet documents. | 💡 Confirm with KTEL Chania-Rethymno before travel, as conductor discretion applies on busy summer routes. |
| Ferry (Piraeus to Crete) | Overnight ferries to Crete carry pets, but policies vary by line. Small pets in carriers may travel in designated lounges; larger dogs are often restricted to pet cabins, kennels or open decks, leashed and muzzled. Pet-friendly cabins sell out fast in summer. | 💡 Book a pet-friendly cabin months ahead for summer crossings. Reserve directly with the ferry line and confirm the pet rule. |
| Taxi | Taxi drivers in Crete may accept dogs at their discretion. Small dogs in a carrier and clean, calm dogs on a towel are usually fine. Always ask when booking, and for airport transfers from Chania or Heraklion arrange a pet-friendly taxi in advance. | 💡 Bring a towel or blanket for the seat. Offering it upfront makes drivers far more willing to take your dog. |
Getting to Rethymno with a pet
Rethymno sits midway between Crete's two airports. Chania (CHA) is about 60 km west and Heraklion (HER) about 80 km east, both around an hour by car or KTEL bus. There is no airport at Rethymno itself. By sea, overnight ferries run from Piraeus (Athens) to Rethymno's port and to Heraklion; check the operator's current pet policy when booking, as it differs between lines and cabin types. KTEL Chania-Rethymno operates the main intercity coaches: e-ktel.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my dog on a KTEL bus in Crete?
Yes. KTEL buses allow up to two pets per bus. Small dogs under 10 kg travel in a carrier up to 50x40x35 cm, and larger dogs must be leashed and muzzled. Pets are never put in the luggage hold. Confirm with KTEL Chania-Rethymno before busy summer trips.
How do I get to Rethymno from the airport with a dog?
Rethymno has no airport. Fly into Chania (CHA, ~60 km) or Heraklion (HER, ~80 km) and continue by pre-arranged pet-friendly taxi or KTEL bus, both about an hour. Book a pet-friendly taxi in advance for door-to-door comfort with a larger dog.
Can I bring my dog on the ferry to Crete?
Yes, overnight ferries from Piraeus carry pets, but rules vary by line. Small pets in carriers may use designated lounges, while larger dogs are restricted to pet cabins, kennels or open decks, leashed and muzzled. Pet-friendly cabins sell out fast in summer, so book early.
Pet-Friendly Hotels in Rethymno
Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.
Afroditi
★★★ · 9.8/10
€85/night
The Manor Old Town Rethymno
★★★★ · 9.4/10
€190/night
Calla Luxury Seafront Suites
★★★★★ · 9.6/10
€250/night
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