Getting Around Elounda
From local buses to the best parking spots and car rentals, here is how to navigate the Elounda coastline.
Local buses and the "Little Train"
Elounda is well-connected by the regional KTEL bus service, making it incredibly easy to hop over to the capital town of Agios Nikolaos without a car. For shorter scenic trips, the famous “Little Train” is a huge hit, especially with families.
The KTEL Bus (To Agios Nikolaos)
The Stop: The main bus stop is located right in the center of Elounda, just off the main square near the church. There’s a few stops near the hotels on the way to Agios Nikolaos.
Tickets: You can buy tickets directly from the conductor on the bus (cash is preferred) and it costs 1.40€ as of April 2026. The ride to Agios (final stop) takes about 25 minutes.
Timetable: Buses run frequently during the summer (from 20/04/2026), typically these are the times from Elounda to Agios Nikolaos: Monday to Friday – (Pro Tip: Always check the printed schedule at the bus stop, as times shift slightly between low and high season).
The Elounda “Little Train”
The Route: Runs a beautiful, breezy coastal route from Elounda harbor directly to Plaka.
Why take it: It’s an open-air, fun experience that drops you right at the pebbles of Plaka beach. Perfect for a morning swim and a coffee before heading back.
Getting a Taxi
Taxis in Crete are generally silver, grey or black and are highly regulated and safe. You will notice that all taxis in Elounda are luxurious Mercendes limos! They are the absolute fastest way to get back to your hotel after a late dinner, if you have heavy luggage or you just don’t want to walk up that hill your villa is.
Where to find them: There is a dedicated, 24/7 taxi rank (the Piatsa) located directly on the main harbor front, right next to the central square. There are almost always cars waiting here. If you can’t find any there or if you want a pick-up from your room you can call their dedicated landline +30 2841 041008
Fares: Fares for local trips (like Elounda to Plaka, or Elounda to Agios Nikolaos) are usually fixed. Always ask the driver for the price before you get in!
Where to park in Elounda
Driving in Crete is an adventure, but parking in the center of Elounda during August requires a little local knowledge.
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The Main Municipal Lot: Located just behind the main sandy beach. It is spacious and usually the best place to head first.
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The BIG parking lot: Just a 3 minute walk from the harbour on the way to Pano Elounda you will find 2 spacious free parking lots. The best place to leave your car in the morning and explore Elounda as a local.
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Harbor Parking: There is parking along the harbor road, but it fills up incredibly fast. If you see a spot, grab it!
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The Rules: Pay close attention to the yellow lines on the road—these mean absolutely no parking. If you park on a yellow line, especially near the square or the bus stop, the local police will remove your license plates!
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Passholder Tip: Most tavernas in Pano Elounda have free roadside parking right outside, making the upper village a stress-free dinner option.
Check the map below where he have pinpointed all the free parking lots in Elounda. You will find them in a yellow colour with the P icon.
Renting a Car, Scooter, or ATV
To truly explore Eastern Crete—from the Lassithi Plateau to the hidden gorges—you need your own wheels. Elounda has several excellent, locally-owned rental agencies that offer fully insured cars, breezy scooters, and rugged ATVs.
We are currently compiling our list of the most trusted, fairly-priced rental partners in the village.