The short version
Balos Lagoon is about 17 km north-west of Kissamos. The road ends above the beach, and the last stretch is on foot. There is no regular bus to the lagoon. Most visitors choose one of three routes: their own car, a land transfer from Kissamos, or a boat from Kissamos harbour.
From Kissamos to the lagoon is about 15 to 17 km and 40 to 60 minutes by car, according to one driving guide. The gravel track alone takes about 25 to 40 minutes, depending on its condition. These are operator estimates, not guarantees. Plan extra time in summer.
Getting to Balos: the options compared
Prices are operator figures for 2026 and can change.
| Option | Starts at | Last stretch | Price 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Own or rental car | Kissamos, via Kaliviani | Gravel track, then about 1 km on foot | Fuel, plus the €1 municipal fee |
| Land transfer | Opposite the museum in Kissamos | Ends at the upper car park, then on foot | €27 per person |
| Jeep sunset safari to Balos and Falasarna | – | About 4 hours in total | €300 per jeep |
| Boat | Kissamos harbour (Kavonisi) | Landing at the beach | From €36 adult for Balos only, €40 with Gramvousa |
| Public bus | Chania or Kissamos | Bus to the harbour only, then a boat | – |
The jeep trip is a different product from the passenger transfer, so do not compare the two prices directly. Boat prices of €36 and €40 apply to adults in April to 14 July and 16 September to 31 October. From 15 July to 15 September they are €40 and €45. Children aged 3 to 12 pay less, and children up to 2 travel free. The page on boat trips from Kissamos has the full list.
Tours to Balos Lagoon
Boat trips, land transfers and guided day trips, with live prices and availability.
Driving to Balos
The track, the car park and your rental contract.
The gravel track
The track starts near Kaliviani. The municipality gives its length as 10 km, and a driving guide gives 8 km. The sources measure it differently. The surface changes with the weather and with traffic, so drive slowly and expect dust in summer.
Rental car insurance
Full insurance does not guarantee cover on the Balos track. One rental company excludes tyre and underbody damage from driving on unpaved roads, and names Balos in its terms. Read your own contract before you go. A higher car does not replace insurance cover.
The €1 fee
The land-transfer operator says visitors over 12 pay €1 at the municipal kiosk at the start of the track. Boat passengers pay the same €1 before boarding, and the boat operator gives the age as over 13.
Parking
The boat operator says parking at Kavonisi harbour is free. Do not assume the same for the upper car park at Balos, and check the sign when you arrive.
Compare rental car prices from local companies in Chania for your travel dates on Localrent.com.
The walk down and back
About 1 km on a natural path with steps.
Time and effort
Allow 20 to 30 minutes down and 30 to 45 minutes back up. The climb out is harder in the heat, so start the ascent before midday if you can.
What to carry
Bring water, sturdy shoes, a hat and sun protection. There is no natural shade on the beach, and supplies there are uncertain.
Path closures
At the end of August 2026 the hiking routes to and from Balos were closed for a time because of strong wind and high fire risk. The announcement promised a separate notice on reopening. Look for a current notice before you drive out.
Mobility
The path is not suited to people with significant mobility limits. The boat operator also says its trip is unsuitable for them.
Without a car
Land transfer, boat and bus.
Land transfer
The transfer costs €27 per person and runs in three windows: 08:00 to 13:00, 09:30 to 14:30 and 11:30 to 16:30. It starts opposite the museum in Kissamos and ends at the upper car park, from where you walk. Children up to 4 travel free without a seat. Confirm 10 minutes before departure, wear closed shoes and note that the operator advises against it for pregnant women.
Boat
The boat season runs from April to October. Check-in at the harbour is 40 minutes before departure. Kavonisi harbour is about 3 km west of Kissamos town, and the harbour ticket office is open from 08:30 to 21:00 in season. The combined trip lasts about 7 hours.
Bus
No bus goes to the lagoon itself. From Chania, KTEL buses run to Kissamos town, which the timetable calls Kasteli, and to Kissamos Port. In the October 2026 timetable the Port buses leave Chania at 08:15 and 15:30, and the bus back leaves the port at 18:30 after the boats return. Check the current timetable before you go.
From Chania
Chania to Kavonisi is about 43 km, roughly 45 minutes by car or 60 minutes by bus. The KTEL station is near the Samaria Hotel, and it is not at the Venetian harbour.
Chania guide →More to plan
Other pages on this site.
Getting to Balos: frequently asked questions
Can I drive all the way to the beach?
No. The gravel track ends at an upper car park, and the last stretch of about 1 km is on foot.
Is my rental car insured on the Balos track?
Not necessarily. Full insurance does not guarantee cover there, and at least one rental company excludes tyre and underbody damage on unpaved roads including Balos. Read your contract.
How long is the walk?
Plan 20 to 30 minutes down and 30 to 45 minutes back up. Take water and sturdy shoes.
Is there a bus to Balos?
No regular bus reaches the lagoon. Buses from Chania go to Kissamos town and to Kissamos Port, where you can take a boat. Check the current timetable.
Do I need to pre-book a time slot?
Electronic time slots have been proposed, but they are not a booking requirement at the moment. Check the latest notices before you travel.