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Heraklion Airport, Crete

Nikos Kazantzakis
International Airport

Heraklion Airport is located in the central north of Crete, 4.5 km from Heraklion town.

This is a busy international airport receiving many flights from Athens and European cities every day.

In turn domestic flights depart for other points in Greece such as Santorini, Rhodes and Thessaloniki.

Local air companies using these routes include Olympic Airlines, Aegean Airways, Sky Express and Minoan Air.

Other services include Ryanair and easyJet.

The code for this airport is HER.

Check out info for Chania Airport...

Don't know which airport to choose? See our Crete airports page here...

Book flights to Heraklion here...

Transfer Facts...

The local bus service leaves every few minutes from outside the terminal to Eleftherias Square in the centre of town (return also).

Car rental desks are inside the airport terminal. The taxi stand is outside the arrivals hall and a taxi to the center of town should be around €14-16.

For peace of mind, you may wish to pre-book a taxi here...

Distances and taxi transfer times:

The trip into Heraklion centre is around ten minutes, and depending on the route, 4-5 km
From this airport to Agios Nikolaos in the east is 60 km
From Heraklion airport to Rethymnon town is 80 km
From this airport to Chania town in the west of Crete is 140 km

See more on our page about getting around in Crete...

Heraklion City Bus

The Heraklion city buses run from the airport to town regularly. Just buy a ticket from the kiosk before boarding the bus, which will be blue and similar to the bus in the photo on the left. Buses start early in the morning and stop late at night and run every 10-15 minutes. The journey takes about 20 minutes.

See timetables at:

astiko-irakleiou.gr

Choose the Airport to Gazi route, which takes you through the centre of town.

KTEL Regional Buses

See more about regional buses here...

Accommodation Nearby to
Heraklion Airport

Lato Hotel overlooking the old harbour at sunset

Accommodation handy to Heraklion Airport - The Lato Hotel

All central hotels in Heraklion are nearby to this airport.

Our pick in the centre of town would be the Lato Boutique Hotel for its central location, comfort and view of the Heraklion old harbour. This hotel is close to 25th August Street and the Liondaria Fountain. This hotel really is a stylish inner city hotel, with a restaurant on the rooftop over looking the old harbour with its fishing boats, restored arsenals and Venetian fortress. The hotel is close to the bus stations and the port, and it handy for those in transit. Ferries for Santorini leave from close by.

Kounaros Square in Heraklion

Country Accommodation

For a character-filled rural accommodation nearby, we would recommend the beautifully restored manor house in the village of Archanes 16 km inland and away from town. The Archontiko Studio (right) is a peaceful restored home in a quiet village only 12 km from the Palace of Knossos. This is our suggestion for a relaxing way to start your holiday in Crete, without the hustle and bustle of the city. The village is charming, with many cafes and restaurants and good services.