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Heraklion Airport, Crete
By Katia Luz
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.
Use code HER
Local air companies using these routes include Olympic Airlines, Aegean Airways, Sky Express and Minoan Air.
Other services include Ryanair and easyJet.
Check out info for Chania Airport
Don't know which airport to choose? See our Crete airports page here
Check flights with Aegean Airlines here
Check flights with Olympic Air here
See the location on the map below
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.
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
Accommodation
All central hotels in Heraklion are nearby to Heraklion 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.
The Heraklion Youth Hostel - a good budget hostel near to the Liondaria fountain and pedestrianised central streets of Heraklion, and the 1866 Markets.
For beach accommodation in Heraklion at Ammoudara Beach, the small Georgia Hotel is one street back from the beach, stylish and modern with a lovely pool and restaurant. Just 4 km from the centre of Heraklion town, this spot is only 8 km from Knossos.
Walking distance to the beach, convenient to buses to the town and airport, with comfortable rooms at affordable prices, lovely breakfast, garden, kids playground and family-run.
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 Villa 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.
Heraklion Town Video
Enjoy our video about Heraklion town.
One Day in Heraklion
If you do fly into Crete via Heraklion Airport, you may want to stay a while to enjoy the highlights of Heraklion town, which include:
- Liondaria Fountain
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum
- Old Venetian Harbour and Koules Fortress
- Agios Titos Church and Square
- Pedestrian Shopping Streets
- 1866 Local Market
- Koraii Cafes and Bars
- Memorial to Eleftherios Venizelos
- Kournarou Square
Explore Heraklion Beaches
Kokkinos Pirgos Beach on the south coast of Heraklion, a big wide beach and fish taverna, eat with your toes in the sand.
Matala on the south coast overlooking the Bay of Messara, is a very beautiful beach with unusual rock formations and plenty of history.
Matala history of the sixties includes a song by Joni Mitchell.
Matala Beach Festival is held in June each year.
Agiofarago Beach is remote, walk through the gorge to get here.
Agia Pelagia on the north coast, 23 km west of Heraklion town, is a beachside village with a delightful cove of turquoise waters.
Ammoudara Beach just west of Heraklion town, a wide sandy beach of 7 km, with the convenience of the city close by.
Tris Ekklisies Beach relax on the south coast.
Kato Gouves, on the north coast is east of Heraklion.
Anissaras Beach just 25 km east of Heraklion town.
Keratokambos Beach on the south coast, to the east of Pyrgos is a wild remote beach, where you can escape and find the wind in your hair.
Heraklion Airport Map
Below is a map of Crete with the airports and ports marked, showing the location of Heraklion airport:
Getting Here
Heraklion Airport- get here from many hubs in Europe into the Heraklion International Airport which is just 5 km out of town.Or fly from Athens in just one hour.
Or take a ferry from Pireaus Port of Athens, the crossing takes 9 hours and the ferries travel overnight.
Fast ferries come from Santorini in the evenings, the journey takes less than 2 hours - all details below.
Car hire in Crete is a really good idea as it is a large island 60 km by 260 km. There is so much to explore.
When you book with our car rental partners - Rental Centre Crete - you are supporting a local company with excellent service and easy online booking. We are sure you will be well looked after by the team. Choose from hybrid, electric or regular vehicles.
We trust you have enjoyed these tips from the We Love Crete team. Evíva!
Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia
are the We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
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About the Team
Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia
are the
We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
About us
