Heraklion International Airport Nikos Kazantzakis (HER) to Crete
Heraklion airport sits right next to the city, so a taxi to the centre takes 10–15 minutes and city buses run to the centre and the KTEL bus station. Regional KTEL buses connect onwards to resorts along the north coast.
Crete has two main airports: Heraklion (HER) for central and eastern Crete, and Chania (CHQ) for the west. Choose the one closest to where you are staying.
Best for most people: Taxi. The ride is short and fairly cheap, and it saves carrying luggage onto busy summer buses.
All the options
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus City buses from the stop outside the terminal to the centre and the main KTEL bus station near the port | about 15–25 min | every 10–20 min in daytime | about €1.20–2 | roughly early morning to late evening; check last departures | Buy tickets at the kiosk or machine at the stop if available; buses get crowded in summer. |
| bus KTEL intercity buses from the airport stop towards resorts such as Hersonissos, Malia and Agios Nikolaos | about 30–90 min depending on resort | several per day, more in summer | about €2–8 | daytime; check the KTEL timetable | Some routes require changing at the main bus station in Heraklion. |
| taxi Official taxi rank outside Arrivals | 10–15 min to the centre | about €15–20 to Heraklion centre; about €40–60 to Hersonissos or Malia | 24 h | Fixed fares to common destinations are usually posted near the rank. | |
| car hire Rental desks in and near the terminal | varies by season | most desks open for arrivals | The best way to explore Crete beyond the resorts. |
*Approximate 2026 prices and times. Services change: check the operator before you fly, especially for late arrivals.
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Other airports
- Chania International Airport Daskalogiannis (CHQ), about 14 km from Chania, best for western Crete
Tips
- Heraklion airport is small and very busy in summer; expect queues at passport control and taxis.
- A new airport at Kastelli is being built to replace HER; until it opens, all flights still use the current airport.
- If you are staying in Chania or Rethymno, check whether flying into Chania (CHQ) saves you a long drive.
- Pre-booked transfers are worth it for late-night arrivals to remote villages.
Common questions
How much is a taxi from Heraklion airport?
A taxi to Heraklion city centre usually costs about €15–20 and takes 10–15 minutes. Longer trips are priced by destination, for example about €40–60 to Hersonissos or Malia. Use the official rank outside Arrivals; fares to common destinations are often displayed there, and night rates may be higher.
Is there a bus from Heraklion airport to the city?
Yes. City buses run from the stop outside the terminal to the centre and the main KTEL bus station, typically every 10–20 minutes in daytime, for about €1.20–2. KTEL intercity buses also stop at the airport for coastal resorts. Services thin out late in the evening, so check last departures.
Which airport should I fly into, Heraklion or Chania?
Heraklion (HER) suits central and eastern Crete, including Hersonissos, Malia, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda. Chania (CHQ) is better for the west, including Chania town, Kissamos and Balos. Rethymno sits between the two. Driving from one end of the island to the other takes several hours, so the right airport matters.
Do I need to hire a car in Crete?
Not for Heraklion city or the main resorts, which KTEL buses serve. To reach beaches, gorges and mountain villages at your own pace, a hire car is much easier. Desks are at the airport; booking ahead is wise in July and August, when cars sell out and prices rise.
Compiled by TonyPlan from airport and transport-operator information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.