Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport

Heraklion International Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis" (HER) is the primary airport serving the island of Crete, Greece's largest island and one of the Mediterranean's most popular holiday destinations. Located just 5 km (3 miles) east of Heraklion city center, it is Greece's second-busiest airport after Athens, handling over 10 million passengers annually.

The airport has a single passenger terminal handling all domestic and international flights:

• Departures level: Check-in counters, security, departure gates (split into Schengen and non-Schengen areas)
• Arrivals level: Baggage claim, customs, arrivals hall with car rental desks
• Gates A: Intra-Schengen flights (domestic and EU destinations)
• Gates B: Extra-Schengen flights (UK, non-EU international)

Layout note: HER is a compact, single-terminal airport. The terminal spans approximately 21,000 square meters and handles both Schengen and non-Schengen departures from the same level, split into two departure halls. Navigation is straightforward, but the airport becomes extremely crowded during peak summer months (June-September) when Crete receives millions of tourists.

Important: HER is a shared civil/military facility. Photography restrictions may apply in certain areas.

Future note: A new replacement airport at Kastelli, 39 km southeast of Heraklion, is under construction and scheduled to open in 2027. The current Nikos Kazantzakis airport will cease operations once Kastelli opens.

Chania Airport (CHQ)

Crete has a second international airport, Chania International Airport "Daskalogiannis" (CHQ), located 96 km (148 km by road) west of Heraklion on the Akrotiri peninsula.

When to use CHQ instead of HER:

• Visiting western Crete (Chania, Rethymno, Samaria Gorge)
• Finding better flight deals to western Crete destinations
• Avoiding HER's summer congestion

Connecting between HER and CHQ:

Method	Time	Cost	Notes
KTEL Bus (via Heraklion)	3-4 hours	EUR 20 (USD 22)	Requires transfer in Heraklion/Chania
Taxi/Private Transfer	2-2.5 hours	EUR 150-200 (~USD 165-220)	Direct, fixed price
Rental Car	2-2.5 hours	Varies	Northern coastal highway

Minimum connection time between airports: Allow 5+ hours if connecting between HER and CHQ on separate tickets. There are no direct buses between the airports.

HER is located 5 km (3 miles) east of Heraklion city center, making it one of the most conveniently located airports for its main city.

Method	Time to Heraklion Center	Cost
Taxi	10-15 min	EUR 18-20 (~USD 20-22)
KTEL Bus	20-30 min	EUR 2 (~USD 2.20)
Private Transfer	10-15 min	EUR 25-35 (~USD 28-38)
Rental Car	10-15 min	Varies

For beach resorts, journey times vary significantly:

Destination	Distance	Taxi/Transfer Time	Approximate Cost
Heraklion city	5 km	10-15 min	EUR 18-20 (~USD 20-22)
Ammoudara Beach	8 km	15 min	EUR 20-25 (~USD 22-28)
Hersonissos	25 km	25-30 min	EUR 30-35 (~USD 33-38)
Malia	34 km	35 min	EUR 35-40 (~USD 38-44)
Agios Nikolaos	65 km	50-60 min	EUR 65-75 (~USD 72-82)
Elounda	72 km	60-70 min	EUR 75-85 (~USD 82-93)
Rethymno	80 km	75-90 min	EUR 90-110 (~USD 99-121)
Chania	140 km	2-2.5 hours	EUR 150-180 (~USD 165-198)

Important: Uber does not operate in Crete. Traditional taxis and pre-booked transfers are your options.

Taxis

Official taxis are gray/silver and wait at the designated rank outside the arrivals hall (turn left after exiting).

Rates to Heraklion city center: EUR 18-20 (~USD 20-22)

Tariff system:

• Tariff 1 (daytime, 5:00-00:00): Base EUR 1.80 + EUR 0.90/km
• Tariff 2 (night, 00:00-05:00): Base EUR 1.80 + EUR 1.25/km
• Luggage surcharge may apply

Destination	Day Rate	Night Rate
Heraklion center	EUR 18-20	EUR 22-25
Heraklion port	EUR 15-18	EUR 20-23
Hersonissos	EUR 30-35	EUR 40-45
Malia	EUR 35-40	EUR 45-50
Agios Nikolaos	EUR 65-75	EUR 80-90

Tips:

• Confirm the approximate fare before departing
• Taxis accept cash; confirm card acceptance beforehand
• In peak summer, taxi queues can be 30+ minutes - consider pre-booking
• Avoid unlicensed drivers approaching inside the terminal

Pre-Booked Transfers

Several companies offer fixed-price airport transfers, useful during busy summer periods:

• Welcome Pickups: Meet-and-greet, fixed prices, flight monitoring
• Crete Taxi: Local operator with fixed rates
• HolidayTaxis: Pre-bookable transfers to all Crete destinations

Pre-booked transfers typically cost EUR 5-15 more than regular taxis but guarantee availability and fixed pricing.

KTEL Bus to Heraklion City

The KTEL Heraklion-Lasithi bus service connects the airport to Heraklion city center.

Fare: EUR 2 (~USD 2.20)

Journey time: 20-30 minutes to central Heraklion

Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes (6:00-00:00)

No night service: Buses do not run from midnight to 6:00 AM

Bus stop location: Outside the arrivals hall, follow signs to "Bus"

Routes:

• Bus 1: Airport to Heraklion city center (most useful for travelers)
• Routes continue to central bus stations for connections

How to take the bus:

1. Exit arrivals and follow signs to bus stop
2. Purchase ticket at the kiosk in arrivals or from the driver (cash)
3. Board the blue KTEL bus
4. Alight at Heraklion Bus Station A or city center stops

Intercity KTEL Buses

From Heraklion's central bus stations, KTEL buses connect to destinations across Crete:

Destination	Journey Time	Fare	Frequency
Rethymno	1.5 hours	EUR 8.30 (~USD 9.10)	Hourly
Chania	2.5-3 hours	EUR 15-16 (~USD 16.50-17.60)	Hourly
Agios Nikolaos	1.5 hours	EUR 7.70 (~USD 8.50)	Hourly
Sitia	3 hours	EUR 15 (~USD 16.50)	Several daily

Note: Buses depart from Heraklion Bus Station A (near the port), not directly from the airport. Take the airport bus to the city first, then transfer.

Express service: Since June 2025, express buses run between Chania and Heraklion in approximately 2 hours (4 departures daily each way).

KTEL website: www.ktelherlas.gr (schedules and tickets)

Night Transport

After midnight, your options are limited:

• Taxi: Available 24/7 at the taxi rank
• Pre-booked transfer: Arrange in advance
• Rental car: Most agencies have 24-hour key drop

HER offers on-site parking with both short-term and long-term options.

Airport Parking

Type	Location	Rate	Notes
Short-term	Adjacent to terminal	Free (limited time)	For drop-offs/pickups only
Long-term	Main lot	EUR 4-7/day	~722 spaces, uncovered
VIP Parking	Near terminal	Higher rates	Covered, limited spots

Short-term parking: Approximately 500 spaces are free for short stops. This area is patrolled by security.

Long-term rates (approximate):

• Daily: EUR 4-7
• Weekly: EUR 29
• Pre-booking recommended in summer

Tips:

• The parking lot is uncovered - cars get hot in summer
• Pre-book online for discounts during peak season
• 2-3 minute walk from parking to terminal
• Payment by cash or card

Off-Site Parking

Private parking facilities near the airport (e.g., Eparking) offer:

• Lower rates (from EUR 3-4/day)
• Free shuttle service to terminal
• Often covered parking
• Car cleaning services

HER has limited but adequate food options for a regional airport.

Landside (Before Security)

• Cafe/Snack bars: Coffee, sandwiches, pastries
• Mini-market: Drinks, snacks, basic supplies
• Souvenir shop: Last-minute gifts

Airside (After Security)

Schengen Area:

• Cafes and snack bars: Greek coffee, sandwiches, salads
• Restaurant: One sit-down restaurant with Greek and international options

Non-Schengen Area:

• Limited options - eat before clearing passport control if possible

Best Bets

• For coffee: Order a freddo espresso or freddo cappuccino - Greece's iced coffee specialty
• For a quick bite: Grab a tyropita (cheese pie) or spanakopita (spinach pie)
• For a meal: The airside restaurant offers Greek salads and grilled dishes

Tips:

• Prices are 50-70% higher than in town
• Food options close in the evening
• Stock up in Heraklion before heading to the airport
• Water is expensive airside - drink before security

Free WiFi is available throughout the terminal.

Network name: Look for free airport WiFi networks

How to connect:

1. Select the airport WiFi network
2. Accept terms and conditions
3. Browse

Quality: Adequate for browsing and email. During peak summer travel periods, speeds may slow significantly due to heavy usage.

Tips:

• Connection quality varies by location and time
• Lounges offer more reliable WiFi
• Consider using mobile data for important tasks

SIM cards are not reliably available at the airport. Plan to purchase in town.

Where to Buy

In Heraklion city:

• Germanos: Sells all carriers (Cosmote, Vodafone, Wind) - most convenient
• Carrier shops: Cosmote, Vodafone, and Wind have stores in Heraklion center

Major Greek Carriers

• Cosmote: Best coverage, especially on islands and rural areas
• Vodafone: Good coverage, competitive tourist packages
• Wind: Budget-friendly, adequate coverage in urban areas

Typical Prices

• EUR 15-20: 10GB data, valid 30 days
• EUR 25-30: 20-30GB data, some calls/SMS, valid 30 days

Required: Passport or ID for purchase

Tips:

• Buy a SIM in Heraklion city center before heading to beach resorts
• Cosmote recommended for best island/rural coverage
• EU roaming included for travel within Europe
• Consider eSIM options (Airalo, Holafly) for immediate connectivity upon arrival

Currency: Euro (EUR)

ATM Locations

ATMs are available in the arrivals hall and departure areas:

• Eurobank: 24-hour ATM inside arrivals
• Piraeus Bank: ATMs at arrivals and departures
• Additional ATMs: Outside arrivals hall (turn left)

Currency Exchange

A currency exchange bureau is located in the arrivals area. As with most airports, rates are unfavorable.

Tips:

• Use ATMs for better exchange rates
• When using ATMs, decline "dynamic currency conversion" and choose to be charged in euros
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) widely accepted in Heraklion and tourist areas
• Beach resorts and smaller businesses may prefer cash
• Carry EUR 50-100 cash for smaller purchases, tips, and village visits
• Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks

Duty-Free

Hellenic Duty Free operates shops spanning 2,100 square meters in both Schengen and non-Schengen departure areas.

Hours: Daily, generally 7:00-22:00 (some extended hours)

Products:

• Greek wines (Assyrtiko, Vidiano - try Cretan varieties)
• Greek spirits (raki/tsikoudia, ouzo, Metaxa)
• Cretan olive oil and local food products
• Perfumes and cosmetics (Dior, Versace)
• Sunglasses and accessories (Ray-Ban, Emporio Armani)
• Tobacco

Best Cretan Products

• Raki (Tsikoudia): Crete's signature spirit - stronger and more aromatic than mainland tsipouro
• Cretan olive oil: Some of the best in Greece
• Cretan honey: Thyme honey is a local specialty
• Cretan herbs: Dittany (endemic to Crete), mountain tea

Tips

• Duty-free prices on alcohol and tobacco can be good value
• Non-EU residents can claim VAT refunds on purchases over EUR 50
• Food products must comply with your destination's import rules
• The landside mini-market and souvenir shop have limited selection

HER has three lounges, all accessible via Priority Pass or day-pass purchase.

Priority Pass Lounges

Filoxenia Lounge (Intra-Schengen)

• Location: Airside, near Gate A1 (Schengen departures)
• Hours: 6:30-22:00 daily
• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, day pass
• Amenities: Hot and cold buffet, beverages including alcohol, WiFi
• Notes: 3-hour maximum stay. Can be crowded in summer. Children under 2 free.

Filoxenia Lounge (Extra-Schengen)

• Location: Airside, near Gate B11 (non-Schengen departures)
• Hours: Vary by day (typically 11:00-00:00 weekdays, extended weekends)
• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, day pass
• Amenities: Similar to Schengen lounge
• Notes: 3-hour maximum stay. Useful for UK and non-EU departures.

Goldair Handling Lounge (Non-Schengen)

• Location: Airside, after passport control, 1st floor
• Hours: Vary seasonally (closed winter, October 31 - May 1)
• Access: Priority Pass
• Notes: Primarily for non-Schengen departures. Limited hours.

Pay-Per-Use

Day passes available at lounge entrances or via LoungeBuddy, typically EUR 30-40 (~USD 33-44).

Tips

• Lounges close in the evening - no overnight options
• In peak summer, lounges may restrict access due to capacity
• Book Priority Pass access in advance during summer months
• No sleeping facilities at any airport lounge

Hotels near HER are limited, but several options exist in Heraklion city and nearby beach areas.

Near the Airport (Nea Alikarnassos)

• Asterion Luxury Studios: 1.4 km from terminal, budget-friendly, suitable for early flights (~EUR 50-80/night)
• Sofia Hotel: Close to airport, basic but clean

Heraklion City Center (5 km)

• GDM Megaron Historical Monument Hotel: 5-star, historic building near Venetian harbor (~EUR 150-250/night)
• Aquila Atlantis Hotel: 5-star, central location, pool (~EUR 120-200/night)
• Lato Boutique Hotel: 4-star, harbor views, excellent restaurant (~EUR 100-180/night)

Beach Resorts (10-30 km)

The Ammoudara beach strip, just west of Heraklion, offers numerous beach hotels with easy airport access:

• Apollonia Beach Resort & Spa: 5-star beach resort (~EUR 150-250/night)
• Agapi Beach Resort: All-inclusive family resort (~EUR 120-200/night)

Tips:

• Heraklion city offers better dining and nightlife than airport-area hotels
• For early morning flights, staying in Nea Alikarnassos minimizes travel stress
• Beach resorts east of Heraklion (Hersonissos, Malia) are 25-40 minutes from the airport
• Book well in advance for summer stays

Crete is Greece's largest island and a world-class holiday destination, offering ancient history, stunning beaches, dramatic mountains, and exceptional cuisine. HER provides access to central and eastern Crete.

Getting to Key Destinations

Destination	Travel Time	How to Get There
Heraklion city center	15 min	Bus (EUR 2) or taxi (EUR 20)
Knossos Palace	20 min	Taxi or bus from Heraklion
Hersonissos beaches	30 min	Taxi (EUR 35) or KTEL bus
Malia beaches	40 min	Taxi (EUR 40) or KTEL bus
Agios Nikolaos	1 hour	Taxi (EUR 70) or KTEL bus (EUR 7.70)
Elounda	1 hour 15 min	Taxi (EUR 80) or bus via Agios Nikolaos
Rethymno	1.5 hours	KTEL bus (EUR 8.30) or taxi
Samaria Gorge	3+ hours	KTEL bus or organized tour

Must-See Attractions

Archaeological Sites:

• Knossos Palace: Bronze Age Minoan palace, Europe's oldest civilization. 15 minutes from Heraklion. Book morning visits to avoid heat and crowds.
• Heraklion Archaeological Museum: World's finest Minoan artifacts collection. Pair with Knossos visit.
• Phaistos: Second-largest Minoan palace, less crowded than Knossos. 1 hour south.

Beaches:

• Elafonisi: Pink sand beach on western Crete (3.5 hours from HER)
• Balos Lagoon: Turquoise lagoon, accessed by boat or rough road (3+ hours from HER)
• Vai Palm Beach: Europe's largest natural palm forest (2.5 hours east)
• Matala: Famous hippie beach with caves (1.5 hours south)

Nature:

• Samaria Gorge: Europe's longest gorge, 16 km hike. Organized day trips from most resorts.
• Lassithi Plateau: Mountain plateau with windmills, Dikteon Cave (Zeus's birthplace)
• Spinalonga Island: Former leper colony, boat trips from Elounda

Resort Areas from HER

Area	Character	Distance	Best For
Heraklion	Historic city, museums, port	5 km	Culture, food, day trips
Ammoudara	Beach strip, resorts	10 km	Beach + city access
Hersonissos	Lively resort, water parks	25 km	Families, nightlife
Malia	Party town, long beach	34 km	Young travelers, nightlife
Agios Nikolaos	Upscale town, bay views	65 km	Couples, relaxed atmosphere
Elounda	Luxury resorts, calm waters	72 km	Luxury travelers, honeymooners

Cretan Cuisine

Crete has one of the world's healthiest diets. Must-try dishes:

• Dakos: Cretan bruschetta with barley rusk, tomatoes, feta, olive oil
• Kalitsounia: Sweet or savory cheese pastries
• Lamb with stamnagathi: Wild greens unique to Crete
• Snails (Chochlioi): Cretan specialty, often fried with rosemary
• Fresh fish: Best at harbor tavernas in Heraklion or fishing villages
• Raki/Tsikoudia: The local firewater, often served free after meals

Dining tips:

• Greeks eat late: lunch 2-4 PM, dinner 9 PM onwards
• Mezedes (small plates) with raki is the traditional way to eat
• Avoid tourist traps on Heraklion's main squares - explore side streets
• Cretan olive oil is exceptional - drench everything in it

Summer Tips

June-September brings peak tourist season to Crete:

• Temperatures: 30-40C (86-104F) in summer
• Beaches: Popular beaches are packed by 10 AM - arrive early
• Knossos: Visit at opening (8 AM) or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds
• Traffic: Resort areas like Hersonissos and Malia get congested
• Booking: Reserve accommodation and rental cars well in advance
• Airport: Expect long security queues - arrive 3 hours before international flights

Getting Around Crete

• Rental car: The best way to explore. Roads are generally good. Book in advance for summer.
• KTEL buses: Reliable service along the north coast and to major towns
• Taxis: Available but expensive for longer distances
• Ferries: Boats from Heraklion port to Santorini (2 hours by fast ferry) and other Cycladic islands

Day Trips from Heraklion

Trip	Duration	How
Knossos + Archaeological Museum	Half day	Taxi/bus + walking
Rethymno old town	Full day	KTEL bus or rental car
Spinalonga Island	Full day	Tour or taxi to Elounda + boat
Santorini	Full day	Fast ferry from Heraklion port (2 hours)
Samaria Gorge	Full day	Organized tour recommended