Heraklion Airport (HER) Live Arrivals & Departures

Time

Destination

Gate

Monday 28 September

Airport guide

Heraklion Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” (HER) is only 5 km east of the city centre at Nea Alikarnassos, so close that the final approach passes over the port. It is the third-busiest airport in Greece and the busiest on Crete, with around eight million passengers a year, nearly all of them between April and October, when it becomes the main gateway to the resorts of Hersonissos, Malia, Elounda and the south coast.

The terminal dates from the 1970s and is famously cramped for the traffic it handles, which is why a new airport is being built at Kastelli, 35 km inland, to take over towards the end of the decade. Until then: one building, arrivals on the ground floor, departures upstairs, and long queues on summer Saturdays.

Transport

The city centre is 5 km away: about €15 by taxi or €2 on city bus line 1. Hersonissos and Malia are 30–45 minutes east by taxi or transfer; the KTEL station by the port serves Rethymno, Chania and the south coast.

Parking

The car park is opposite the terminal, from about €3 an hour and around €10 a day. It is small for the airport’s traffic and fills in August; private car parks in Nea Alikarnassos are the fallback for a week or more.

Car rental

The rental desks are in the arrivals hall and the cars in lots across the road; local companies meet you outside. Crete is 260 km long with a mountain spine, so most visitors rent for the whole stay. Book early for July and August.

Local tips

Heraklion’s departures hall is the smallest in Greece for its traffic. On summer Saturdays be at the airport three hours before a non-Schengen (UK) flight and two and a half before any other; once through security there is little seating, so do not rush the shops.

The ferry port is ten minutes away by taxi and the overnight boats to Piraeus leave around 21:00–22:00, so an afternoon arrival connects comfortably; a morning flight does not, unless you take the fast daytime ferry.

The final approach over the harbour is the best view of Heraklion you will get: sit on the left side flying in from the west, the right side from the east.

The taxi rank empties on Saturday changeover afternoons. If your hotel is in Hersonissos or Malia, pre-book; the price is the same and the wait is zero.

Knossos is 20 minutes from the airport by taxi, closer than most hotels: a late-afternoon arrival with an evening flight home the next day can still fit the palace in.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Heraklion Airport from the city centre?

Only 5 km. A taxi takes 10–15 minutes and costs about €15; city bus line 1 takes 20–30 minutes for €2 and also stops at the port and the KTEL station.

How much is a taxi from Heraklion Airport to Hersonissos?

About €40 by day for the 30–35 minute drive; Malia and Stalis are around €50. Fares are fixed by the taxi association and posted at the rank; nights cost more.

Is there a bus from Heraklion Airport to the city?

Yes. City bus line 1 leaves from outside arrivals every 15–30 minutes for the port, the KTEL station and the centre, and costs €2. There is no direct bus to the resorts; change at the KTEL station.

How do I get from Heraklion Airport to Rethymno or Chania?

The KTEL coaches leave from the station by the port, ten minutes from the airport by taxi or city bus, roughly hourly: about 1h 30 to Rethymno and 2h 45 to Chania. A taxi to Rethymno costs around €100; a hire car is the usual choice.

How do I get from Heraklion Airport to the ferry port?

It is ten minutes away: about €15 by taxi or €2 on city bus line 1, which stops at the port gates. The overnight Piraeus ferries leave around 21:00–22:00.

Where can I park at Heraklion Airport?

In the car park opposite the terminal, from about €3 an hour or €10 a day, first 10 minutes free. It fills in August; private car parks in Nea Alikarnassos take the overflow at lower weekly rates.

Can I wait outside the terminal for an arriving flight?

No; the forecourt is drop-off only and busy with transfer coaches. Use the car park (first 10 minutes free) or park on the Nea Alikarnassos seafront and walk, after checking the live arrivals board.

Which car rental companies are at Heraklion Airport?

Avis, Budget, Hertz, Sixt, Europcar and Enterprise have desks in the arrivals hall, and dozens of Cretan companies meet customers outside or at lots a short shuttle away. Cars are collected across the road from the terminal.

Do I need a car on Crete?

For anything beyond a single resort, yes. Crete is 260 km long, the coaches only follow the main road and the best beaches are down small roads. Book early for July and August and consider a one-way rental ending at Chania Airport.

How early should I arrive at Heraklion Airport?

Two and a half hours for an EU flight and three for a non-Schengen one (UK) on summer Saturdays; two hours is enough off season. The terminal is small and the check-in queues spill outside on changeover days.

How can I check live arrivals and departures at Heraklion Airport?

The boards on this site update automatically with scheduled and estimated times, gates, baggage belts and status. Open a flight for its details or subscribe to alerts for a flight number.

What should I do if my flight from Heraklion is delayed?

Check the estimated time on the departures board here and confirm with the airline. EU rules give you meals after two hours of delay and possibly compensation after three hours on arrival; keep receipts and boarding passes.