Getting to and from Heraklion Airport
Few airports are as close to their city as Heraklion’s: the centre, the Venetian harbour and the ferry port are 10–15 minutes away by taxi and 20–30 by city bus. That closeness cuts both ways, because the same road carries every resort transfer heading east to Hersonissos and Malia, and it jams on summer afternoons.
For anywhere beyond the city the choice is taxi, pre-booked transfer or hire car. The KTEL long-distance coaches to Rethymno, Chania, Agios Nikolaos and the south leave from the station by the port, not the airport; take the city bus or a taxi there first.
Taxi from Heraklion Airport
The taxi rank is outside arrivals, past the car-rental meeting points. Heraklion taxis are the dark blue and white cars of Crete; resort fares are fixed by the local taxi association and displayed at the rank, with a night tariff after midnight. Radio taxi: +30 2810 210102. On Saturday changeover days in July and August the rank empties fast; a pre-booked car saves the wait.
| Destination | Fare | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Heraklion centre / port | €15 | 10–15 min |
| Ammoudara | €20 | 15–20 min |
| Hersonissos | €40 | 30–35 min |
| Malia / Stalis | €50 | 40–45 min |
| Agios Nikolaos | €80 | 55–65 min |
| Elounda | €90 | 65–75 min |
| Matala | €90 | 70–80 min |
| Rethymno | €100 | 75–90 min |
City bus to the centre and port
Line 1 of the Heraklion city bus (Astiko KTEL) runs from the stop outside arrivals to the port, the KTEL station and the city centre every 15–30 minutes through the day for €2; line 78 continues west to Ammoudara. It is the cheapest way to reach a ferry or the intercity coaches, but it stops often, has no luggage racks and thins out late in the evening.
- Fare: €2, bought from the kiosk at the stop or on board
- Line 1: airport – port – KTEL station – centre
- No direct bus to Hersonissos or Malia from the airport; change at the KTEL station
Pre-booked transfers and KTEL coaches
Almost every hotel east of the city can arrange a transfer, and the package operators run coaches from the forecourt. Independent travellers to Hersonissos, Malia, Elounda or the south coast should pre-book: it costs about the same as a taxi, the driver waits with a name board, and it avoids the Saturday rank queue. The KTEL coaches from the port station are the budget option to Rethymno, Chania, Agios Nikolaos and Ierapetra, roughly hourly and comfortable.
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.
See also
Prices and timetables are indicative and change seasonally. Confirm before you travel.