Parking at Heraklion Airport
Heraklion’s car park is across the road from the terminal, a two-minute walk with a crossing, and it is the one part of the airport that was never built for eight million passengers. Short stays are easy; long stays in July and August are not, and the private car parks a few hundred metres away in Nea Alikarnassos exist for that reason.
Cretans see relatives off in numbers, so the short-stay area is at its fullest an hour before the evening Athens flights. Arrive with time to circle.
Parking rates
Pay at the machines by the exit before returning to the car. The figures below are indicative; the tariff is posted at the entrance.
| Duration | Rate |
|---|---|
| First 10 minutes | Free |
| Up to 1 hour | €3 |
| Per day | about €10 |
| Per week | about €50 |
Drop-off and pick-up
The road in front of the terminal is shared by taxis, transfer coaches and everyone else, and the police keep it moving: stop, unload, leave. To meet an arrival, use the car park and the free first 10 minutes, or park along the seafront in Nea Alikarnassos and walk. Summer charter arrivals into Heraklion are often late in the evening; check the live board first.
Private car parks in Nea Alikarnassos
Fenced private car parks within walking distance or a short shuttle ride of the terminal take most of the long-stay demand in summer, at daily rates below the airport’s. Book ahead for July and August and check reviews; the airport has no involvement in these services.
Frequently asked questions
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.
See also
Prices and timetables are indicative and change seasonally. Confirm before you travel.