Heraklion International Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis" (IATA: HER) sits 5 km east of Heraklion city centre. It is Greece's second-busiest airport and handles the bulk of international arrivals to Crete — over 9 million passengers annually during peak season. This guide covers transport from the terminal to your resort, key distances, and practical information for the arrival hall.
Getting from Heraklion Airport to the City and Beyond
Your three main options for Heraklion airport transport are city bus, taxi, and car rental. Each involves a different trade-off between cost, flexibility, and journey time.
City Bus (Line 1) — The cheapest way into Heraklion airport to city centre costs around €1.50. Urban bus line 1 runs between HER and Platia Eleftherias (Liberty Square) in the city centre. Journey time is 20–30 minutes. Buses run approximately 06:00–23:00 every 20–30 minutes during the day. This option works if you are staying in the old town with light luggage.
Taxi — Official white taxis with a blue stripe use a fixed-rate system from HER airport Crete. Approximate fares from the airport:
- Heraklion city centre: €15–20 (10–15 min)
- Hersonissos: €35–45 (25 min)
- Agios Nikolaos: €80–100 (55 min)
- Elounda: €95–115 (1h10) — a practical base for a Spinalonga island day trip
- Rethymno: €120–140 (1h20)
- Chania: €180–200 (2h)
Night tariff (01:00–05:00) adds a 25–30% surcharge. Confirm the fare before the car moves.
Car Rental — HER airport hosts Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, and Budget, plus local providers that typically undercut international chains by 20–35%. Counters are in the arrivals hall; car parks are immediately outside. In peak season (July–August), expect €40–70/day for a small automatic. In May or October, €20–35 is realistic. Book 4–6 weeks ahead for summer dates — walk-in rates at peak times run 30–50% higher. A car is the only practical option for the south coast, the interior, or remote beaches. Families should check car seat availability in advance; the Crete family holiday guide has practical resort and logistics recommendations.
HER Airport Layout, Facilities and Practical Information
Heraklion Airport has a single terminal: arrivals on the ground floor, departures on the first floor. It is compact by European standards, which means short walks between gates but limited space during peak hours. Passport control queues for non-Schengen arrivals can reach 45–60 minutes in August — factor this into any onward connection or transfer booking.
Money and connectivity:
- Two ATMs in the arrivals hall (ground floor), one airside in departures
- Currency exchange desks charge 5–8% above the interbank rate — use ATMs instead
- Cosmote and Vodafone Greece desks in arrivals sell prepaid SIM cards for €10–20 with 10–15 GB data — essential for navigation on rural roads and remote beaches
- Free Wi-Fi is available; the password is posted at the information desk
Left luggage costs approximately €5–7 per bag per day — useful if you land well before hotel check-in. The airside food court is limited and overpriced; eat before security if possible.
Peak season note: August 15 is a major Greek public holiday. Expect heavier traffic on the E75 motorway and longer taxi queues outside arrivals. Check road and weather conditions before you travel with the Crete weather report for 15 August 2026. Remote workers planning a longer stay will find SIM card options, coworking spaces, and monthly cost-of-living figures in the digital nomad Crete guide.
Driving distances from HER airport:
- Heraklion city: 5 km / 10 min
- Hersonissos: 24 km / 25 min
- Malia: 34 km / 30 min
- Agios Nikolaos: 65 km / 55 min
- Elounda: 72 km / 1h10
- Rethymno: 78 km / 1h20
- Ierapetra: 112 km / 1h30
- Chania: 138 km / 2h
