Guide to Heraklion Airport (HER)

You will find all the needed information about the airport of Heraklion below:
• Planes • How to move around • Facilities

In brief, Heraklion Airport receives domestic direct flights from Athens and Thessaloniki on a daily basis, as well as lots of direct and connecting flights from other parts of Greece and abroad, most of them during the high season.

Named after the world-famous Cretan author, Nikos Kazantzakis, Heraklion International Airport Nikos Kazantzakis (IATA code: HER, ICAO code: LGIR) is only a couple of kilometers east of the main town of Heraklion and Heraklion Port.

Since 1939, the airport of Heraklion has been open to travelers all around the world, directly connecting the island to Crete to over 25 destinations!

Flights

Heraklion Town is connected with large centers of Greece and an array of European cities through commercial and charter flights. Some of the main companies handling the direct domestic flights of Heraklion Airport are Volotea, Sky Express, Ryanair, and Aegean Airlines. Daily domestic flights connect Crete with Athens (ATH) and Thessaloniki (SKG), while flights to Larnaca (LCA) are also a daily occurrence. Discover the domestic and international airlines that fly to Heraklion, with budget options and luxurious plane companies.

The airport can also be a host to private jets, charter flights, or even an occasional helicopter flight from anywhere in Greece or abroad!
Chania Airport can be found 2-2.5 hours from the town of Heraklion by car, but there are no direct flight connections between the airports.

Tip: Given that there is increased traffic in and around the airport during the summer months, make sure you arrive at least two hours in advance.

Note: All direct flights are from Europe and select spots in Asia, Northern Africa, and the Middle East.

How to get to & leave the airport

Distances from:
Town: 3 km / 1.9 miles | Port: 3.7 km / 2.3 miles | Hersonissos: 21.8 km / 13.5 miles | Malia: 31.5 km / 19.6 miles

Since the airport is not far away from the town and the port, it is common to walk from the airport in order to reach Heraklion Town. There, you can choose your preferred means of transport from the town center.

Public buses

The most budget-friendly way to leave the airport is by hopping onto a city bus (namely, bus lines 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, and 20). The station is spotted right outside the building, and you have the option to purchase your tickets beforehand or straight from the bus driver (at an extra cost).
Below, you will find how to get to the most popular locations by bus from the airport.

• • Town: Bus lines 5, 6, 11, 12, and 20 can drop you off in various spots around Heraklion Town.
• • Port: Bus lines 06, 12, and 20 stop right by the port of Heraklion.
• • Knossos: Take one of the bus lines 06, 10, 11, 12, and 20. Then, switch to bus 02 or 03 and reach Knossos.
• • Gournes: Hop onto bus line 19 and reach Gournes.
• • Ammoudara Beach: The bus lines 06 and 10 will drop you off near Ammoudara Beach.
• • Xeropotamos Beach: Xeropotamos Beach can be reached with the help of bus lines 06, 10, 11, and 12.

Tip: Should you use public transport, remember that the bus does not always make a stop at every bus stop unless you notify the driver.
If you are unaware of where your bus stop is, inform the driver in advance about where you are heading, and they will proceed to stop at your destination!

Transfers and Taxis

Taxi stands are always available by the airport of Heraklion! However, if you prefer to leave the premises immediately, you may always book a transfer service in advance.
Also, you can opt for a pick-up with local drivers!

Car rentals

If you have just arrived and would like to rent a car, you will find an array of car rental desks inside the airport concourse.
Alternatively, visitors can also book a rental car in advance! This gives you a wide range of extra options, like the ability to choose a much preferred car or keep it for as many days as you would like in advance.
The airport’s car parking lot is usually the designated pick-up station for rental cars.
In cooperation with the best local car rental agencies, we offer the best prices and our service is rated .
➜ Book your car with us!

Shuttle Services

Furthermore, several accommodation facilities offer shuttle services from the airport of Heraklion, usually at a cost. Contact your hotel for more information!

Facilities

The premises include an information desk (tel: 0030 28103 97129) that remains open throughout the day, free Wi-Fi for everyone, spare luggage space, and lots of ATMs for easy access to cash. In addition, the airport is accessible to people with mobility impairments, while it also houses a lot of food spots, parking spaces, and an abundance of duty-free shops for locals and tourists alike, selling fragrances, accessories, clothing, and snacks.

The surrounding area has a few hotel options, but given its placement next to the town, there are many options minutes away. If you prefer to book accommodation near the airport, check out our hotel recommendations.

Near the airport

Other than the city center (3 km), the airport is close to a handful of popular destinations, such as the majestic Knossos (7 km), the village of Xeropotamos (8.8 km), and the beaches of Amnissos (5.5 km), Karteros (6.5 km), and Arena (8 km).