Heraklion Airport HER · Crete

Frequently Asked Questions about Heraklion Airport

Find answers to the questions most often asked by travellers heading to Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport: access, transport, terminal services, car rental, taxi, parking and airlines.

Getting around after landing?

Book your rental car in advance for a lower price, or choose a private transfer if you don't want to drive.

Rent a car at the airport Book a private transfer

Is Heraklion Airport big?

Heraklion Airport is the second-busiest airport in Greece with over 8 million passengers a year, but its terminal remains relatively compact over two floors. It does, however, rank first nationally for charter flights.

What time should you arrive at Heraklion Airport?

Arrive 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. In July-August, passport control queues can exceed an hour, so allow extra time.

How far is Heraklion Airport from the city centre?

The airport is just 4 kilometres east of Heraklion city centre. The journey takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on the mode of transport chosen.

Which French airport serves Heraklion?

In season, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Lille, Nice, Montpellier, Brest and Deauville offer direct connections with Aegean, Air France, Transavia France, Volotea and easyJet.

How much does a carton of cigarettes cost at Heraklion Airport?

At duty-free at Heraklion Airport, a carton costs around 40 to 60 euros depending on the brand, which is 20 to 40% cheaper than in town. The price is comparable to other Greek airports.

What are the terminals at Heraklion Airport?

The airport has a single terminal divided into two boarding areas: one for Schengen flights and another for non-Schengen flights. Arrivals take place on the ground floor, departures on the first floor.

Is Heraklion Airport open 24 hours a day?

Yes, the terminal remains accessible 24/7. Shops and restaurants generally operate between 5am and 11pm, with a few outlets open around the clock.

How do you get from Heraklion Airport to the city centre?

Four options: KTEL bus (€1.80, 20-30 min), official taxi (€15-25, 10-20 min), private transfer (from €30, fixed price) or car rental directly at the terminal.

What are the KTEL bus schedules?

The KTEL bus runs roughly every 15 minutes during the day between the airport and Heraklion city centre. Frequency decreases in the evening, so check schedules on site or at ktelherlas.gr.

Is there a train station at Heraklion Airport?

No, no train line serves the airport or Crete in general. The island has no rail network, and all travel is by road.

What is the best way to get to Chersonissos from the airport?

Three options: direct KTEL bus (30-40 minutes, €4-5), private transfer (35 minutes, from €41, door-to-door comfort), or official taxi (€50-65 depending on the time).

Can you book parking at Heraklion Airport?

Yes, official HCAA car parks and nearby private car parks offer online booking. Discounts can reach up to 50% compared to the walk-up rate.

How much does long-stay parking cost at Heraklion Airport?

HCAA long-stay parking starts at €10/day. Nearby private car parks go as low as €3-6/day at online rates, with a free shuttle to the terminal.

Is there a medical centre at the airport?

Yes, a medical service is available at the terminal for first aid. For serious emergencies, passengers are redirected to the PAGNI university hospital in Heraklion, a 15-minute drive away.

Can you leave luggage in storage at Heraklion Airport?

Yes, a left-luggage service is available at the terminal. Rates vary depending on the size of the luggage and the storage duration, generally between €4 and €12 per day.

Where is the lost property office located?

The lost property office is located on the ground floor of the terminal, in the arrivals area. To report a lost item after your departure, contact passenger information on +30 281 039 7129.

Is there a VIP lounge at Heraklion Airport?

Yes, several private lounges are accessible in the departures area via online booking, Priority Pass card or business ticket. They offer Wi-Fi, catering and workstations.

Is Wi-Fi free at Heraklion Airport?

Yes, Wi-Fi is free throughout the terminal. However, the connection can be slow during periods of high summer traffic, particularly in July and August.

Are there cash machines (ATMs)?

Yes, several ATMs are located in the terminal, accepting major international cards. A currency exchange office is also available in the arrivals area for foreign currency.

Which airlines operate at Heraklion Airport?

More than 50 airlines serve the airport in season: Aegean Airlines, Sky Express, Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2.com, TUI Airways, Lufthansa, Condor, Eurowings, Transavia, Air France, British Airways, KLM, Wizz Air, Vueling, Volotea, Norwegian and many others.

Need more practical information? Return to the Heraklion Airport page or check out the car rental and airport taxi sections.