Heraklion Airport Transportation

All the information featured on this page was compiled and written by David Enrich, a renowned expert in aviation and airport guides, with over two decades of experience since 1999.

See attached the available means of transport:

Bus
Taxi
Car Rental

Heraklion Airport Bus

Local buses

The only way to get to Heraklion by public transportation is by taking any of the routes of the extensive and efficient bus network that connects the major cities of Crete.

Blue buses are the best way to downtown since they are local (do not take the green ones, they are regional buses and effectuate long trips).

How to get to downtown Heraklion?

KTEL bus lines 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 17, 19 and 31 reach Heraklion city centre since they follow the same route.

Some of these routes get to Bus Station A (which is located in the old town) or to Bus Station B (at the west of the old town).

For more information, please check this link.

Schedule

Buses run all year round from 06:00am to 00:00am, every 10-15 minutes.

Trip to downtown Heraklion takes about 20 minutes.

Location

Buses depart from outside Arrivals Hall.

- Blue buses go to heraklion city; green buses connect to other cities
- Carry cash for fare payment
- Keep personal belongings secure
- Pay the driver directly before boarding

Fares

Single ticket cost is €1.50.

Where do I buy my ticket?

Tickets are sold on board to the driver. Only cash accepted.

Pros:

Cheapest transportation option
Regular service

Cons:

Not the most comfortable choice
Short walk required to reach the bus stop
No service after 21:15 PM

Heraklion Airport Taxi

- Check the agreed-upon price before starting the trip.
- Ask the driver for a receipt if needed.
- Tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service.
- Most taxis accept credit cards, but it’s best to confirm this beforehand.
- Avoid accepting rides from independent drivers, even if they offer lower rates.

Location

Taxi ranks are located facing the terminal.

Taxi Companies

Find the following taxi companies serving Heraklion Airport 24 hours a day:

- Heraklion Taxi Services: +30 694 859 9006
- Taxi Airport Heraklion: +30 694 482 7274
- Heraklion Taxi: +30 281 400 3084
- Taxi Knossos: +30 281 021 0102

Most are light gray or silver sedans with the "TAXI" sign on the roof

Fares

Destination from Heraklion Airport	Estimated Cost (€)	Distance (km)
Heraklion Town	17	8
Amoudara	23	20
Gouves	26	24
Anissaras	33	26
Hersonissos	33	27
Agia Pelagia	34	32
Malia	41	36
Rethymnon	86	90
Agios Nikolaos	69	63
Elounda	75	68
Georgioupolis	105	110
Plakias	115	115
Chania City	150	142

Taxi User Reviews

Travelers generally report punctual and reliable service.
Some users mention that the drivers are friendly and offer useful tourist information.
The cleanliness of the vehicles and safe driving are frequently praised.

Heraklion Airport Car Rental

Renting a car at Heraklion Airport is an excellent option for exploring the island of Crete with freedom and convenience. Here’s why you should consider this option, what activities you can do, and how and where to rent a vehicle:

Why rent a car at Heraklion Airport:

Convenience: Rental offices are located in the arrivals terminal, making it easy to pick up your vehicle immediately after landing.
Time-saving: You avoid queuing for public transport and can start your journey right away.
Flexibility: You can choose the model that best suits your needs, whether for luggage space, number of passengers, or type of terrain to cover.
Unlimited exploration: A car allows you to reach remote and beautiful places on the island that would be difficult to access by public transport.

Familiarize yourself with local traffic rules: in Greece, you drive on the right, with a speed limit of 120 km/h on highways, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 50 km/h in urban areas.

Activities you can do:

Visit beaches: Drive to beautiful beaches like Chania, which is about 2 hours away via the E75 highway.
Explore historical sites: Easily reach the legendary Palace of Knossos, one of Crete’s most important archaeological sites.
Tour picturesque villages: Discover charming inland villages that are off the usual tourist routes.
Enjoy local gastronomy: Visit traditional tavernas and restaurants in different parts of the island.
Nature adventures: Access hiking trails, canyons, and mountains to enjoy the Cretan landscape.

Consider a Compact SUV: These are a popular choice for Crete due to their versatility in handling various terrains and offering adequate luggage space.

How and where to rent:

Location: Rental companies operate in the arrivals area of Heraklion’s ’Nikos Kazantzakis’ airport.
Advance booking: It’s recommended to book about a week in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season or events like the Heraklion Summer Arts Festival.
Requirements: You’ll need your valid driving license, passport or ID, and a credit card. Some providers may require an international driving permit.
Minimum age: Although the legal driving age in Greece is 17, most rental companies require the driver to be at least 21, and some apply surcharges for drivers under 25.
Comparing offers: Use platforms like Skyscanner to compare prices and conditions between different providers. Prices can start from €7 per day for compact cars.
Popular companies: Some of the highest-rated companies at Heraklion airport include Caldera, SK Rent, Drive, Centauro, Surprice, and Cargini, all with a 4.7 rating.
Vehicle type: The compact SUV is a popular choice due to its versatility for different terrains and luggage capacity.

Remember to carefully review the terms and conditions of the rental, including fuel policy, mileage, and insurance.