Heraklion Airport Transfer Options: Your Gateway to Central Crete
Heraklion International Airport Nikos Kazantzakis serves Crete's capital and central region. This busy international airport welcomes visitors to the Palace of Knossos (Europe's oldest civilization - Minoan), Heraklion Archaeological Museum with world's finest Minoan collection, beautiful Venetian fortress and harbor, stunning beaches from Matala to Vai Palm Beach, traditional villages in mountain regions, and gateway to all Crete. Located 5 kilometers east of Heraklion city center, the airport is Crete's main gateway providing access to the entire island.
Popular Transfer Routes from Heraklion Airport
Choose from our most popular transfer destinations:
Private transfers provide the ultimate convenience and comfort for traveling from Heraklion Airport to your destination. Your professional driver will meet you at arrivals with a personalized sign, assist with your luggage, and transport you directly to your hotel, villa, or resort in a modern, comfortable vehicle.
- Direct door-to-door service to any destination
- No waiting or shared stops
- Professional English-speaking drivers
- Fixed, transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Available 24/7 throughout the year
- Air-conditioned comfort essential in Greek summer heat
- Child seats and special requirements accommodated
- Drivers with excellent local knowledge
- Luxury vehicles available (Premium and First Class)
- Ideal for reaching all island or regional destinations
- Perfect for travelers with luggage and families
- Premium service at higher cost than public transport
- Advance booking essential for peak season
- Night surcharges may apply (22:00-06:00)
JamTransfer specializes in premium Heraklion airport transfers throughout Greece.
Bus services from Heraklion Airport provide connections to main destinations.
- Most economical option
- Service to main towns and cities
- Coordinated with flight arrivals
- Convenient for budget travelers
- Limited frequency on smaller islands
- No direct service to many resorts and hotels
- Requires connections for most beach destinations
- Limited luggage space
- Can be very crowded in high season
- Limited or no evening service
- Greek summer heat makes waiting uncomfortable
Train services are very limited in Greece, especially on islands.
- Available from Athens Airport to city and other mainland cities
- Comfortable for longer distances (mainland only)
- NO train service on Greek islands
- Limited train network even on mainland
- Not practical for most Greek destinations
- Bus or taxi required from airports to stations
Local taxis are available at Heraklion Airport taxi ranks.
- No advance booking required
- Direct transport to any destination
- Available for immediate departure
- Official taxi stands at airports
- Meter pricing can be expensive and unpredictable
- Limited availability on smaller islands in peak season
- Not all drivers speak English
- Night and weekend surcharges substantial
- Luggage supplements apply
- Long wait times during peak arrivals
- No price guarantee until arrival
- Some drivers may attempt overcharging tourists
For guaranteed service with fixed pricing, book your Heraklion airport transfer online in advance through JamTransfer.
Car rental is available at Heraklion Airport with international and local companies.
- Freedom to explore at your own pace
- Visit multiple beaches and villages
- Access to remote areas and hidden gems
- Cost-effective for groups and families
- Essential for exploring larger islands
- Greek roads generally good condition
- Greek driving can be aggressive
- Limited parking in old towns and popular beaches
- Mountain roads can be narrow and winding
- Not necessary for small islands or beach resort stays
- Summer heat makes walking to/from parking difficult
- High fuel costs in Greece
Hotel shuttles are offered by some hotels and resorts.
- Sometimes included at upscale resorts
- Direct service to your accommodation
- Drivers familiar with routes
- Common at all-inclusive resorts
- Must be arranged in advance through hotel
- Limited departure times may not match flights
- Often additional cost (€10-50 per person)
- Not available at most budget accommodations
- Shared shuttles may involve waiting for other guests
- Requires minimum 24-48 hours notice
Why Choose JamTransfer for Your Heraklion Airport Transfer?
At JamTransfer.com, we understand Greece's unique beauty and island character:
- ✓ Personalized meet and greet at arrivals
- ✓ Local drivers with extensive Greek island/regional knowledge
- ✓ English-speaking drivers
- ✓ Fixed transparent pricing
- ✓ 24/7 customer support
- ✓ Free cancellation up to 36 hours before
- ✓ Child seats available
- ✓ Air-conditioned vehicles essential for Greek summer
- ✓ Premium and First Class luxury options
- ✓ Local recommendations for tavernas, beaches, and hidden gems
Special Considerations for Heraklion Airport Transfers
Knossos Palace: Europe's oldest palace (5km south of Heraklion, 15 minutes) was center of Minoan civilization (2000-1450 BC). The partially reconstructed palace features throne room, royal apartments, grand staircase, colorful frescoes (copies - originals in museum), and legendary labyrinth associated with Minotaur myth. Arthur Evans' controversial early 1900s reconstructions mix authentic ruins with concrete recreations - fascinating but not entirely authentic. Allow 2 hours. Very crowded - visit early morning (8am opening) or late afternoon. Essential sight - Minoan civilization predates classical Greek culture by 1500 years.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum: World's finest collection of Minoan artifacts including frescoes, pottery, Linear A/B tablets, jewelry, and the mysterious Phaistos Disc. Absolutely essential for understanding Minoan civilization before visiting Knossos. Modern museum opened 2014. Allow 2-3 hours. Buy combined ticket with Knossos for discount.
Heraklion City: Crete's capital (5km, 15 minutes) is working city with authentic character - not primarily tourist town. Highlights: Koules Venetian fortress guarding harbor, Morosini Fountain (Lions Square), Venetian Loggia, bustling market street, city walls, and numerous tavernas. Heraklion is grittier than Chania but has excellent authentic atmosphere and food.
Beaches and South Coast: North coast near Heraklion: Ammoudara, Agia Pelagia (organized beaches, convenient). South coast: Matala (60km, hippie village with caves in cliffs, famous 1960s-70s), Lentas, Agia Galini (authentic fishing villages). East coast: Malia (party resort), Hersonissos (major package tourism center). Vai Beach (170km east) has Europe's largest natural palm forest - unique and beautiful but far.
