✈ Heraklion Airport → Heraklion City

📍 Route Map

🌍 About Heraklion City

Heraklion is the largest city and capital of Crete, as well as the fourth-largest city in Greece, with a population of around 140,000. The airport, officially named Heraklion International Airport 'Nikos Kazantzakis', is located just 5 kilometres east of the city centre, making it one of the closest major airports to an urban centre in Greece. The short 9-minute transfer passes through the eastern coastal road, skirting the waterfront and arriving directly into the heart of this energetic Mediterranean city.

Heraklion's most famous attraction is undoubtedly the Palace of Knossos, the sprawling Bronze Age Minoan site located just 5km south of the city, which attracts over one million visitors annually. The city's Archaeological Museum, one of the most important in the world, houses the majority of finds from Knossos and other Minoan sites across Crete. The Venetian old town, centred on the lion-topped Morosini Fountain in Lions' Square, retains magnificent fortifications including the iconic Koules sea fortress guarding the old harbour.

Beyond its historical treasures, Heraklion is a dynamic modern city with a thriving food scene, lively nightlife and excellent shopping. The central market street (1866 Street) offers local produce, Cretan olive oil, thyme honey, and traditional cheeses. The city's port connects Crete to Athens by overnight ferry and serves as a gateway to dozens of island destinations. Whether you are in transit, combining a cruise with a land stay, or visiting for a few days, a private transfer from Heraklion Airport to the city ensures you arrive quickly and comfortably.

⭐ Premium Transfer Service

🚌 Other Transport Options

If a private transfer does not suit your plans, here are the main alternatives for travelling between Heraklion Airport and Heraklion City:

• City Bus Line 2 — ASTIKO (Heraklion Urban Buses) Line 2 is the most economical connection between the airport and Heraklion city centre. Buses depart from the stop directly in front of the terminal building approximately every 20–30 minutes throughout the day, running from around 06:00 to 23:00. The journey to the city centre (Plateia Eleftherias) takes approximately 20–25 minutes. The fare is a flat €1.20 per person. This is by far the most popular public transport option for the airport–city connection. Approximate cost: €1.20 per person.
• City Bus Line 1 — ASTIKO Line 1 also serves the airport area with stops along the coastal road, connecting to different parts of Heraklion including the port and western suburbs. Line 1 and Line 2 together provide broad coverage of the city from the airport zone. However, Line 2 provides the most direct connection to the historic centre and is the preferred option for most visitors. Tickets are purchased onboard or at the small kiosk near the bus stop. Approximate cost: €1.20 per person.
• Standard Taxi — Taxis from the official rank outside Heraklion Airport arrivals are plentiful and operate around the clock. The metered fare to Heraklion city centre is approximately €10–15 depending on the specific destination, time of day, and any applicable surcharges. Night tariffs (midnight–05:00) are approximately 60% higher. For the short 5km journey, taxis represent excellent value for groups of two or more people travelling with luggage. Approximate cost: €10–15 per taxi.
• Car Rental — All major international car rental companies are represented at Heraklion Airport with desks in the arrivals hall. Given the very short distance to the city centre, renting a car at the airport is only worthwhile if you plan onward travel around Crete during your stay. Driving and parking in central Heraklion can be challenging — the old town streets are narrow and parking is limited. Most central hotels offer parking or can advise on nearby car parks. Approximate cost: from €25/day.