✈ Heraklion Airport → Hersonissos

📍 Route Map

🌍 About Hersonissos

Hersonissos (officially Limenas Hersonissou) is one of Crete's most visited and commercially developed resort towns, located just 22 kilometres east of Heraklion Airport. The transfer takes only 22 minutes via the E75 coastal highway, making it one of the closest major resort areas to the airport on the island. The route passes through the urban outskirts of Heraklion and the rapidly developing coastal strip before arriving at the sprawling resort complex that makes up modern Hersonissos.

The town effectively operates as two distinct areas: the busy beach resort strip of modern Hersonissos extending along the main coastal road, and the more traditional village of Piskopiano, situated on the hillside above, where narrow lanes, stone houses and family-run tavernas offer a quieter glimpse of authentic Cretan life. The main beach area is backed by an almost unbroken run of hotels, bars, clubs, souvenir shops and international restaurants. The CRETAquarium, one of the most significant aquariums in the Mediterranean, is located just to the west at Gournes.

Hersonissos is particularly popular with British, German and Scandinavian package holiday visitors and operates a thriving nightlife scene from June through September. The beach itself, while busy, offers excellent facilities including water sports centres, beachside bars and regular sunbed hire. For those seeking culture alongside the beach, the nearby ruins of ancient Chersonisos can be seen on the small headland between the harbour and the main beach. The short 22-minute transfer from Heraklion Airport makes Hersonissos a highly convenient choice for a quick, accessible Cretan holiday.

⭐ 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 Hersonissos:

• KTEL Bus — KTEL Heraklion–Lassithi coaches stop at Hersonissos on the main Heraklion–Agios Nikolaos route. Services are frequent in summer with departures approximately every 30 minutes during peak hours. The journey from Heraklion KTEL terminal to Hersonissos takes around 35 minutes. The fare is approximately €2.50–3.00. From the airport, take ASTIKO Line 2 to the KTEL terminal first, adding 30 minutes. Total public transport time from airport to Hersonissos is approximately 75–90 minutes. Approximate cost: €2.50–3.00 per person.
• City Bus Line 2 — ASTIKO Line 2 departs from outside the airport terminal and runs to Heraklion city centre and port for €1.20. During summer, some extended service routes or local coastal services may run closer to Hersonissos, though these are seasonal and less reliable. For most travellers arriving at the airport, the combination of Line 2 plus KTEL remains the standard public transport route to Hersonissos. Approximate cost: €1.20 airport to city.
• Standard Taxi — A taxi from Heraklion Airport to Hersonissos costs approximately €30–40 on the meter and takes roughly 22 minutes. This is one of the shorter and more affordable taxi journeys from the airport, making taxis a good option for couples or small groups with luggage. Taxis queue at the official rank outside arrivals and operate 24 hours. No advance booking is strictly necessary, but it can be convenient during the busy summer peak. Approximate cost: €30–40 per taxi.
• Car Rental — Hersonissos is very well served by car rental, with all major companies represented at the airport. Renting a car is a popular choice for visitors who wish to explore the wider area including Malia, the Lassithi Plateau and mountain villages. Daily rates start from approximately €22–35. Parking in central Hersonissos can be difficult at peak times, but most hotels provide parking for guests. The 22km drive via the E75 motorway is straightforward. Approximate cost: from €22/day.