Transit Options from Heraklion Airport to Downtown Heraklion
Heraklion International Airport is the main Crete Airport. Thus, it is well-connected not only to the city center but to other island’s popular destinations as well. In any case, most HER travelers want to reach downtown Heraklion once they land at HER Airport. So, what are the available transit options? Those who opt for a comfortable ride usually settle on an airport taxi or a private airport transfer. On the other hand, a vast percentage of Heraklion visitors wish to explore other Crete regions too. In that case, airport car rentals are the ideal option. Finally, passengers on a tight budget travel from Heraklion airport to the city center via the affordable airport bus lines.
| Options | Price (€) | Price ($) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 19-20 | 20.60-21.70 | 15 min |
| Bus | 1.60 | 1.74 | 20 min |
Heraklion Airport to Heraklion City Center by Taxi
Heraklion airport taxis are regarded as one of the most convenient transit options from Nikos Kazantzakis Airport. They are available around the clock and provide safe and fast services to the exact location of their passengers’ destination. Moreover, most taxi drivers can communicate in English adequately. However, even though the gray vehicles are always present at HER Airport, waiting in line for a cab is highly likely during the peak tourist season, when the airport tends to get congested. That’s also the reason why your taxi ride from Heraklion Airport to downtown may be shared with other passengers heading to the same destination. Still, the taxi fare won’t be split.
Should you want to catch a cab to get to Heraklion, you’ll have to reach the taxi stand lying just outside the airport’s exit doors. As far as the cost of the ride is concerned, you should keep in mind that Heraklion airport taxis are metered, meaning that their price varies depending on the traversed distance and the duration of the transit. In general terms, the journey to downtown Heraklion usually costs around 19€-20€/20.60$-21.70$, while night rides are somewhat costlier. What’s more, each piece of luggage weighing more than 10kg/22lbs brings an extra 0.39€/0.42$ fee. On the other hand, tipping is optional. Nevertheless, locals usually round up the final fare when the provided services are satisfactory. Cash and card payments are equally accepted, as all taxis are obligated to be equipped with POS. Still, it is always recommended to check with your driver first if you prefer to pay via credit or debit card.
Heraklion Airport to Heraklion City Center by Bus
Heraklion airport bus is the only public mode of transit connecting Heraklion Airport to the city center. Thus, travelers on a tight budget have to catch a bus to reach their final destination in Heraklion. Fortunately, several bus lines depart from HER Airport, and even though their routes are time-consuming, the distance from the airport to downtown is short anyway. In any case, they don’t have designated luggage space, making rides tedious for passengers traveling with lots of baggage.
Most of the bus lines calling at the main Crete Airport head to Heraklion city center. Thus, a bus links the airport to downtown almost every 5 minutes from 06:00 am to 00:30 am. Especially during the summer months, buses run far more frequently. In detail, Bus Lines 5 (Dimitriou-Therissos), 6 (Ammoudara), 10 (Gazi), 11 (PAGNI), 12 (EL.ME.PA), and 15 (Foinika-Malades) run to the heart of the city. If you catch Buses 6, 10, 11, 12, or 15, you should expect a 15-20-minute ride depending on the traffic conditions. Alternatively, Bus 5 is 5 minutes longer than the other ones.
The bus ticket for the ride from Heraklion Airport to the city center (Zone B) costs 1.60€/1.74$ and 2.50€/2.72$ if purchased inside the bus. Please note that the airport ticket machines accept cash and card payments as well. You can even buy your ticket online, yet you’ll have to create an account first. Moreover, you can also buy a rechargeable e-ticket. Thus, you can purchase the 24-hour e-ticket (valid for rides within a 24-hour time frame from the purchase time), which costs 6€/6.54$, or the one-day e-ticket, which is priced at 5€/5.45$.
Car Rental from Heraklion Airport to City Center
Heraklion airport car rentals are highly valued not only by DIY travelers -who relish autonomous rides- but also by HER passengers who aren’t planning to stay within the city limits but want to visit other close-by or even longer-distanced Crete destinations too. Buses are the only public transit way to travel around Crete. As a result, even though Heraklion airport car rentals aren’t the top value-for-money option for the ride from Heraklion Airport to downtown, they are by far the most convenient and cost-effective choice for journeys around the island. As expected, Nikos Kazantzakis Airport houses a wide variety of car hire companies. Hence, the provided services are various and of top quality, and prices are reasonable. In any case, early bookings almost always guarantee lower prices.
Once you pick up your Heraklion rental car, you should expect a 15-minute journey to your destination in the city center. Expectantly, the exact duration of the ride is subject to the traffic levels and the location of your journey’s end. As soon as you reach the city center, you’ll have to choose where to park your vehicle (unless your hotel provides parking services). Street parking is possible even downtown (usually for a fee). However, during the peak tourist season, finding a parking spot on the street is a long shot. Nevertheless, you can either park in the surrounding areas or settle on a car park facility.
Private Airport Transfers from Heraklion Airport to City Center
If airport taxis are a convenient transit option for the ride from Heraklion Airport to downtown, private airport transfers are the ultimate way to reach your journey’s end. Verily, they provide welcome services at the airport, personalized journeys, and many side amenities, while their drivers are cherry-picked based on their skills and their experience, and their vehicles are as good as new, well maintained, and meet the highest safety standards. On the other hand, it goes without saying that private airport transfers are somewhat costlier than taxi rides. Still, unlike airport taxis, they aren’t dependent on the traffic conditions. Hence, their fares are set, regardless of the traveling time and the road congestion.
FAQs
How far is Heraklion Airport from town?
Heraklion International Airport is located fairly close to the city center. The distance from Heraklion Airport to Heraklion is around 5km/3.1 miles. Thus, a car ride from HER Airport to downtown lasts around 15 minutes, while buses take around 20 minutes to reach the city center from the airport.
How do I get from Heraklion Airport to town?
Airport taxis and private airport transfers are considered the most comfortable ways to travel from Heraklion Airport to Heraklion city center. Verily, buses are affordable and provide direct connections from the airport to downtown, but they are also time-consuming and don’t have luggage storage space. On the other hand, airport car rentals are highly recommended to travelers planning to explore other Crete destinations as well.
How much is a taxi from Heraklion Airport to city center?
Heraklion airport taxis are metered. Thus, their final cost depends on the exact destination and the road congestion. Still, the usual fare for the 15-minute ride from Heraklion Airport to Heraklion city center is around 19€-20€/20.60$-21.70$.