Transit Options from Heraklion Airport to Elounda
The fishing village of Elounda is a popular island destination, balancing perfectly between calmness and excitement. Is Elounda your journey’s end? You’ll find plenty of options for your ride from Heraklion Airport to Elounda. Verily, airport taxis are known for their comfortable services, while private airport transfers are the most luxurious way to reach your destination. Moreover, airport car rentals are the perfect choice for exploring the island, and buses are ideal for travelers with budget limits.
| Options | Price (€) | Price ($) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 78 | 84.80 | 60 min |
| Bus | 11.40 | 12.30 | 135 min |
Heraklion Airport to Elounda by Taxi
One of the most hassle-free options for your ride from Heraklion Airport to Elounda is an airport taxi. Lining up at the airport taxi stand, which lies just outside the terminal, Heraklion airport taxis provide their services at the airport 24/7. Still, during the busy summer months, when passengers overrun the airport, the demand for a taxi is high. Thus, you may have to wait in line for your cab.
The taxi ride from Heraklion Airport to Elounda lasts around one hour but doesn’t come with a set price. Verily, taxis in HER Airport are metered, regardless of their pick-up location or their destination. Still, some taxi drivers may negotiate a fixed rate for long journeys. In general terms, the cost for the taxi transit to Elounda is around 78€/84.80$, while extra fees may also apply. For example, each piece of luggage weighing more than 10kg/22lbs brings a surcharge of 0.39€/0.42$. However, tipping is optional. Thus, it’s up to you to leave a small tip if the provided services are satisfactory. Moreover, you can pay for your taxi journey with cash or via a bank card. Still, even though Heraklion taxis are obligated to have POS, you should always confirm it with your driver at the beginning of the ride.
Heraklion Airport to Elounda by Bus
A bus ride is the most affordable way to travel from Heraklion Airport to Elounda. Truly, the KTEL Coaches are modern and comfortable vehicles with luggage storage space (each passenger is allowed to carry up to 2 pieces of luggage without being extra charged). What’s more, they offer free Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, they depart from the Heraklion Central Bus Station, which is situated near the Port, and don’t call at Nikos Kazantzakis Airport or directly reach Elounda either.
Thus, you’ll have to catch one of the bus lines connecting Heraklion International Airport to the city center. The most convenient and fastest lines to reach the Central Bus Station are Buses 6 (Ammoudara), 10 (Gazi), 11 (PAGNI), and 12 (EL.ME.PA.), running from 06:00 am to 00:30 am on a 5-10-minute frequency. You should expect a 13-14-minute journey to the Intercity Bus Station, while your ticket will cost 1.60€/1.74$ if purchased from the automatic machines of HER Airport and 2.50€/2.72$ if bought onboard.
Once you disembark at the Bus Station, you’ll have to catch one of the KTEL Buses running from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos. They are available every 45-60 minutes from 06:30 am to 10:00 pm and take around 90 minutes to reach Agios Nikolaos. A one-way ticket from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos is priced at 7.80€/9.50$. As soon as you reach Agios Nikolaos, you’ll hop on the buses heading to Elounda. They operate on a 2-hour frequency (routes are far more frequent during the summer season) and get from Agios Nikolaos to Elounda in about half an hour. The cost of a single ticket to Elounda is around 2€/2.18$. Tickets for both buses can be bought online or via the stations’ ticket counters (in cash or via credit/debit cards). In any case, children younger than 6 years of age travel out of charge.
Overall, you’ll have to catch three different buses to get from Heraklion Airport to Elounda. Thus, you’ll need more than 2 hours to reach your destination. Still, you’ll pay just 11.40€/12.30$ for your bus fares.
Car Rental from Heraklion Airport to Elounda
The vast majority of passengers arriving at HER Airport opt for a Heraklion airport car rental. Verily, with a rental car, you can enjoy independent and relaxed rides and plan your schedule in your own way. Thus, not only will you experience a seamless journey from Heraklion Airport to Elounda, but you’ll also have the freedom to arrange day trips and explore other nearby destinations as well. Several car hire companies have desks inside HER terminal, while more agencies provide their services at Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, even though they are located off-airport. As a result, if you search your options and compare the provided services and amenities, you’ll come up with a tempting deal. Moreover, if you book your Heraklion rental car early in advance, you’ll benefit from even lower prices.
You should expect a 60-minute ride from Heraklion Airport to Elounda if the traffic conditions are normal and you don’t make intermediate stops. Most hotels in Elounda have parking facilities. Hence, they provide parking services either complimentary or for a fee. However, if your lodging choice doesn’t offer similar services, you’ll have to find a parking spot for your rental vehicle once you reach Elounda. Street parking is possible around Elounda, even without a fee. Hence, if you drive around, you’ll most probably find a parking space for your vehicle.
Private Airport Transfers from Heraklion Airport to Elounda
Private airport transfers guarantee a luxurious and relaxed ride from Heraklion Airport to Elounda, as they are regarded as the ultimate transit option from the airport. Verily, passengers who book a private airport transfer from Nikos Kazantzakis Airport have their drivers waiting for them at the Arrivals area, ready to take their luggage and escort them to the vehicle parked outside the exit doors. Moreover, they are up for an utterly customized traveling experience. Thus, they can set every detail of the transit, from the vehicle’s model to additional products such as children’s seats. On the other hand, the private airport transfers’ main drawback is being somewhat pricier than airport taxis. However, the quality and variety of their services justify that extra cost.
FAQs
How do I transfer from Heraklion Airport to Elounda?
Apart from the airport taxis and the lavish private airport transfers, buses also link Heraklion Airport to Elounda, yet not directly. Moreover, airport car rentals are widely preferred by HER passengers, as they are the ideal mode of transit to drive around Crete’s major destinations.
How long does it take to transfer from Crete Airport to Elounda?
The duration of the ride from Heraklion Airport to Elounda depends on the chosen mode of transit. Thus, rides via airport taxis, rental cars, and private airport transfers usually last around one hour. On the other hand, buses are more tedious and time-consuming. Thus, buses usually take around 135 minutes to get from HER Airport to Elounda.
How much is a taxi from Heraklion Airport to Elounda?
HER airport taxis are metered, meaning that they don’t provide set fares, but their cost is calculated by their taximeter. In any case, the usual fare of the 60-minute ride from Heraklion Airport to Elounda is about 78€/84.80$.