Transit Options from Heraklion Airport to Malia
Malia, one of the top “party” destinations in Crete, lies 32km/19.8 miles from HER Airport. Thus, travelers with Malia as their destination fly to Nikos Kazantzakis Airport and look for a transit option to get from Heraklion Airport to Malia. Those greatly valuing convenience during their journeys settle on a comfortable airport taxi ride or a lavish private airport transfer. On the other hand, travelers who want to keep control of their everyday schedule usually book a rental car from Heraklion Airport, whereas visitors who are looking for ways to save money on their expenses don’t have any other choice but to catch a bus to Malia.
| Options | Price (€) | Price ($) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 41 | 44.60 | 30 min |
| Bus | 5.80 | 6.30 | 75 min |
Heraklion Airport to Malia by Taxi
Heraklion airport taxis are one of the most popular modes of transit from Heraklion International Airport, as they are available around the clock at the airport and provide reliable and speedy services to the exact location of each passenger’s destination. Thus, if you want to get from Heraklion Airport to Malia fast and in comfort, you should catch one of the cabs, lining up at the taxi stand outside the terminal’s doors. However, you should keep in mind that during the summer, there is always the possibility of a waiting line for a cab outside HER terminal.
Your airport taxi will get you from Heraklion Airport to Malia in about 30 minutes. During peak hours, your ride might last 5-10 minutes longer. However, the fare of your journey won’t be set. Unless you agree on a fixed fare with your driver (a common yet not systematic practice), your ride will be metered. Verily, taxis in Heraklion charge according to their taximeter. In any case, the usual cost of the 30-minute ride to Malia is 41€/44.60$, while heavy luggage brings extra fees (0.39€/0.42$ per piece of luggage that weighs more than 10kg/22lbs). On the other hand, tipping isn’t obligatory. Hence, it’s up to you to leave a small tip or round up the final fare if the provided services are pleasant. Payments are accepted in cash and via bank cards. Still, if you want to use a debit or credit card, it is always advisable to let your driver know.
Heraklion Airport to Malia by Bus
If you want to travel from Heraklion Airport to Malia in the most affordable way, you should opt for a journey by bus. However, although the intercity KTEL buses are comfortable, providing their passengers with free Wi-Fi during the ride and equipped with luggage storage space (you can carry up to two pieces of luggage for free), they don’t reach Nikos Kazantzakis Airport. Hence, you’ll have to get to the Central Bus Station close to the Port via an airport bus and change to an intercity line there.
Buses run from the bus stop, which is to be found on the left side of the main road traversing the airport. Overall, four bus lines are the most convenient to reach the Central Bus Station, running every 5-10 minutes from 06:00 am to 00:30 am. Thus, Buses 6 (Ammoudara), 10 (Gazi), 11 (PAGNI), and 12 (EL.ME.PA.) take 13-14 minutes to reach their destination, while their ticket is priced at 1.60€/1.74$. Tickets are available from the airport’s automatic machines (in cash or via cards) and onboard. However, tickets bought onboard cost 2.50€/2.72$.
The intercity KTEL coaches to Malia are available from 06:30 am to 10:00 pm on a 45-60-minute frequency. Overall, the duration of their ride from Heraklion to Malia is about 60 minutes. A one-way ticket to Malia costs 4.20€/4.60$ and can be purchased online or from the station’s ticket desks. Both card and cash payments are equally accepted. Children up to 6 years of age don’t pay for their bus journey.
Hence, your bus ride from Heraklion Airport to Malia will cost you 5.80€/6.30$ and will last around 75 minutes.
Car Rental from Heraklion Airport to Malia
Why not rent a car at Nikos Kazantzakis Airport to enjoy an autonomous and stress-free ride from Heraklion Airport to Malia and many onward trips to other nearby (or even remoter) destinations? Various car hire companies operate at the airport. Hence, if you search the available options and compare the provided services and amenities, you’ll most probably find a top value-for-money alternative corresponding to your preferences and budget. Still, it is always recommended to book your Heraklion airport car rental in advance (the soonest possible) to benefit from lower rates and more available options.
The distance from Heraklion Airport to Malia is quite short, as HER Airport lies 32km/19.8 miles from Malia. Thus, you won’t need more than half an hour to get to your destination. Most hotels and resorts in Malia provide parking services. However, if your lodging option doesn’t offer parking amenities, you’ll have to find a parking spot for your Heraklion car rental. In that case, you can either park your car on the street or choose one of the few parking lots scattered around the area.
Private Airport Transfers from Heraklion Airport to Malia
Private airport transfers are the number one choice for luxury travelers, who set comfort and quality as their top priorities during their journeys. Indeed, a private airport transfer is the most convenient and relaxed-free way to travel from Heraklion Airport to Malia. HER passengers who book a private airport transfer for their ride find their driver waiting at the Arrivals hall, on tap to help them with their luggage and show them the way to the vehicle parked outside the exit doors. All private airport transfer companies in Heraklion carefully pick their staff based on their experience and skills and have fleets consisting of well-maintained vehicles that pass through regular inspections. Thus, they guarantee seamless journeys and utterly customized services. Even so, they are somewhat costlier than ordinary taxi rides. Still, their services offset the additional cost.
FAQs
How far is it from Heraklion Airport to Malia?
The distance from Heraklion Airport to Malia is around 32km/19.8 miles. Hence, a car ride from HER Airport to the popular destination usually doesn’t last more than half an hour, whereas buses take one hour to reach the Bus Station in Malia.
Is there a bus from Heraklion Airport to Malia?
You won’t find a direct bus traveling from Heraklion Airport to Malia. Thus, you’ll have to get from HER Airport to the Central Bus Station in Heraklion via an airport bus line and catch one of the KTEL coaches that head to Malia from there. Overall, your bus journey will last about 75 minutes and cost 5.80€/6.30$ in total.
How much is a taxi from Heraklion Airport to Malia?
Even though taxis at HER Airport don’t provide set fares for rides even to popular destinations, their rates are regulated by the government. Thus, you should expect to pay about 41€/44.60$ for the 30-minute ride from Heraklion Airport to Malia.