Airport Hubs:
HER → Hersonissos & Malia Beach Resorts Updated for 2026

How to Get from Heraklion Airport (HER) to Hersonissos & Malia

Distance 25 km
Fastest 20 min
From €3.50 (~$3.80)
Top Pick KTEL Regional Bus / Private Transfer
Quick 10-Second Verdict:

Hersonissos (25 km) and Malia (32 km) are Crete's premier holiday resort towns. The regional KTEL green bus stops directly outside the airport on the main road, reaching Hersonissos in 30 minutes for €3.50 and Malia in 45 minutes for €4.00. A private transfer or taxi takes 20-25 minutes for €40 - €50.

Hersonissos and Malia offer Crete's liveliest mix of sandy beaches, water parks, beach bars, and family resort hotels. The national highway (VOAK) connects Heraklion Airport directly along the northern coastline.

All Transfer Options Compared (2026 Fares)

Transport Option Typical Time 2026 Fare Frequency Best For Booking / Info
KTEL Regional Highway Bus Cheapest
30–45 min
€3.50 - 4.00
~$3.80 - $4.35 / €3.50 - €4.00
 Every 20-30 min Budget holidaymakers, backpackers, and solo travelers heading to beach resorts See Boarding Steps ↓
Private Transfer / Official Taxi Fastest
20–25 min
€40 - 50 (per car)
~$44 - $55 / €40 - €50
 On demand (pre-booked) Families, couples, and groups with heavy luggage wanting direct hotel delivery Book Private Crete Transfer

Detailed Step-by-Step Transfer Options

Option #1 Cheapest

KTEL Regional Highway Bus

€3.50 - 4.00 ~$3.80 - $4.35 / €3.50 - €4.00
Travel time 30–45 min
Frequency Every 20-30 min
Operating hours 06:30 - 22:30 daily
Where to buy tickets KTEL ticket kiosk at airport or from bus conductor.
Main advantage: Very affordable (€3.50 to Hersonissos, €4.00 to Malia); air-conditioned coaches; stops along main coastal resort road.
Keep in mind: Drops along the main avenue (may require a short walk to beachfront hotels).

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Walk out of arrivals to the bus stop on the airport access road.
  2. Board the KTEL bus heading east towards Agios Nikolaos / Malia.
  3. Tell the conductor your hotel or stop number in Hersonissos or Malia.
  4. Disembark along the main resort strip.
Option #2 Fastest

Private Transfer / Official Taxi

€40 - 50 (per car) ~$44 - $55 / €40 - €50
Travel time 20–25 min
Frequency On demand (pre-booked)
Operating hours 24/7 continuous
Where to buy tickets Pre-book on Klook or join official taxi rank outside.
Main advantage: Direct non-stop service to your resort lobby; 20-minute trip; driver assists with luggage.
Keep in mind: Higher price than the bus for solo travelers.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Meet your driver at the arrivals hall exit.
  2. Load luggage and ride directly via the VOAK highway.
  3. Arrive at your hotel in Hersonissos or Malia in 20 minutes.
Book Private Crete Transfer
ARRIVAL CONNECTIVITY & RIDE-HAILING TIP

Need Mobile Data at the Terminal for Uber (calls licensed taxis) & Maps?

Airport Wi-Fi often drops outside the terminal curb where Uber (calls licensed taxis) pickup zones are located. Install a local eSIM before your flight so you can order a ride, translate station signs, and show digital train QR tickets immediately after landing.

Get Greece eSIM on Airalo →Compare Greece Airport eSIM on Klook →
STRESS-FREE DOOR-TO-DOOR OPTION

Prefer a Driver Waiting at Heraklion (Crete) (HER) Arrivals?

Traveling with heavy suitcases, young children, or landing after midnight? Pre-book a fixed-price private airport transfer or express rail pass on Klook with instant confirmation and no meter haggling.

Check Heraklion (Crete) Transfers & Rail Passes on Klook →View Airport & City Hotels on Klook →

Tickets, Luggage & Late-Night Arrivals

How Tickets & Payments Work

KTEL bus tickets can be purchased at the airport bus kiosk or onboard from the conductor. Taxis use regulated regional tariff boards.

Traveling with Suitcases

KTEL coaches have large undercarriage holds for luggage. Taxis accommodate standard holiday bags.

Arriving After Midnight

KTEL buses run until around 22:30. For late landings, pre-booking a private transfer or taking an official taxi from the rank is the only option.

Common Mistakes & Airport Scams to Avoid

  • Negotiating taxi fares with informal touts inside the terminal—official taxi rates to Hersonissos (€40) and Malia (€48) are regulated by Fraport and the Greek transport ministry.
  • Always join the official taxi line outside. Refuse unmetered quotes from drivers soliciting inside the terminal, particularly for trips to Hersonissos or Malia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How far is Heraklion Airport from Hersonissos?

It is roughly 25 km east along the national road, taking about 20-25 minutes by car or 30 minutes by KTEL bus.

Other Popular Destinations from Heraklion International Airport (Nikos Kazantzakis) (HER)