Heraklion International Airport (HER) is Greece's second-busiest airport and the primary arrival point for central and eastern Crete, providing quick access to Heraklion city, Knossos Palace, and top resort towns like Hersonissos, Malia, and Elounda.
Heraklion Airport is only 4 km east of the city. The Blue City Bus (Line 1 or Line 6) runs every 10-15 minutes directly to Lion Square (Morosini Fountain) and the Ferry Port in 15-20 minutes for just €1.50 (bought at the kiosk) or €2.00 onboard. An official taxi takes 10 minutes for €15 - €18.
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.
HER is a bustling single-terminal airport. Blue city buses to Heraklion downtown and regional KTEL coaches depart from the bus area across the parking lot, just a 2-minute walk from the arrivals exit. The taxi rank is immediately outside the terminal doors.
Always join the official taxi line outside. Refuse unmetered quotes from drivers soliciting inside the terminal, particularly for trips to Hersonissos or Malia.
City buses run until approximately 23:30. Taxis operate 24 hours, but pre-booking a private airport transfer or rental car is strongly recommended during peak summer months when arrivals can outstrip available cabs.
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.
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.