How to Get to Heraklion: Flights, Ferries, and Transport Guide
Everything you need to know about getting to Heraklion, Crete — flight options, ferry routes from Athens, airport transfers, and local transport.
How to Get to Heraklion
Heraklion is Crete’s main transportation hub, well-connected by air and sea. Here’s everything you need to know about getting there.
By Air
Heraklion International Airport (HER) is the busiest airport in Crete, with direct flights from:
- Athens (year-round, multiple daily flights — Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Sky Express)
- Thessaloniki (year-round, daily)
- Major European cities (seasonal, April-October — Ryanair, easyJet, Eurowings, and more)
Flight time from Athens is approximately 50 minutes. From European cities, flight times range from 2-4 hours.
Airport to City Center
The airport is just 5km from the city center. Your options:
- Taxi: €15-20, 10-15 minutes. Taxis are available outside arrivals.
- Bus: KTEL Bus #1 runs every 15-20 minutes, €2.20, 20 minutes.
- Rental car: Major companies (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise) have desks at the airport.
- Hotel transfer: Many hotels can arrange private transfers — ask when booking.
By Ferry
Ferries from Piraeus (Athens) to Heraklion run year-round, with increased frequency in summer.
- Operators: Minoan Lines, Anek Lines, Blue Star Ferries
- Duration: 9-10 hours
- Day ferry: Departs Piraeus around 9am, arrives Heraklion around 6pm
- Overnight ferry: Departs Piraeus around 9pm, arrives Heraklion around 6am
- Cabins: Available on overnight ferries — highly recommended for comfort
- Cost: Deck ticket from €30, cabin from €60-120 depending on season
Ferry Tips
- Book in advance for July and August — ferries sell out
- Arrive early — boarding starts 1 hour before departure
- Bring snacks — onboard food is expensive and mediocre
- Book a cabin for overnight ferries — deck seats are uncomfortable for sleeping
Getting Around Heraklion
Within the City
Heraklion’s old town is compact and walkable. Most attractions are within a 15-minute walk of each other. For longer distances:
- Buses: KTEL buses are cheap (€1.20 per ride) and cover the city and suburbs
- Taxis: Readily available, metered, and reasonably priced
- Car rental: Not recommended for city use — parking is difficult
Exploring Crete
To explore beyond Heraklion, a rental car is the best option. The National Road (E75) runs along the north coast, connecting Heraklion to Chania (1.5 hours west) and Agios Nikolaos (1 hour east). Mountain roads to the south coast are slower but scenic.
Planning Your Journey
| Route | Method | Duration | Cost from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athens → Heraklion | Flight | 50 min | €50 |
| Athens → Heraklion | Ferry | 9-10 hrs | €30 |
| Airport → City | Taxi | 15 min | €15 |
| Airport → City | Bus | 20 min | €2.20 |
Keep reading
informational Best Time to Visit Heraklion: Month-by-Month Guide (2026)
When to visit Heraklion, Crete — a month-by-month breakdown of weather, sea temperature, crowds and prices, with the best times for beaches, sightseeing and value.
informational Getting Around Heraklion: Airport, Buses, Taxis & Car Rental (2026)
How to get from Heraklion Airport to the city, use the local and KTEL buses, take taxis, and decide whether to rent a car — a practical transport guide to Heraklion, Crete.
informational Heraklion Food Guide: What to Eat and Where (2026)
A local's guide to eating in Heraklion, Crete — the dishes to order, the best tavernas and raki bars, the central market, and how to eat like a Cretan on any budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airport does Heraklion use? ▾
Heraklion International Airport (HER), also known as Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, is Crete's main airport. It's located 5km east of the city center.
Can you get to Heraklion by ferry? ▾
Yes. Ferries run daily from Piraeus (Athens) to Heraklion port. The journey takes 9-10 hours. Overnight ferries with cabins are the most comfortable option.
How much is a taxi from Heraklion airport to the city center? ▾
A taxi from the airport to the city center costs approximately €15-20 and takes 10-15 minutes depending on traffic.