Search Heraklion Intl. | Nikos Kazantzakis Airport Flight Tickets

About Heraklion Intl. | Nikos Kazantzakis Airport

Heraklion International Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis" is located in the Heraklion regional unit of Crete, in the Nea Alikarnassos district, about 5 km east of Heraklion city center. Opened to civil air traffic in 1939, it is operated by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority and serves as Crete's main air gateway. The airport plays a key role in supporting tourism, business travel and connectivity across one of Greece's most important island regions.

The airport operates a single passenger terminal handling both domestic and international flights, with separate processing areas for Schengen, non-Schengen and domestic services. Designed for a much smaller traffic base than it handles today, it regularly serves several million passengers per year, supported by check-in desks, baggage facilities, retail areas, food and beverage outlets, car rental services, parking and ground transport connections. Traffic is highly seasonal, rising sharply from spring to autumn as leisure demand to Crete increases, while winter operations are more focused on essential domestic links and selected year-round routes.

Heraklion International Airport is served by Greek and international airlines, including scheduled, low-cost and charter carriers. Key direct destinations include Athens, Thessaloniki and other Greek points for domestic flights, alongside major international routes to cities such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, Rome and Tel Aviv. Demand for flight tickets is strongest during the summer holiday season, when international flights from across Europe expand significantly, while the airport continues to provide reliable year-round access for residents, visitors and regional businesses.

Heraklion Intl. | Nikos Kazantzakis Airport to Heraklion City Center Transport

Transport from Heraklion Intl. | Nikos Kazantzakis Airport to Heraklion city center is available by public bus, shared airport shuttle, taxi, car rental, and private transfer. The airport is close to central Heraklion, so most journeys take around 15 to 25 minutes in normal traffic.

Bus

Public buses are the most budget-friendly way to travel from Heraklion Airport to Heraklion city center. Urban buses depart from the stop outside the airport terminal and usually reach the center in about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

• Line 1: Airport - Heraklion city center - Port
• Line 6: Airport area - Ammoudara route, useful for some central and coastal stops
• Common stops include Heraklion Bus Station A, Eleftherias Square, and the port area

Airport Shuttle

There is no dedicated Havas or Havabus-branded airport shuttle service operating between Heraklion Airport and the city center. However, shared airport shuttles and hotel minibuses are available through private operators and are usually booked in advance. Average travel time to central Heraklion is about 20 to 30 minutes.

• Heraklion city center hotels
• Heraklion port area
• Bus Station A
• Selected hotel or apartment drop-off points

Taxi

Taxis are available 24/7 outside the arrivals area at Heraklion Airport. A taxi from Heraklion Airport to Heraklion city center is one of the fastest and easiest options, with an average journey time of around 10 to 15 minutes in normal traffic.

• Best for late-night arrivals
• Convenient for travelers with luggage
• Direct drop-off at hotels, apartments, the port, or the old town area

Car Rental

Car rental is available at Heraklion Airport, with several rental offices located in or near the terminal. Vehicles are usually collected from airport parking areas or designated pickup points near the terminal exit. Driving to Heraklion city center typically takes about 10 to 20 minutes.

• Useful for exploring Crete beyond Heraklion
• Pickup is generally arranged at the terminal exit or nearby rental parking area
• Advance booking is recommended during the summer season

Transfer

A private airport transfer from Heraklion Airport to Heraklion city center offers a pre-booked, door-to-door service with a driver meeting you at arrivals. This is a comfortable option for families, groups, business travelers, or anyone arriving late. Average travel time is around 15 to 25 minutes.

• Recommended to book in advance for fixed pricing and guaranteed availability
• Meet-and-greet service at the arrivals hall
• Direct transfer to hotels, private accommodation, Heraklion port, or the city center