About Heraklion International Airport - Nikos Kazantzakis (HER)

Heraklion International Airport is the main airport on the Greek island of Crete. Our guide to the airport includes vital information for passengers travelling to the facility, including details of terminal services, public transport access and nearby accommodation options.

Airport news:

It has long been reported that the rather tired, and at times congested, Heraklion International Airport, the main gateway to the island, will be replaced by a new airport at Kastelli Pediados, about 35km (22 miles) south of the city. However, there is currently uncertainty over an opening date. Greek regional airports are presently subject to sale negotiations.

Information:

There is one information desk in the terminal, located centrally in the departures area. It is open 24 hours a day.

Website:

Driving directions:

Heraklion International Airport is located 5km (3 miles) to the east of the city of Heraklion, on the north side of the island of Crete. The E75 motorway passes the airport, which can also be reached via the Ikarou Road direct from the city centre.

Public Transport

Public transport road:

Bus: Local KTEL buses (tel: +30 2810 245 020; www.e-ktel.com) leave from the airport every few minutes from early morning until late in the evening from Monday to Saturday and less frequently on Sundays. The journey time to central Heraklion is around 20 minutes, and the fare is approximately €1.50 depending on final destination. The bus stop is located a short walk from the terminal building.

Taxi: There are taxis available at the kerb opposite the arrivals hall. They provide a quick and efficient service, but it is advisable to agree the price with the driver before the journey. The fare for the journey to central Heraklion, which takes about 15 minutes, is approximately €10.

For resorts in the surrounding region, such as Hersonnisos, it can be very cost-effective to pre-arrange transfers online in advance. Otherwise, if travelling on a package tour, transfers are likely to be included by the tour operator.

Terminal facilities

Money:

There is an ATM available in the departures area. There are also currency exchange facilities available.

Food:

There is one restaurant and several snack bars at Heraklion International Airport.

Shopping:

There are two duty-free shops at the airport, which are located in the departure areas. There is also a kiosk selling a variety of products including spirits, chocolates, newspapers and cigarettes, as well as a gift retailer and a bookshop.

Luggage:

There are four handling agents at Heraklion International Airport and each one has its own lost and found service. A left luggage (tel: +30 2810 397 349) facility is also available.

Other:

Baby changing facilities are available, and a 24-hour medical centre (tel: +30 2810 397 280) is in operation.

Airport facilities

Conference and business:

A VIP lounge (tel: +30 2810 397 112) is located in the check-in area, but there are no dedicated conference or business facilities within the airport. Full meeting and conference facilities are offered by the GDM Megaron Luxury Hotel (tel: (+30 2810 305 300; www.gdmmegaron.gr), 2km (1.2 miles) to the west of the airport site.

Communication Facilities:

Free Wi-Fi internet access (for the first 30 minutes) is available throughout Heraklion International Airport. Public payphones are also scattered throughout the terminal.

Disabled facilities:

Facilities for disabled passengers include reserved parking spaces, ramps and toilets that are easily accessible to wheelchair users.

Car parking:

The car park is located near the terminal building and has parking spaces for 500 cars.

Car rental:

There are various car hire companies at Heraklion International Airport, including: Avis, Budget, Eurodollar, Europcar, Hertz, Holiday Auto, National, Sixt and Tourent.