Crete Heraklion Airport Transfers (HER)

Welcome to the home of the Minotaur and the largest island in Greece. Landing in Crete is the start of an epic journey through ancient history, vibrant cities, and crystal-clear waters. This guide covers the essentials of Crete Heraklion Airport Transfers and the airport facilities, so your Cretan adventure begins without a hitch.

HER Airport Overview

Heraklion International Airport (HER) is the second busiest airport in Greece and the primary gateway to Crete. Located just 5 km east of Heraklion city center in the area of Nea Alikarnassos, it handles millions of visitors during the summer season.

The airport consists of a single, bustling terminal. During peak months (July–August), the arrivals hall can become extremely crowded. Navigating the crowds to find transportation can be stressful after a long flight, which is why having a pre-arranged transfer is highly recommended.

Heraklion Airport Lounge Options

If you wish to escape the crowds before your return flight, the airport offers two main lounges:

• Filoxenia Lounge: Located in the Extra Schengen area (after Passport Control). It offers comfortable seating, snacks, beverages, and Wi-Fi.
   
• Goldair Handling Lounge: Situated in the Intra-Schengen departure area on the first floor. It provides a peaceful environment with business facilities and refreshments away from the busy gates.

Parking at Heraklion Airport

For those arriving by private car, a municipal parking lot is located directly opposite the terminal building. 

• General Parking: There is a large parking area located directly opposite the terminal building. It operates 24/7.
   
• Capacity: While large, the lot fills up rapidly in summer due to the high volume of rental cars and local traffic.
   

Hotels near Heraklion Airport

Travelers with late-night landings or early morning departures often prefer staying close to the runway. There are no hotels strictly "on-site," but several options are within walking distance or a very short drive in Nea Alikarnassos:

• Sofia Hotel: Located in Nea Alikarnassos, just a 5-minute drive (or a short bus ride) from the airport.

• Asterion Hotel: Another convenient option nearby for late arrivals.

• GDM Megaron Hotel: This historic, luxury hotel is conveniently located just a 10–15 minute drive from Heraklion port.

Transportation Options From/To HER Airport

The most important thing to know about transfers in Crete is that the island is vast. Driving from Heraklion to Chania can take over 2 hours, and to Elounda takes roughly 1 hour. Public transport requires transfers, and local taxis may not be willing to drive long distances without a high, negotiated fare.

TravelThru Transfer Service 

We believe your Greece vacation should start the moment you land. We specialize in private airport transportation services designed for your comfort. When you book an airport transfer with us, you bypass the long taxi queues that often form outside the arrivals hall.

Your professional driver greets you with a name sign, assists with your luggage, and escorts you to your vehicle. Whether you are heading to a luxury resort in Agios Nikolaos or a villa in Rethymno, we provide a fixed price so you never worry about taximeters or traffic delays. You can easily reserve your ride on our website by entering your flight details and selecting the vehicle class that suits your group size.

Other Transportation Alternatives

• KTEL Buses: The bus station is located just outside the airport grounds. Buses run frequently to Heraklion central station, where you must change buses to go east (Hersonissos/Malia) or west (Rethymno/Chania). This adds significant time to your journey.

   

• Airport Taxi Transfers: There is a taxi rank outside arrivals. Silver taxis are metered, but for long distances, prices can be high and unpredictable due to traffic.
   
• Car Rentals: Dozens of agencies operate at HER. However, pick-up queues can be very long in summer, and driving in Crete’s city centers can be chaotic for visitors.

Things to Do in Crete

Heraklion is a vibrant city rich in history and culture. If you have time before check-in or before your flight, the capital of Crete offers plenty to explore.

• Palace of Knossos: Check out the legendary home of the Minotaur and the center of the Minoan civilization. It's super easy to get to, just 15 minutes from Heraklion.
   
• Koules Fortress: Walk along the Venetian harbor walls in Heraklion and visit the iconic sea fortress.
  Heraklion Archaeological Museum: See the original frescoes and artifacts from Knossos and Phaistos.
   
• Spinalonga Island: To visit the historic former leper colony and Venetian fortress, take a boat from either Elounda or Plaka.
   
• Matala Beach: Drive south to see the famous caves carved into the cliffs, once inhabited by hippies in the 60s and 70s.

How to Get Around Crete

Once you settle in, exploring the vast island of Crete requires a plan, as distances between cities and beaches can be significant.

TravelThru Chauffeur Service

To discover the island's hidden gems without the stress of navigating unfamiliar mountain roads, our A-to-B transfer service is the ideal solution. We provide experienced drivers who know every corner of Crete. You can book a car for a day trip to the palm forest of Vai or the hippie caves of Matala. You enjoy the freedom of a private tour while we handle the driving and parking logistics.

Other Options

Renting a car is a very popular option in Crete due to its size. Many agencies operate at the airport. However, driving in Heraklion city center can be congested. Public transport is reliable for major routes; the Green KTEL buses are comfortable and connect all four major cities (Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos) efficiently.