Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (HER)

Getting Around

How to get to and from Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport — taxis, public transport, shuttles and car rental.

Transport Options at HER

Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport is connected to Heraklion and the wider Greece transport network by multiple ground transport options.

Bus & Shuttle

Local urban bus lines connect the airport to central Heraklion in about 20–30 minutes; routing and frequency have shifted periodically as the city's bus network and the airport's access roads have been reworked, so check current schedules rather than assuming a fixed line number.

Taxi

Official taxi rank outside arrivals; fare into central Heraklion is roughly €15–20 and takes 15–20 minutes.

Rideshare

Ride-hailing coverage in Greece (including Crete) is more limited and inconsistent than in Western Europe — check current availability rather than assuming Uber will be an option.

Car Rental

Very well served — Crete is a major self-drive destination, so international and local operators alike have desks in/near the terminal; book ahead in peak summer season.

Insider tip

Heraklion's current airport (Nikos Kazantzakis) sits close to the city and gets seriously congested in peak summer season — build in extra time for the taxi or bus ride. A long-planned replacement airport at Kastelli remains under construction, now targeted for around 2028, so this terminal is what you'll use for the foreseeable future.

Transport routes, fares and operators change frequently. Verify current options on the official Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport website before travel.

Pre-Book Your Transfer

Skip the taxi queue. Book a private transfer from HER to Heraklion in advance and have a driver waiting when you land.

Recommended · Airport Transfer
HER → Heraklion Transfer

Private and shared airport transfers — fixed price, no meter surprises. Driver meets you in arrivals.

Book transfer →

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Car Rental at HER

Exploring Greece beyond Heraklion? Renting a car at the airport gives you maximum flexibility from the moment you land.

Recommended · Car Rental
Rent a Car at HER

Compare rates from major and local car rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.

Compare cars →

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Ground Transport Tips for HER

Only use official taxi ranks or pre-booked apps at Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport. Avoid unofficial drivers approaching you in arrivals.
If a rail or metro connection exists, it is usually the fastest and most reliable option during rush hour.
Allow extra time for ground transport during peak hours. Heraklion city traffic can significantly extend journey times.
Download offline maps for Heraklion before landing — useful if your data connection is slow on arrival.
If travelling with heavy luggage, a private transfer or taxi is often more practical than public transport.
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