Heraklion, capital of Crete and the island’s largest city, lies at the center of the north coast. It is the main point of entry for exploring Crete.
Here we detail all the ways you can get to Heraklion, whether you’re arriving by plane, ferry from mainland Greece or the islands, or on an excursion from another town on Crete.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Summary: How to get to Heraklion
If you don’t want to read the whole article:
- On the north coast of central Crete
- 5km from Heraklion – Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport (HER), Crete’s largest airport (year-round flights from Athens, direct flights from Europe in high season)
- Port of Heraklion: daily crossings from Piraeus (Athens) in 7h-9h, and seasonal connections to the Cyclades. See ferry timetables.
- 1h10 drive from Rethymnon, 2h15 from Chania via the A90 coastal freeway
- Full-day excursions from Crete’s main cities
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Where is Heraklion and Map
Heraklion occupies a central position on the north coast of Crete, Greece’s largest island. The city opens onto the Cretan Sea and is the island’s main economic and administrative hub. A few kilometers to the south, the terrain rises steeply towards the Psiloritis massif (Mount Ida), whose peak reaches 2,456m.
Crete stretches some 260km from east to west. Heraklion lies roughly in the center of this northern coastline, making it an ideal starting point for exploring both the west (Chania, Rethymnon) and the east of the island (Agios Nikolaos, Sitia). Here’s a map to help you find your way around and estimate journey times:
Good to know: the A90 (or E75) freeway runs along the north coast of Crete, linking Kissamos (west) to Sitia (east). The journey times given apply to normal traffic conditions. In summer, allow a little more time, especially around Heraklion.
Day trips from other towns in Crete
If you’re planning a full stay in Heraklion (by plane or ferry), please see the following sections. On the other hand, if you’re already staying in Crete and would like to visit Heraklion for a day, here are our recommendations:
From Rethymnon or Chania or Agios Nikolaos
By car, the coastal road is simple and well-maintained:
- 1h10 from Rethymnon
- 2h15 from Chania
- 1h15 depusi Agions Nikolaos
You can also opt for a guided tour that avoids driving and usually includes Knossos Palace:
From southern Crete
The southern villages (Matala, Lentas, Plakias) have no direct freeway links. The roads cross the mountains and are often winding. From Matala, for example, it takes around 1h30. We recommend that you plan your journey well in advance, with an early start to make the most of your day in Heraklion.
RENT YOUR CAR IN Crete
- Our preferred agency is Rental Center Crete
everything is included in the price and the service is excellent. No stress! - Choose a car with a decent engine for greater comfort on the few mountain roads.
- Book early for choice.
- If you prefer more choice, compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars
By air via Heraklion – Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport (HER)
Heraklion by plane
Heraklion International Airport is named after Nikos Kazantzakis, the Cretan writer famous for his novel Zorba the Greek. Located just 5km from the city center, it is the largest airport in Crete and one of the busiest in Greece. We consider it the most convenient gateway to Heraklion and the whole island.
Unlike Chania airport, Heraklion airport operates all year round. The daily service from Athens (Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Ryanair) ensures a permanent connection. In high season (April to October), the number of flights on offer explodes: dozens of airlines operate direct flights from all over Europe.
Main air routes to HER
The Athens-Heraklion route operates year-round, with 4 to 8 daily flights depending on the season. The flight takes around 45 minutes. In season, Heraklion hosts direct flights from most major European cities, as well as from regional airports.
- From Greece: Athens (Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Ryanair) – several flights a day, all year round. Also Thessaloniki and Rhodes in season.
- From France: Paris (Transavia, easyJet), Lyon, Nantes, Bordeaux, Marseille, Toulouse (seasonal flights – Transavia, Volotea, easyJet)
- From Switzerland: Geneva and Zurich (Edelweiss, easyJet)
- From Belgium: Brussels-Charleroi (Ryanair), Brussels-Zaventem (TUI fly, Brussels Airlines)
- From Germany: Munich, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Berlin, Hamburg (Eurowings, Condor, Ryanair)
- From the UK: London (Gatwick, Luton, Stansted), Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh (easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, TUI)
- From Scandinavia: Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo (SAS, Norwegian)
Tip: in the low season (November to March), direct flights from Europe are scarce. Transiting via Athens remains the most reliable option for reaching Heraklion during this period.
Access to the city from Heraklion Airport (HER)
The airport is located 5km from the city center, on Heraklion’s east coast. There are several ways to reach your accommodation, depending on your budget and requirements.
By rental car
If you’re planning to explore Crete beyond Heraklion, a rental car is the most practical choice. Many international and local agencies have counters right outside the terminal or in its immediate vicinity. We recommend booking in advance, especially between June and September, as demand is high and rates rise rapidly.
The journey to the city center takes around 15min on the coastal road.
See Our tips for renting a car in Crete and for Driving in Crete.
By public transport
The municipal bus (line 1) runs from the airport to the center of Heraklion, passing through Eleftherias Square and the Old Port. Frequency varies according to season: every 10 to 15 minutes in summer, every 20 to 30 minutes in winter.
Duration: ~15min
Cost: approximately €1.20 per person
For trips to other towns in Crete, the KTEL intercity network provides regular connections from Heraklion Bus Station (Bus Station A), accessible by local bus or cab from the airport. We advise you to check the updated timetables on the official website, as frequencies decrease out of season.
By cab
Cabs are parked outside the arrivals terminal. The journey to the city center is short and the fare moderate. Check that the driver sets the meter at the start. Additional charges apply at night and on public holidays.
Duration: ~15min
Cost: €15-25
Private transfer
Booking a private transfer in advance guarantees a driver waiting for you at the terminal exit. This is a comfortable option if you’re arriving late at night, or if you’re traveling with your family, as the rate is calculated per vehicle. We appreciate the peace of mind it brings, especially after a long flight.
WHERE TO STAY IN Heraklion
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Downtown
GDMMegaron Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Near Ammoudara Beach, west
Paralos Lifestyle Beach Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Inland
Manili Boutique Suites & Villas – See prices, photos and availability
From Crete’s other airport: Chania (CHQ)
Chania – Ioannis Daskalogiannis International Airport (CHQ) is located in the west of the island, around 140km from Heraklion. This airport mainly serves seasonal flights (April to October) from many European cities, as well as daily flights to Athens all year round.
If you can find a cheap flight to Chania, getting to Heraklion is easy. The A90/E75 freeway runs along the north coast, and the journey takes around 2h15 by car. We suggest stopping off in Rethymnon en route, whose old town is well worth a visit.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in Crete a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
Coming soon!
By ferry via the Port of Heraklion
The ferry represents an interesting alternative to flying, especially if you wish to travel by car from mainland Greece or combine your visit to Heraklion with an itinerary around the Greek islands.
Port of Heraklion – Crete’s busiest port
The port of Heraklion is Crete’s main port. It’s right in the center of town, just a few minutes’ walk from the Venetian fortress of Koules and the historic district. This proximity is a considerable advantage: as soon as you disembark, you’ll be able to reach your accommodation without additional transport if you’re staying in the center.
Crossings from Piraeus (Athens)
Several companies (Minoan Lines, Anek Lines, Superfast Ferries) operate daily crossings between Piraeus and Heraklion. Times vary according to the type of boat:
- Classic ferry: 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. – usually departs in the evening, arrives early in the morning
- Fast ferry (seasonal): approx. 5.5 hours – available mainly in high season
Seasonal connections from the islands
In season (April to October), ferries link Heraklion to several Cycladic islands, including Santorini, Mykonos and Paros. These connections make it possible to combine a stay in Crete with the discovery of other Greek islands. We find that arriving by sea offers a striking view of Heraklion’s Venetian ramparts.
Ferries sell out quickly in high season. Book your tickets in advance to guarantee your place, especially if you’re taking a vehicle.
Good to know: overnight ferries from Piraeus to Athens save you one night’s accommodation. You embark in the evening and arrive in Heraklion in the early morning. Cabin comfort is decent. Whether in a seat or on deck, bring a cushion and something to cover up, as the air-conditioning on board can be cold.
From the port to downtown
The port of Heraklion is in the heart of the city. Most of the accommodation in the center can be reached on foot in 10 to 20 minutes. If you’re staying further afield, or if you have a lot of luggage, cabs are parked just outside the port. A short cab ride costs between €5 and €15, depending on your destination.
By ferry via the Port of La Souda (near Chania)
The port of La Souda, 7km from Chania, offers daily crossings from Piraeus (approx. 8.30am-9am). If you arrive in La Souda and wish to reach Heraklion, it’s about a 2h15 drive east along the coastal freeway.
This option is less direct to Heraklion. We recommend it above all for travelers planning to visit Chania first, before continuing on to Heraklion.
And once in Heraklion…
Heraklion is packed with sites to discover. The city itself boasts a rich heritage, from the Venetian fortress of Koules to the ramparts surrounding the historic center. Knossos Palace, 5km to the south, is one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites.
- Koules Fortress and the Old Port
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of the most important in Greece
- Knossos Palace and the Minoan civilization
- The Venetian Loggia and the Morosini Fountain
- Nearby beaches of Ammoudara and Agia Pelagia
- …
See our article on Heraklion’s top attractions.
DISCOVER Heraklion
- What to do in Heraklion
- Best hotels
- Best museums
- Best excursions
- Best restaurants (coming soon)
- Archaeological Museum
