Heraklion International Airport serves as Crete’s main gateway to Europe and beyond. Located just outside the city of Heraklion, it handles flights from many countries during summer months. The terminal provides basic services such as ticket counters, baggage claim areas and a small duty-free shop. Public transport connects the airport to central Heraklion via buses or taxis. During busy seasons, air traffic increases significantly due to Crete’s popularity for beaches and history. The facility operates in English alongside Greek, making communication straightforward for most travelers.
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
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| Currency: |
Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 3/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common, especially in urban areas. However, many small shops and rural locations still prefer cash payments.
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| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary in Greece. In restaurants, 5-10% is typical, though rounding up is also common. Tipping taxi drivers is customary, and small tips for hotel staff are appreciated. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally allowed in Greece, especially in designated areas or during festivals. However, it’s prohibited in some areas like public transport or near schools. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places. There are designated outdoor smoking areas in most restaurants and public buildings. |
| Easter (March/April) |
Easter is a significant religious holiday, and many businesses close. Popular for family gatherings and church services. |
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| Assumption of Mary (August) |
A national holiday with parades and festivities. Expect crowded tourist areas and higher accommodation prices. |
| Christmas (December) |
Christmas celebrations take place in many towns and cities, with lively events, though many businesses close for the holiday. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | Beat, TaxiBeat, Uber |
| Other: | Greece is a popular tourist destination, particularly in summer, so be prepared for high demand for accommodation and services during peak months. |
Heraklion International Airport serves millions of passengers annually, especially in summer, when cruise ships and tourists flood Crete. The cramped terminal struggles under heavy traffic with not enough seating, dirty toilets and confusing signage that many travelers find frustrating. The air conditioning often performs poorly, adding to discomfort during busy, hot days.
Despite these drawbacks, the airport has two main lounges – Filoxenia Lounge and Goldair Handling Lounge – that provide refuge with air conditioning, refreshments, Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. Their environments contrast sharply with the rest of the terminal and are a worthwhile upgrade for those wanting calm before their flight.
Getting from the airport to Heraklion city center is easy: taxis take around 20 minutes and cost about €15-20, while buses run frequently and are economical but slower. The airport is close to Minoan Palace of Knossos and other heritage sites, making it the perfect starting point for cultural explorations.
While the airport has earned a reputation for overcrowding and poor maintenance, ongoing discussions about a new airport development reflect hopes for future improvement. Until then, patience and planning for extra time in queues during peak season are essential for a smoother experience.
This airside lounge offers air conditioning, comfortable seating, refreshments including beer and wine, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and newspapers. Open to eligible premium passengers and available for pay-per-use, it is a relaxing spot to escape terminal chaos.
Located in the non-Schengen area, providing cosy seating, free drinks, Wi-Fi, and magazines. It’s ideal for travellers seeking a quiet and cool environment before their flight.
Most travelers choose to stay in Heraklion city center where the accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses to boutique hotels. The city offers better leisure options, dining and ease of access to archaeological sites compared to the airport vicinity.
To Heraklion city centre:
Taxis are available right outside arrivals, taking around 20 minutes for approximately €15 – 20 (£12.60 – 16.79). Local buses run regularly from the bus stop near arrivals, costing roughly €2 (£1.68), though they take longer and may be crowded. Pre-booked private transfers also offer a hassle-free door-to-door service.
To Knossos Palace:
Accessible via taxi in 15-20 minutes from the airport, this ancient Minoan site is a must-see. Public buses do not serve the palace directly, so taxis or rented cars are recommended.
To Agios Nikolaos:
Located about 60 km east, reachable by bus from Heraklion city or private transfer. The trip takes approximately 1.5 hours, offering scenic views of Crete’s eastern coast.
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