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How to get from Heraklion Airport (HER) ✈️ to the City Center & Port
Heraklion Airport (HER), also known as Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport or Iraklio Airport, is located about 5 km east of the main city centre. Upon arrival, you can reach downtown Heraklion and Heraklion Port by Public Bus, Taxi, Welcome Pickup, Private Shuttle (all Crete) or Rental Car.
This guide compares all available airport transfers at Heraklion Airport (HER) according to classic travel factors. This includes travel time, cost per person (pp), a short route description and links to book or buy tickets.
Transfer comparison
Overview of all transfer options to the City Center & Port of Heraklion
| Transport | Travel time | Cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Bus 💸 | 20 Min. | 2 € | Details |
 |
Taxi ⏱️ | 15 Min. | 10‑15 € | Details |
 |
Welcome Pickup |
15 Min. | 15 € | Details |
 |
Private Shuttle (all Crete) |
60‑120 Min. | 110 € | Details |
 |
Rental car | 45 Min. | Individ. | Details |
Travel tips:
• The homepage of the local bus company KTEL is quite confusing. It’s better to ask your hotel which bus line stops at the main road to find out the right line.
• The optimal transfer depends on the number of travelers, budget and available time.
• There may be waiting times at the taxi rank if there are high volume of passengers. In this case, a pre-booked transfer (e.g. via Welcome Pickups) is the more faster and comfortable option.
Info here, tickets at the driver ↗
Travel time:
20 minutesCost:
💸 2 € ppDescription:
Blue KTEL city buses from Heraklion Airport (stop in front of the terminal building) to the center and the port of Heraklion, Timetables also on site/at the driver
Official local taxis
Travel time:
⏱️ 15 minutesCost:
10-15 €Description:
Taxi from Heraklion Airport (Taxis in front of the terminal building) to central Heraklion, to the port or directly to your accommodation in the city center
Book a Welcome Pickup ↗
Travel time:
15 minutes (+pickup)Cost:
15 €Description:
Comfortable private transfer (via Welcome Pickups) from Heraklion Airport (Nameplate in Arrival Hall) to central Heraklion, to the port or to your accommodation in the city
Book a private transfer ↗
Travel time:
60-120 minutes (+pickup)Cost:
110 €Description:
Private transfer (Minibus via GetYourGuide) from Heraklion Airport (Nameplate in the Arrival Hall) to Chania, Rethymno and most destinations on the island
Hire a rental car ↗
Travel time:
15 minutes (+pickup)Cost:
Depending on the CompanyDescription:
Rental Car (via Rentalcars.com) from Heraklion Airport (Rental counters in the Arrival Hall and in front of the terminal building) to your accommodation & moreRoute from Heraklion Airport (HER) to central Heraklion and port
Things to know about Heraklion:
1. Heraklion is the capital of Crete and the fifth-largest Greek city
2. The air on Crete is said to have healing powers and can even perform miracles
3. Heraklion is near Knossos, the ancient capital of Crete and the center of Minoan civilization