Heraklion Airport is Crete’s Island main gateway to the world. Officially known as the Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport , it is located about 5 km (3 miles) east of the main city of Heraklion, near the municipality of Nea Alikarnassos.
The airport is the second-busiest airport in Greece after Athens International Airport. It has been operating since 1937 and serves 5 million passengers a year flying to either domestic or international destinations.
The IATA code used to refer to the Heraklion Airport is HER. All passenger flights are located in one terminal. Heraklion is a military airport and photography is generally not allowed.
Important Clarification: Heraklion is also spelled Iraklio, Iraklion, Heraclion, and other variations.
Flights to Heraklion
Domestic Flights
The Heraklion Airport serves as a hub for Olympic Airways, Sky Express and Aegean Airways. In addition to the three airlines mentioned above, Heraklion Airport also services domestic flights to and from the other Greek islands, such as Santorini, Rhodes, Mykonos and Paros. The airport is also connected to the major airports on Athens, Greece and Thessaloniki.
Charter Flights
Charter Flights from all major European cities to Heraklion, Crete last 3 to 5 hours. Flights to Heraklion are available by many airlines from various parts of Europe. These charter flights come mostly from Romania, Portugal (from Lisbon airport), Italy, Germany, Russia and the United Kingdom.
PLEASE NOTE
You can travel to Heraklion, Crete from anywhere in the world via Athens (Greece). The distance from Athens is about 205 Miles and there are several flights a day (air time from Athens to Heraklion is about an hour).
Transfers to / from the airport
Two transport options are available for getting to and from Heraklion Airport. We have a number of bus, and taxi services which can pick up from the terminal forecourts.
We recommend travellers allow plenty of time when travelling to and from the airport to allow for any delays and ensure you arrive at least three hours before your international flight or two hours before your domestic flight.
Car Rental is also available at the Airport.