Iraklio City Airport Heraklion Airport (HER) is almost right outside the city's gates. It is one of Greece's nearest airports.
Distance & Permanent Iraklion City Airport
- distance: only approx. 3 to 5 kilometers to the center (Platia Eleftherias / Harbor).
- Driving time: It only takes a car or taxi 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Your options for transfer from Iraklio City Airport
| Option | Duration | Cost | Info |
| Taxi | ~10 min. | €20 – €25 | The taxi rank is right in front of the arrival terminal. There are often fixed prices for the city area. |
| Service bus | ~20 min. | €1.20 – €2.00 | Lines 1, 6, 11 and 19 run every 15-20 minutes towards the center. |
| Rental car | ~10 min. | Variable | Ideal if you want to continue directly across the island afterwards. |
3. Tips for the Bus
- stop: The bus stop is only a few meters from the terminal (just follow the signs 'Bus' to the right).
- Tickets: You can usually buy tickets directly at the kiosk at the bus stop or via the app. It's often a bit more expensive on the bus.
- Goal: Most vacationers get on Freedom Place (Platia eleftherias) or on Port (bus station A) off.
Iraklio City Airport
Crete is the largest island in Greece, and Iraklion (also known as Heraklion) is its vibrant capital. Located on the north coast, the city is the economic and cultural center of the island. Iraklio is world famous for its historical sites, above all Knossos Palace, the heart of Minoan civilization. The lively old town with its narrow streets, traditional taverns and modern shops invites you to discover local products and souvenirs. In addition, the city is the island's most important transport hub with optimal connections to the mainland and other regions of Crete.
City center shopping-Iraklio City Airport
The center of Iraklio offers a wide range of shopping options. In the pedestrian zones you will find everything from local olive oil, honey and herbs to traditional handicrafts. The Markthalle (Odòs 1866) is the perfect place for fresh food such as fruit, vegetables, fish and meat.
In addition to local boutiques, international brands are also represented. The streets August 25th and Daidalou are particularly popular with shopping enthusiasts. Numerous cafés and restaurants line the paths and offer the ideal opportunity for a break with Cretan specialties.
Museums in Iraklio Located 4km from Iraklio City Airport
That is an absolute must Heraklion Archaeological Museum. It is one of the most important museums in Europe and houses the world's most important collection of Minoan artifacts (about 2600-1100 BC).
- Highlights: The mysterious discos of Phaistos Palace and the famous serpent goddess (a faience figure).
- Tip: It is best to visit the museum early in the morning to avoid the great crowds of visitors.
- Natural History Museum: For nature lovers, this museum on the harbor offers exciting insights into the flora and fauna of Crete, including interactive exhibits for children and an earthquake simulator.
The Minoan Palace of Knossos Located 5 km from Iraklio City Airport
about 5 km south of the City of Iraklion lies the Palace of Knossos, the former political center of Crete. During a visit, you can admire the throne room, the imposing central courtyard and the colorful frescoes that illustrate the life of Europe's first high culture. Other Minoan sites in the region worth seeing are Phaistos, Malia and the Roman ruins of Gortyn.
Knossos Palace is very close to Heraklion Airport (Her), making it an ideal destination for the first or last day of your trip.
Distance & Duration The Minoan Palace of Knossos To Iraklio City Airport:
- distance: Depending on the route, it is approx. 6 to 8 kilometers.
- By car/taxi: You need about 12 to 15 minutes. It can take up to 20 minutes in the high season or during rush hour.
- Taxi cost: A trip from the airport to Knossus usually costs between €15 and €25.
Arrival Options
Rental car: If you rent a car directly at the airport, take the national road (E75) towards Heraklion and take the exit towards Knossos. It's well signposted.
bus: There is No direct bus connection From the airport to Knossos. You would first have to take the bus (line 6, 11 or 19) to the center of Heraklion (bus station or Freiheitsplatz/Plateia Eleftherias) and there to the line 2 Transfer, which goes directly to Knossos. This takes about 45 to 60 minutes in total.
Taxi/Transfer: The fastest and most stress-free option right after landing.
A little tip: If you have luggage with you, the taxi is the most convenient. There are parking spaces in front of the Knossos Palace, but they can get very crowded in summer.
Ferry connections (e.g. to Santorini)
From the port of Iraklio there are daily connections during the season (April to October) Santorini. The crossing with fast ferries (e.g. Seajets or Minoan Lines) takes about 2 to 3 hours. It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance.
On the way with the Rental car From Iraklio City Airport
Iraklio is excellent to explore by car. If you land at the airport, you can directly Car rental Heraklion Airport take over and flexibly embark on the beaches and mountain villages in the area.
- Note: City center traffic can be hectic. It is best to use the large parking lots at the harbor or near the city wall, as parking spaces in the narrow streets of the city center are scarce.