One of the busiest airports in Greece, Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” (HER) receives an average of 8 million passengers a year, most of them during the summer months when it’s peak season in Crete and Greece in general. The new Heraklion Airport has only one terminal which serves over 50 airlines operating scheduled, seasonal, and charter flights, including Aegean Airlines, Sky Express, Transavia, and Condor.
Heraklion Airport Services
Fast Lane
The new Heraklion Airport has a modern security station with a dedicated Fast Lane. This can only be booked through the airline you’re flying with, either when booking your ticket or later as an add-on service. Even though Fast Lane will get you through security check quickly, make sure to allow enough time for check-in and passport control.
Special Assistance
Baggage Services
Heraklion Airport Lounges
Free WiFi
Heraklion Airport Parking
If you’re arriving by car, parking at Heraklion Airport is easy. Whether picking up or dropping off a loved one or looking for a secure parking space to leave your car during your trip, Heraklion Airport parking options allow you to do both.
Short-term parking
A 1-minute walk from the terminal.
Free of charge.
Ideal for pick-ups or drop-offs.
Open only during airport opening hours.
Long-term parking
A 3-minute walk from the terminal.
Competitive pricing, card/cash payment possible.
24/7, barrier entry, night patrol, open-air.
Pre-book online to secure a spot during the high season.
Arrivals
Departures
Heraklion Airport Terminal
Despite being one of the busiest airports in the country, Heraklion Airport flights all arrive and depart from only one terminal, which means it can get crowded during high season. The recent expansion projects were a major improvement but increasing passenger traffic every year still leads to some negative Heraklion Airport reviews.
Heraklion Airport Terminal
Transportation options from and to Heraklion Airport
Transfer to the City Centre
By bus
The bus from Heraklion Airport is the cheapest option. Blue urban KTEL lines 6, 11, and 12 will take you to the city centre in 15 minutes.
*Departure every 10 minutes.
By taxi
Heraklion Airport taxis from the rank provide 24/7 service to the city centre for a flat fare.
To have a driver waiting for you and ensure a smooth arrival, pre-book an airport taxi with Welcome Pickups at a competitive fare. Complimentary travel perks are included.
By car
You can drive to the city centre in only 10 minutes with your own vehicle or car rental from Crete Heraklion Airport.
*Trip durations vary depending on your final destination and traffic.
More connections from Heraklion Airport
BUSES
Several city bus lines (KTEL) depart from the Heraklion Airport; lines 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, and 31 connect the airport to the entire municipality of Heraklion, including Heraklion Port. You can also look for connections to other popular resorts like Elounda.
Heraklion Airport bus stop is at the parking lot, within walking distance from the terminal building.
TAXIS AND PRIVATE TRANSFERS
CAR RENTAL
Heraklion Airport Hotels
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Heraklion Airport: open 24/7.
Shops: Monday-Sunday 07:00 to 22:00 (with some exceptions).
Food & Drinks: Monday-Sunday 07:00 to 22:00 (with some exceptions).
Recommended Arrival Times
International Flights: 2 hours prior to departure
Domestic Flights: 1.5 hours hours prior to departure
Airport Codes
Heraklion Airport Code: HER (IATA)
ICAO code: LGIR
Contact Information
Call centre: +30 (281) 039 7800
General Airport Email: [email protected]
Goldair Handling Lost and Found
[email protected] | +30 (281) 039 7345
Skyserv Lost and Found
[email protected] | +30 (281) 039 7384
Swissport Lost and Found
+30 (281) 039 7384
Claims for lost luggage at Herklion Airport
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Heraklion Airport busy?
Heraklion Airport is the second-busiest airport in Greece, with passenger traffic peaking during high season, which is from May to October. Due to increasing traffic, the terminal was expanded to serve more flights but it still can get very crowded in the summer, leading to some negative Heraklion Airport reviews.