Airport Guide to Heraklion (HER)

Airport Overview

Terminal Transfer | Getting into Town | Car Parking | Information Desks | Airport Facilities

Named after Nikos Kazantzakis, the local philosopher and writer, Heraklion International Airport is Greece’s second-busiest airport, serving around five million passengers per year. Located 5km (3 miles) east of Crete’s main city, Heraklion, the eastern end of its runway lies just a few metres from the island’s shoreline, making landings and take-offs an exciting experience for first-time visitors.

A small but busy airport, most travellers taking flights to Heraklion International will see the airport briefly as they move on to other parts of Crete. The airport will cease to exist in the near future as a brand new airport, currently being built in Kastelli Pediados, is scheduled for completion in 2015.

As Heraklion International shares its space with a military base taking photographs or videos of the exterior of the airport, particularly its airfield, is prohibited.

Queues sometimes lead out the doors when it’s busy. This can prove unpleasant when it’s hot, so keep some drinks and sun-block handy if you’re heading to Crete in summer.

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Terminal Transfer

Arrivals and departures are close to each another.

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Getting into Town

Taxi: Taxis are available at the kerb opposite the arrivals hall. Journey time to the centre of Heraklion is 10-15 minutes and fare is around €12 – it’s a good idea to confirm the price before departing.

Bus: Local bus service KTEL runs regular buses from the airport for €1.

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Car Parking

There are 500 spaces and parking is free.

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Information Desks

An information desk is situated in the centre of the terminal building.

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Airport Facilities

Money and communications: Bank, ATMs, currency exchange and several payphones.

Luggage: The information desk doubles as a lost property desk. Contact the airline involved if you’ve lost luggage.

Conference and business: There are no conference and business facilities, although there is a VIP lounge with Internet access.

Other facilities: Baby changing rooms and disabled facilities.

Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available in the VIP lounge and at The Everest, which also has computers if you don’t have a laptop with you.

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