Heraklion Airport blog
Practical, dated guides for flying in and out of Heraklion: from the airport codes to the taxi fare to Elounda.
At Heraklion Airport
Codes, the man behind the name, how early to arrive, lounges and the new Kastelli airport.
HER and LGIR: Heraklion Airport codes explained
HER on your ticket, LGIR on flight trackers: what each code means and the codes of Chania and Sitia.
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Nikos Kazantzakis Airport: the writer behind Heraklion Airport’s name
The author of Zorba the Greek, born in Heraklion in 1883, and the reason his name is on Crete’s main airport.
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How early to arrive at Heraklion Airport
Two hours for Schengen, up to three for UK flights in summer: the real queue times and the busiest days at HER.
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Chania or Heraklion Airport: which is better for your trip?
West Crete or east Crete: the airport that saves you three hours, and how to travel between the two.
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Kastelli airport: the new airport replacing Heraklion Airport
Crete’s new airport 40 km south-east of Heraklion: location, timeline and what it means for your trip.
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Heraklion Airport lounges: Filoxenia and how to get in
Two Filoxenia lounges, one each side of passport control: who gets in, what it costs and whether it is worth it.
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Taxis, buses and transfers
Real fares, KTEL lines and the quickest way into Heraklion or down to your resort.
Heraklion Airport taxi prices to every resort
From €20 to the city to €220 to Chania: the taxi fare to every resort, and where a transfer beats the meter.
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KTEL bus from Heraklion Airport: lines, fares and timetable
Blue city buses and green KTEL coaches: which one to take from the airport, what it costs and where to change.
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Heraklion Airport to the city centre: every option
5 km, three options, 15 minutes: the quickest and cheapest ways between the airport and central Heraklion.
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Heraklion port to Heraklion Airport: distance and options
Ferry to flight: 4–5 km, 15 minutes by taxi, and the margin to leave if your ferry from Santorini is late.
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Distances from Heraklion Airport
Chania, Rethymno, Elounda, Malia and the rest: kilometres, driving times and prices.
Heraklion Airport to Chania: distance and how to get there
140 km along the north coast: how long it takes by car, bus, taxi or transfer, and what it costs.
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Heraklion Airport to Rethymno: distance and transport
80 km west: 75 minutes by car, about 2 hours by bus, and what the taxi costs.
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Heraklion Airport to Elounda: distance and how to get there
72 km east: just over an hour by car, what the taxi costs and the bus route via Agios Nikolaos.
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Heraklion Airport to Agios Nikolaos: distance and options
63 km east: under an hour by car, the KTEL coach and the taxi fare.
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Heraklion Airport to Hersonissos: distance and transport
The most popular run from HER: 25 km, half an hour, and three ways to do it.
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Heraklion Airport to Malia and Stalis
35 km east to Malia, 30 to Stalis: times, taxi fares and the coastal KTEL line.
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Heraklion Airport to Sitia: distance and transport
Crete’s far east: two hours by car from HER, the bus route, and when Sitia’s own airport makes sense.
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Car rental and driving
Deposits, insurance, the national road and what catches people out in Crete.
Car rental at Heraklion Airport: deposit, insurance and traps
The deposit, the excess and the small print: how to rent a car at HER without a surprise on your card.
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Driving in Crete: what to know before leaving Heraklion Airport
The hard shoulder etiquette, speed limits, parking and petrol: what to know before you drive out of HER.
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Plan your trip
Who flies to Heraklion, from where, and where to sleep before an early flight.
Which airlines fly to Heraklion Airport, and from where
Aegean all year, dozens of low-cost and charter airlines in summer: who flies to HER and from where.
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Where to stay near Heraklion Airport
Early flight or late landing: the four areas within 15 minutes of HER and who each suits.
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Sources and official links