Heraklion Airport to Elounda: distance and how to get there

Heraklion Airport to Elounda: the options

The route to Elounda

East on the national road past Hersonissos and Malia, then the newer stretch towards Agios Nikolaos, and finally the coast road north to Elounda with the view over the Mirabello bay and Spinalonga. Most of the drive is easy; the last 10 km are winding. Elounda’s big resorts are spread along the shore, so give the driver the exact hotel name.

By bus to Elounda

Possible but long: city bus to Heraklion, KTEL to Agios Nikolaos (about 1 h 30), then the local bus to Elounda (about 20–30 minutes, infrequent in the evening). It only makes sense in daylight with light luggage. Details in the KTEL guide.

Our advice

For Elounda, book the ride. At €100+ the taxi and the transfer cost about the same, but the transfer is fixed in advance, waits if you are late and can include child seats. If you plan day trips (Spinalonga, the Lasithi plateau, Vai), a rental car from the airport may be better value over a week. See also Heraklion Airport to Agios Nikolaos.

Elounda on arrival: what to know

Elounda is a fishing harbour turned luxury-resort area, spread along the west shore of the Mirabello gulf. The village harbour has tavernas and the boats to Spinalonga; the big resorts line the road north towards Plaka, where cheaper boats also leave for the island. South of the village, a causeway leads to the Kolokitha peninsula and the remains of ancient Olous, partly under water.

Spinalonga from Elounda

The Venetian fortress island and former leper colony is 10–15 minutes by boat. Entry is about €20 (2026) plus the boat: roughly €12–15 return from Elounda or €8–10 from Plaka. Go early or late to avoid the midday crowds. More ideas in tours from Heraklion.