KTEL bus from Heraklion Airport: lines, fares and timetable
From Heraklion Airport you can reach most of Crete by bus for a fraction of the taxi fare. City buses run into Heraklion for €1.30 with a pre-bought ticket; green KTEL coaches go along the coast, often with a change at a Heraklion bus station. The catch is the timetable: plan on daytime arrivals.
Two bus companies at Heraklion Airport
Astiko KTEL Heraklion runs the city buses: the airport line is in fare zone A, so a ticket costs €1.30 from a kiosk or machine and €2.30 from the driver (fares from 23 March 2026). KTEL Heraklion–Lasithi runs the intercity coaches to the east and south; KTEL Chania–Rethymno runs the western coaches from Heraklion. Both are private cooperatives with modern air-conditioned coaches and big luggage holds.
KTEL from Heraklion Airport by destination
| Destination | Route | Approx. fare | Total time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heraklion centre / bus stations | City bus from the airport stop | €1.30–2.30 | 20–30 min |
| Hersonissos, Stalis, Malia | KTEL east-coast line (some services stop by the airport) | a few euros | 40–70 min |
| Agios Nikolaos, Elounda | City bus to Heraklion, KTEL to Agios Nikolaos (change for Elounda) | check KTEL | 2–2 h 30 |
| Rethymno | City bus to Heraklion, KTEL west | ~€8–10 | 2–2 h 30 |
| Chania | City bus to Heraklion, KTEL west | ~€14 | 3–3 h 30 |
Fares from 2026 sources. Timetables change between summer and winter: check ktelherlas.gr (east and south) and e-ktel.com (west) on the day.
Where to catch the bus at Heraklion Airport
Walk out of the arrivals doors and turn left along the forecourt to the bus shelter. City buses show their destination on the front display; line numbers have been reshuffled more than once, so read the destination rather than relying on a number from an old blog. Buy the ticket at the kiosk if it is open and validate it on board.
Is the KTEL bus a good idea after a flight?
With a backpack in daylight, absolutely: it is cheap, comfortable and reliable. With two large suitcases and children at 9 pm, think twice: the city bus is a normal urban bus, the change in Heraklion means crossing town, and the last coaches leave early in the evening. In that case a taxi or a transfer is worth the money. Our Heraklion Airport bus page has the step-by-step.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a KTEL bus from Heraklion Airport?
Yes: city buses into Heraklion, and KTEL coaches along the coast; some eastbound coaches stop by the airport, others leave from Heraklion bus stations.
How much is the bus from Heraklion Airport to the city centre?
€1.30 with a ticket bought in advance, €2.30 from the driver (fares from 23 March 2026).
Is there a bus from Heraklion Airport to Malia?
Yes, the KTEL east-coast line serves Hersonissos, Stalis and Malia. Check the KTEL Heraklion–Lasithi timetable.
Is there a bus from Heraklion Airport to Chania?
Not direct: take the city bus to Heraklion, then the KTEL coach to Chania (about €14, 2½–3 hours).
What time is the last bus from Heraklion Airport?
City buses run until around 11 pm; intercity coaches stop earlier in the evening. Check on the day.
Landing after dark?
Buses stop early. A fixed-price transfer waits whatever time you land.
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