City bus from Heraklion Airport to the centre
The urban network (Astiko KTEL Heraklion) links the airport with central Heraklion and the bus stations. A single ticket costs about €1.30 if bought beforehand and €2.30 on board (2026). Buses run from early morning until around 11 pm, every 10–30 minutes depending on the time of day. Line numbers have changed several times in recent years, so trust the display on the front of the bus and the board at the stop rather than a number you read online.
City buses are ordinary low-floor buses with little space for suitcases. Fine with a cabin bag; awkward with two large cases at 5 pm.
KTEL coaches from the airport to the resorts
Crete’s intercity buses are run by two companies: KTEL Heraklion–Lasithi (east: Hersonissos, Malia, Agios Nikolaos, Sitia, plus the south) and KTEL Chania–Rethymno (west). Some eastbound coaches stop by the airport; for the west you go into Heraklion and catch the coach from the main bus station near the port.
| Destination | How | Approx. fare | Ride |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heraklion centre | City bus from the airport | €1.30–2.30 | 20–30 min |
| Hersonissos / Malia | KTEL east coast line | a few euros | 40–60 min |
| Agios Nikolaos | KTEL from Heraklion bus station | check KTEL | about 1 h 30 |
| Rethymno | KTEL from Heraklion bus station | about €8–10 | about 1 h 30 |
| Chania | KTEL from Heraklion bus station | about €14 | 2 h 30–3 h |
Fares from published 2026 sources; check the official KTEL timetables (ktelherlas.gr and e-ktel.com) before travelling, as summer and winter schedules differ.
When the bus is not a good idea
After about 10 pm, with small children, or if your hotel is a resort “near Malia” that turns out to be 2 km from the main road. In those cases a taxi or a transfer saves the evening. The step-by-step version of the coach journey is in our KTEL bus guide.