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Hotel review · next to the airport

Sofia Hotelour review and getting there from Heraklion Airport

A simple three-star hotel in Nea Alikarnassos, the district beside the runway, about 1.3 km from the Heraklion Airport terminal.

3★Nea Alikarnassos, by the airport€

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Nea Alikarnassos, the district next to Heraklion Airport where Sofia Hotel stands (illustration)
Photo: Jan M, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Our verdict

Not a holiday hotel, but for a 5 am flight or a 1 am landing, being a few minutes from the terminal is worth more than a sea view.

Sofia Hotel and Heraklion Airport

Nea Alikarnassos is the neighbourhood on the city side of the airport. At about 1.3 km, the terminal is a very short taxi ride; walking is possible with light bags but the roads are busy.

What the hotel is like

A basic three-star with free wifi. Nothing fancy, which is the point: a bed and a shower close to the terminal.

Who it suits

Anyone with a very early departure or a very late arrival. If you have an evening free, stay in the centre instead: see all hotels near Heraklion Airport.

Getting from Heraklion Airport to Sofia Hotel

OptionDetails
Distance1.3 km
Taxi3–5 min · €10–15
Pre-booked transferFixed price per car, driver waiting in arrivals
BusWalkable with light bags; otherwise a very short taxi ride

Approximate times and day taxi fares, October 2026.

What is near Sofia Hotel

  • Heraklion Airport terminal: about 3–5 min by car
  • Heraklion city centre: about 10 min by car
  • Amnissos beach: about 10 min by car

What we like

  • About 1.3 km from the terminal
  • Free wifi
  • Cheap compared with the city centre
  • Minutes by taxi to the departures kerb

Worth knowing before you book

  • Aircraft noise
  • Little to see or do around it
  • Basic three-star comfort

Sofia Hotel and Heraklion Airport: frequently asked questions

How far is Sofia Hotel from Heraklion Airport?

About 1.3 km, a few minutes by taxi.

Can I walk from Sofia Hotel to Heraklion Airport?

It is possible with light luggage, but along busy roads; a taxi is easier.

Is Sofia Hotel noisy?

It is next to the airport, so expect some aircraft noise.

How much is a taxi from Heraklion Airport to Sofia Hotel?

About €10–15 by day for the whole car, 3–5 min. A pre-booked transfer costs about the same with a fixed price.

Can I get from Heraklion Airport to Sofia Hotel by bus?

Walkable with light bags; otherwise a very short taxi ride.

Staying at Sofia Hotel?

Book a fixed-price transfer from Heraklion Airport to the hotel door.

Book a transfer