How to Get to Heraklion, Crete (2026)
Heraklion is the most connected city in Crete: it has the island main international airport, the largest ferry port and is 8.5 hours by overnight ferry from Athens. It is usually the entry point for first-time visitors to Crete.
Heraklion Airport (HER) - Nikos Kazantzakis
HER is one of the busiest airports in Greece, receiving direct flights from 60+ European cities: London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris, Rome, Warsaw, Stockholm, Copenhagen and many more. Carriers: Aegean, easyJet, Ryanair, TUI, Wizz Air, Sky Express. Airport Bus Line 1 to Heraklion centre: 2 euros, 20 min. Taxi: 12-15 euros. The airport is 5 km east of the city.
By Ferry from Piraeus (Athens)
The most popular route: daily overnight ferries from Piraeus (Gate E1) to Heraklion port. Journey: 8.5-9 hours. Operators: ANEK Lines, Minoan Lines. Fares from 35 euros deck to 90 euros cabin. Departs Piraeus 21:00, arrives Heraklion 05:30-06:00. Heraklion port is 400m from the city centre - easy to walk or take a taxi.
Ferry from Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes
Summer high-speed ferries connect Heraklion with Santorini (2h, from 28 euros), Mykonos (4h, from 38 euros) and Rhodes (12h overnight, from 40 euros). SeaJets and Minoan Lines are the main operators. Great option for island-hopping into Crete.
Getting Around Heraklion
The city centre, Knossos (Bus 2, 20 min) and the airport (Bus 1, 20 min) are all served by frequent city buses (1.70 euros). For beaches (Matala, Lentas, Agia Pelagia), a hire car is essential. Hertz, Avis and Europcar have desks at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the ferry from Athens to Heraklion?
8.5-9 hours overnight. Departs Piraeus around 21:00, arrives Heraklion around 05:30-06:00. Economy deck class is fine for an overnight crossing; book a 4-berth cabin for comfort.
Is there a bus from Heraklion airport to the city?
Yes - Bus Line 1 runs every 15-20 min from outside arrivals (2 euros, 20 min). Runs 06:00-23:00. After midnight, take a taxi (12-15 euros).
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