Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” (HER) is the principal airport serving Heraklion, the capital of the island of Crete, Greece.
The airport is located in Nea Alikarnassos, about 5 km east of Heraklion city centre. It is Greece’s second-busiest airport after Athens, with a single passenger terminal handling both domestic and international flights (Schengen and non-Schengen). In 2025, passenger traffic at HER exceeded 10 million for the first time.
A brand-new, much larger Heraklion airport (at Kastelli, some 40 km east of Heraklion) is under development and expected to open around 2027, which will eventually replace the current airport.
Major Airlines - Aegean Airlines, Sky Express
The two main Greek airlines that serve Heraklion year-round are Aegean Airlines (the flag carrier) and its primary domestic competitor, Sky Express. Both airlines fly between Crete and major airports in mainland Greece (notably Athens and Thessaloniki) as well as several large airports in Europe.
Ryanair and other European low-cost carriers, such as Volotea, easyJet, Eurowings, Wizz Air, Jet2, and others, offer numerous direct flights to dozens of destinations.
During the high summer season, HER sees flights from over 40 carriers, including scheduled and seasonal operators. The route network grows significantly from May to October.
Click here to see all airlines and destinations from Heraklion.
Terminal Layout and Gates
Heraklion Airport operates one passenger terminal for all flights, including separate departures halls after Security for Schengen and non-Schengen.
The current terminal is relatively compact. Arrivals and Departures are on the same level, and all gates are within a short walk after Security, typically less than 7 minutes on foot. However, during the busy summer months, it can get very crowded.
In total, there are 14 gates at HER.
Wi-Fi and other services
Free public Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, though it can be slow during the busy summer. Additional wifi networks and computers are provided at the Everest restaurants.
Other services include:
ATMs of Piraeus Bank and National Bank in Arrivals.
Currency exchange, including desks near Departures and Baggage Claim.
Baggage services: Storage, wrapping, and lost-and-found counters in Departures on the Ground floor.
Information desks in the arrivals hall with multilingual staff.
An Airport Medical Center: Open 24/7.
Baby care room: on the Ground Floor of Departures.
See the best things to do in Heraklion and Crete.
Lounges at HER
There are 3 VIP lounges at Heraklion Airport:
Goldair Handling Lounge (Evropi VIP): Located airside in Departures and only available to passengers on flights out of Schengen. It offers hot and cold Greek dishes, snacks, alcoholic and soft drinks, Wi-Fi, TVs, and views towards the sea. The lounge is typically open only from May 1st to October 31st.
Filoxenia Lounge: Located landside, opposite the Swissport offices, on the 1st floor of Departures. Available to both Schengen and non-Schengen flights. Features premium Wi-Fi, TVs, comfortable seating, and snacks. Open from 7 AM to 10 PM. Access can be purchased for 45 EUR at the door or via certain lounge programmes.
Sky Executive Lounge: Located airside, near the main Sky Express boarding gates. It’s open from 7 AM to 11 PM daily. It offers complimentary access to those flying with SKY Experience, SKY Experience Plus, and several other VIP services or add-ons, though everybody, regardless of airline, can enter for a day pass worth 50 EUR. Priority Pass is not accepted.
Dining Options at Heraklion Airport
As a small airport, dining options at Heraklion are basic but adequate. Prices can be high, especially in the summer.
Cafes and other places to eat include:
Everest: Greek fast-food style café serving sandwiches, coffee, and snacks, but also increasingly famous for its coffee. Located airside.
Flocafé: A Greek coffee chain with a long history. Also offers pastries, light bites, and desserts. Located airside.
Forno Luca: Grab authentic Italian pizzas, focaccias, salads, and other sandwiches. Located airside.
Goodys: A burger house with comfortable seating.
Transportation to and from the airport
The cheapest way to reach Heraklion Airport (or get to the city) is via Bus Line 1. It runs every 10-15 minutes between 6:00 AM and midnight. The ticket costs 2 EUR if bought from the driver or 1.20 EUR if bought beforehand. Bus Line 1 terminates at the main KTEL bus station.
If you arrive after midnight or have an early flight, a taxi is your only option. Licensed taxis wait outside the Arrivals exit. The fare to the city center is fixed at €16 with additional fees for excess luggage.
For those who wish to explore more of Crete, renting a car is a convenient option. Major rental firms, including Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Hertz, and Budget, have desks in Arrivals, and the rental vehicles are parked a short walk away.
See private transfer options from Heraklion Airport to destinations throughout Crete.
Parking at HER
Two small short-term parking lots are available directly opposite the terminal entrance, just 50 meters away. They serve both short and long stays. These open-air lots also include 10 covered “VIP” spaces. Prices start at 1.50 EUR for 15 minutes. Weekly stays cost 42 EUR, and monthly and yearly plans are also offered.
The Kiss&Fly zone curbside in front of the terminal is free of charge for very short stays as long as you remain within the vehicle - it’s most suitable for dropping off or picking up passengers.
Private off-airport parking provided by ParkVia and QuickPark is also available near the terminal.
Hotels near Heraklion Airport
There is no hotel within the airport premises. A handful of smaller lodgings are within a 10-minute drive from the terminal.
Hotel Sofia (3 stars) and Hotel Asterion (2 stars) are the closest to the airport, 1.7 km and 2 km respectively. These two hotels are within Heraklion City.
Given the airport’s proximity to the city, most visitors prefer to stay in the city centre. Seasonal apartments and guesthouses near Karteros beach (on the other side of the airport with respect to Heraklion) are also popular options.
Heraklion, Greece
Yes
