Organizing your trip to Heraklion is easy as there are many direct ferries and flights.

By Air

Heraklion international airport N. Kazantzakis is the largest airport of Crete and the second busiest airport in Greece. There are several daily flights between Athens and Heraklion (50min), Thessaloniki and Heraklion (75min) and Rhodes and Heraklion all year long. During the summer, there are also flights between Heraklion and Santorini, Mykonos and Paros. The above flights are served by Olympic Airlines and Aegean Airlines. In addition, during high season there are numerous charter flights from other European countries, especially from the UK, Germany, Italy, Russia and Romania.

Transfer from Heraklion Airport to the city centre

The airport is situated about 5km east of Heraklion city. You can use the public bus (rate varies upon 1.20€ – 2€ depending on purchase) or take a taxi (20-22€ approximately).

The website of Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport, Heraklion airport is: www.heraklion-airport.info

By Ferry

Heraklion port is a major commercial center in southern Greece. There is at least one ship per day from Athens to Heraklion (Piraeus port) and the trip lasts approximately 10 hours. Heraklion is also connected by ferries to Santorini and Rhodes, but the routes are less frequent. You can use the public bus (rate varies upon 1.20€ – 2€ depending on purchase) or take a taxi (20-22€ approximately).

Public transport in Heraklion is served by buses. The bus company operating in the city is the Iraklio Urban Buses (blue line).

By Bus

Public buses serve the whole island of Crete, even the villages. The buses (called KTEL) are not expensive and the routes are rather frequent. Most of the times you can by a ticket on the bus.

City Buses (blue) serving the city of Heraklion from early morning until late evening. Starting from the port city services operated in the archaeological site of Knossos. Information: 2810-226065 and 220795. Detailed information on ticket options, bus routes and timetables is available at: http://astiko-irakleiou.gr.

Intercity Buses (green) connecting Heraklion with all the cities of Crete for easy

Standard bus fares:

• 1.20€ (from/to Heraklion Airport  and/or Heraklion Port) – Valid for a single trip (purchased at a point of sale, i.e., Kiosk)  or 2,20€ (when issued by ticket vending machines on the bus)
• 1.70€ (from/to Knossos Palace) (purchased at a point of sale) – Valid for a single trip

By Car

You can easily rent a car in Crete by using our car rental service and pick it up either from Heraklion city or from the airport. You should be careful, as in some cases the roads going through mountains can get narrow and dangerous.

By Taxi

Taxis from Heraklion can take you at any place on the island, as everything can be accessed within a day’s round trip. The cost is reasonable, especially if you share the taxi with one or two other people. You can ask for the price of your journey when getting on the taxi since most routes have a flat rate. Please take into consideration that the route between Heraklion Airport and Aquila Atlantis hotel costs around 16€. Between 00:00 and 05:00 a double fare will be applicable.