# Heraklion Airport Transfers and Taxis (HER)

> How to get from Heraklion airport (HER) to your hotel in Crete: private transfers, airport taxis, the city bus, and transfer times to Hersonissos, Malia, Agios Nikolaos and Rethymno.

| | |
|---|---|
| Airport | Heraklion (HER) |
| Serves | Central & east Crete |
| Taxi | Regulated zone fare |
| Bus | Line 1 to town |

Heraklion airport (HER) is the main gateway to central and eastern Crete, close to resorts such as Hersonissos, Malia and Agios Nikolaos. From arrivals you can take a private transfer, a shared shuttle, an airport taxi or the city bus. This guide covers the options, taxi fares and transfer times to the main resorts.

## Transfers and taxis from Heraklion airport

Heraklion airport (HER), named after Nikos Kazantzakis, sits just east of the city and serves central and eastern Crete. From arrivals you can take a pre-booked private transfer straight to your hotel, share a shuttle with other travellers, or pick up a licensed taxi at the rank. Taxis charge a regulated fare to set zones, with an airport pickup fee and a small charge per large bag.

A private transfer is the easiest with luggage or children, because the driver meets you and the price is fixed in advance. The airport is a short drive from the city, so a taxi into Heraklion town is quick and inexpensive.

## Transfers to the main resorts

Heraklion airport is the closest airport for the busy central and eastern resorts. The table below shows the rough distance and how long a direct transfer takes to the most popular ones.

| Resort | Approx distance | Typical transfer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hersonissos | around 25 km | 25 to 35 minutes |
| Stalis and Malia | around 30 to 35 km | 30 to 40 minutes |
| Agios Nikolaos | around 65 km | about 1 hour |
| Elounda | around 72 km | about 1 hour 10 |
| Rethymno | around 80 km | about 1 hour 15 |
| Chania | around 140 km | about 2 hours 15 |

## The bus from Heraklion airport

City bus line 1 runs between Heraklion airport and the central bus stations in Heraklion town every 15 to 30 minutes, and it is the cheapest way into the city. For resorts to the east you change at the KTEL bus station for a coach along the coast. To tour the island, compare a [hire car](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/crete.html) instead.

More Crete transfers

[Crete transfers](https://fly2greece.net/transfers/crete.html) [Chania airport](https://fly2greece.net/transfers/chania-airport.html) [Heraklion to Chania](https://fly2greece.net/transfers/heraklion-to-chania.html) [Private transfers](https://fly2greece.net/transfers/crete-private-transfers.html)

## Frequently asked questions

**How do you get from Heraklion airport to your hotel?**

By pre-booked private transfer, shared shuttle, airport taxi, or the city bus into Heraklion town. A private transfer is the most direct; the bus is the cheapest but only reaches the town centre.

**How much is a taxi from Heraklion airport?**

Heraklion airport taxis charge a regulated fare to set zones, plus an airport pickup fee and a small charge for large luggage. Longer trips to eastern resorts are often similar in price to a pre-booked private transfer.

**How far is Heraklion airport from Hersonissos?**

Hersonissos is around 25 km from Heraklion airport, a transfer of roughly 25 to 35 minutes along the north-coast road.

**Is there a bus from Heraklion airport?**

Yes. City bus line 1 links the airport with Heraklion's bus stations every 15 to 30 minutes. For the resorts you change at the KTEL station.

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Source: [Heraklion Airport Transfers & Taxis (HER): To Your Hotel](https://fly2greece.net/transfers/heraklion-airport.html) — fly2greece.net, an independent guide to Greece written and photographed by Hans Huisman since 2000.

Reviewed July 2026.