Image
Image
Deals
Business
HER airport transfers

Heraklion International Airport (HER) Transfers Private Cars, Shuttles & Taxis to Hersonissos, Malia & Elounda

Arrive happy with Heraklion airport transfers & rides

If you’re holidaying in Crete soon and still need to arrange your Heraklion Airport transfers, hoppa has transport to your accommodation covered.

Our transfer providers offer an easy, no-fuss service, plus they take care of your trip back to the airport at the end of your holiday, too. So, with your transfers taken care of, all you’ll need to do is relax and enjoy your trip to this stunning Greek island.

Shared shuttle from £10pp · Private car from **£35 **· Free cancellation within the standard window. Prices are indicative. Check hoppa.com for live prices.

Get an AI summary of this page on Google AI ChatGPT Perplexity Claude

Rated by real travellers

Venetian fortress at the entrance to Heraklion harbour, Crete

Everything you need to know before you book in Heraklion

Pick a topic to see the most common questions travellers ask at Heraklion Airport — fixed prices, vehicles, delays, deals, trust, and managing your booking.

What does it cost to my resort?

What's the price from the airport to my resort?

Prices vary by route, vehicle, season, and time of day. Enter your dates and party size above to see your fixed quoted price for the exact journey.

What's included in my fixed price?

Your quoted price covers vehicle hire, fuel, the driver's service fee (tips), tolls, parking, taxes, and any entry, congestion or airport-access fees on the route. There's nothing extra to pay the driver on arrival.

What's NOT included — what could cost extra?

Charged separately and disclosed before they apply: overtime fees if your trip runs longer than reserved, excess-mileage fees if you exceed your booked distance, night-time service fees on some routes (22:00–08:00), holiday or event surcharges in some regions, additional child seats beyond the first one (which is free), and extra stops you add during the ride.

Will the quoted price change between booking and travel?

No. Once your booking is confirmed, your price is locked — it's what you pay regardless of demand, season or currency changes between today and your travel date. Booking early is the surest way to secure today's rate.

Will I pay anything to the driver on arrival?

No. Your fare is paid in full at booking and covers everything the driver's owed — tips, tolls, fuel, taxes, parking. Bookings are pre-paid via credit card, debit card, or PayPal on the hoppa platform. The only reasons your final charge could differ from the quote are changes you make on the day (extra stops, route changes) or fees for damage or smoking, which are disclosed in our terms.

Are there night-time or holiday surcharges?

Some services include a night-time fee for travel between 22:00 and 08:00, and prices may adjust on local holidays. Both are always reflected in the quote you see before paying — there's nothing additional charged at the trip itself.

Can I tip the driver?

Tipping is entirely at your discretion. The driver's service fee is already included in your fare, so a tip is appreciated but never expected.

Do prices change for larger group sizes?

Rates are set per vehicle category, not per person. Moving up to a larger vehicle to fit a bigger party or extra baggage is reflected in the fixed quote you see at booking.

I think I was overcharged

Disputes must be raised within 14 days of the charge date by emailing customer service with your card statement and a brief explanation. After 14 days, charges are considered final.

Which vehicle fits my group?

How many people and how much luggage fit in each vehicle?

Vehicle categories include Sedan, Business Sedan, Minivan, Business Minivan, Minibus and Bus. Each has a strict insured maximum for passengers and luggage that drivers must adhere to. Default luggage allowance is one 24-inch suitcase per passenger — bags larger than 24″ count as two pieces. Choose a category that fits both your party and your bags.

Will I get the exact car shown in the picture?

Vehicle images are for illustration only. You're booking a category, not a specific model — and we may upgrade you to a higher category at no extra charge if your selected one isn't available.

Shared shuttle vs private transfer — what's the difference?

Private transfers take you directly from your pickup point to your accommodation, with no shared passengers and no extra stops. Shared shuttles are budget-friendly and pick up multiple passengers on a planned route, so the journey may take longer but the per-person price is lower.

Can I add a child seat for my baby or toddler?

Yes. We offer infant carriers, baby seats and boosters depending on your supplier and route. Add the seat type you need during booking so it can be confirmed in advance.

How much does a child seat cost?

The first child seat in your booking is included free. Any additional seats may carry a fee from the supplier — the exact amount is shown in your booking quote before you pay, so there are no surprises.

I forgot to request a child seat — can I add it after booking?

Yes. Contact customer service as soon as possible to add it to your booking. Late requests are honoured subject to availability, so the sooner you ask, the better. Important: no refund or replacement applies if a driver arrives without a seat that wasn't requested in time.

Is my child seat guaranteed once I've added it to my booking?

If you've added the seat at the time of booking, it's confirmed with your transport supplier. Seats requested after the booking is placed are subject to availability. If a seat ends up unavailable on arrival because it wasn't requested in time, no refund applies.

Can I bring a pet or service animal?

Yes, at no extra charge. Notify us at booking so the right vehicle is allocated. Important: animals count toward the vehicle's passenger capacity — so a 5-seat vehicle with two pets has three human seats.

Do you have wheelchair-accessible options?

Yes. Note any accessibility need (wheelchair, mobility scooter, special assistance) in the booking comments. We work with specialised partners and make reasonable efforts to accommodate.

What if my flight is delayed?

Will my driver wait if my flight is late?

Yes. Your driver waits up to 60 minutes free after your scheduled arrival for airport pickups. For international flights, there's also a 30-minute buffer added on top — so your driver's free waiting period starts after that buffer ends.

What if my flight is delayed by more than 2 hours?

Contact customer service to reschedule. If we can't pick you up at the new time, the order is cancelled without charge.

What if my flight is cancelled entirely?

Your transfer is cancelled free of charge. Contact customer service immediately so we can update the booking.

What if my flight is diverted to a different airport?

Contact us immediately. We'll do our best to reschedule your pickup — though we can't guarantee a free transfer if the new airport is in a different region or significantly further from your destination.

Where will I meet my driver?

24 hours before pickup we send a final SMS or WhatsApp with the exact meeting point and your driver's contact details. Meet & greet at the arrival gate is available on request, subject to airport policy — if not possible at the gate, we'll assign an alternative meeting point.

What if I'm stuck inside the airport (luggage, immigration)?

Use the emergency number on your e-ticket to call the driver or local supplier and let them know you're still in the terminal. The driver will wait through their free period and, if reached in time, can sometimes extend.

What counts as a no-show?

Not appearing within the free waiting period and being unreachable for additional time. No-shows are charged in full and non-refundable.

Best price & current deals

Where can I find a discount code?

Active offers are applied automatically when you search — there's nothing to enter manually. To see what's currently running, check our discount codes page or our homepage banner.

Should I book early?

Yes. We recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance for the best vehicle selection. Bookings within 24 hours are subject to availability and may carry an expedited service fee. Booking early also locks in today's price.

Is there a low-deposit option?

On selected services and destinations, yes — pay a deposit now and the balance before your travel date. If the balance isn't paid in time the booking auto-cancels and the deposit is forfeited. Note: low-deposit bookings can't be paid with hoppa Credits.

What is Refund Protect?

An optional add-on at checkout from our partner Refund Protect. If you (or anyone in your party) can't attend for a covered reason, you receive 100% of your booking back. Refund Protect's decision is final — see their full terms when adding the option.

Can I use hoppa Credits from a previous booking?

Yes. hoppa Credits apply automatically to your next booking when you log in with the same email. They expire 12 months after issue, can't be transferred between accounts, and can't be combined with low-deposit bookings.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes, depending on timing and vehicle size. Up to 7 seats: free cancellation more than 24 hours before pickup; 100% charge within 24 hours. 8–14 seats: free outside 48 hours. 16+ seats: free outside 14 days, 50% within 14–7 days, 100% within 7 days. Approved refunds process within 14 days to your original payment method.

Why hoppa? Trust & comparison

Who is hoppa exactly?

hoppa is a global mobility platform for airport transfers, airport taxis, ride-hailing, private holiday transfers and shuttles — empowering 40 million+ customers with seamless, door-to-door ground transportation across 182+ countries and 2,600+ airports and resorts.

In one place, you can instantly compare and book with real-time access to the best fares and optimal routes for every journey and every budget. Our network of 70,000+ vetted local fleet providers delivers reliable, fixed-price travel for every need.

Trusted by the world's leading payment networks and super apps — including Mastercard, UnionPay and Alipay — to power their global mobility ecosystems and agentic travel transactions.

Why pre-book instead of grabbing a taxi at arrivals?

Fixed price quoted upfront (no meter, no surprise tolls), driver waits up to 60 minutes free if your flight's late, meet & greet on request, child seats and accessibility bookable in advance, 24/7 multilingual support, and a clear cancellation policy if plans change.

Aren't I just paying a middleman fee?

Your payment covers both our booking service and the supplier's fare — we pay the supplier on your behalf. That's what gives you a fixed all-in price, dispute resolution, and a single point of contact if anything goes wrong on the trip.

Are the drivers vetted and licensed?

We only work with established local transport partners who meet our service and safety standards, and who operate under their own local licensing and insurance requirements. Each supplier is contracted directly by hoppa.

Is my booking and payment secure?

Yes. Payments are processed through industry-standard encryption and secure payment gateways. Your booking details and personal information are protected throughout the transaction.

Can I read verified reviews?

Yes — thousands of travellers share their journey feedback on our website and on Trustpilot, so you can see real experiences from past passengers before you book.

What if something goes wrong on the day?

24/7 phone support is available in English, Spanish and Chinese; chat support runs in all languages. Emergency contact numbers are on your e-ticket so you can reach support or the local supplier directly.

How do I complain after the trip?

For pre-booked transfers and shared shuttles, raise complaints within 30 days of the trip. For ride-hailing, within 3 days. Email customer service with your booking reference.

Already booked? Login & manage

Where's my e-ticket and pickup time?

A confirmation email goes out immediately after booking, a reminder 7 days before, and final pickup details by SMS or WhatsApp 24 hours before. Everything is also visible in My Bookings when you log in.

Can I get a VAT invoice for expenses?

Yes — contact customer service within 30 days of your trip to issue an invoice.

I left something in the car

Contact customer service as soon as possible. We'll make reasonable efforts to recover and return your item, but we can't guarantee retrieval and don't accept liability for items left behind.

Smoking, damage and cleaning fees

Smoking or vaping in any vehicle triggers a mandatory cleaning fee and the driver may end the trip; the fare becomes non-refundable. Trash, spills or other damage in the vehicle can incur a cleaning fee.

What are hoppa Credits?

Credit issued on refunds or as a goodwill gesture. They apply automatically to your next booking when you log in with the same email, expire 12 months after issue, can't be transferred, and can't be combined with low-deposit bookings.

How do I cancel my booking? Can I get a refund?

Cancel from your account or by contacting support. Refund depends on timing and vehicle size: up to 7 seats — free outside 24 hours, 100% charge within 24 hours. 8–14 seats — free outside 48 hours. 16+ seats — free outside 14 days, 50% within 14–7 days, 100% within 7 days.

Can I change my booking details?

Yes, but only for: passenger names, contact numbers, number of passengers, and luggage count (within the booked vehicle's capacity). One free modification is allowed if your booking is eligible. For other changes — including route, vehicle category or pickup point — you'll need to cancel and rebook at the current price.

How long do refunds take to process?

Approved refunds are processed within 14 days to your original payment method.

Is it cheaper to pre-book a Heraklion transfer or take a taxi at the airport?

Pre-booking is usually the safer value. A pre-booked hoppa transfer is a fixed all-in price you agree before you fly, with a named driver already tracking your flight. Airport rank taxis at Heraklion are metered and the queue outside arrivals gets long on summer afternoons, and the fare climbs with traffic on the coastal road and the late-night surcharge (22:00–08:00). With hoppa the price is locked the moment you book, so a delayed landing never changes what you pay.

How much is a taxi from Heraklion Airport to Hersonissos?

Hersonissos sits about 25 minutes east of Heraklion Airport along the coastal national road. A pre-booked private car is an indicative £40 for the whole car, fixed and all-in with no meter. A metered rank taxi rises with the late-night surcharge after 22:00 and with peak summer traffic. Prices are indicative.

Can hoppa take me to Heraklion ferry port?

Yes. Heraklion port is the departure point for overnight ferries to Athens (Piraeus) and island-hopping boats to Santorini and the Cyclades, and it is only about 10 minutes from the airport. Book a private car to the port and your driver meets you at arrivals with your name on the board, so you make your sailing without hunting for a cab.

Which is the cheapest way to get from Heraklion Airport to my resort?

The shared shuttle is the lowest-price option, from an indicative £7 per person, and it stops at drop-off points along your route. A private car costs more but takes only your group, with no waiting and a direct run to your accommodation. For the busiest resorts we run dedicated routes to Hersonissos, Malia and Elounda, so you can price your exact journey before you book. Either way the price is fixed before you travel and cancellation is free within the standard window. Prices are indicative.

Heraklion Airport transfers at a glance

Book cheap Heraklion Airport transfers with a fixed, all-in price and free cancellation. hoppa connects you to vetted local Crete operators for private cars, shared shuttles and taxis to Hersonissos, Malia, Elounda and beyond.

Here is what you need to know before you book your Heraklion transfer:

  • Fixed price, paid up front — no meter, no surprise tolls, nothing to pay the driver on arrival.
  • Free waiting time — your driver waits up to 60 minutes free after you land, plus a 30-minute buffer on international flights.
  • Popular routes — Hersonissos and Stalis around 25 minutes, Malia around 35, Elounda around 60, Agios Nikolaos around 60–75, Rethymno around 90.
  • Free cancellation — cancel a car or vehicle up to 7 seats more than 24 hours before travel for a full refund.
  • Every group size — from a budget shared shuttle from an indicative £7 per person to private cars, minibuses and coaches. Prices are indicative.

How long is the transfer from Heraklion Airport to the Crete resorts?

Drive times from Heraklion Airport depend on how far east or west your resort sits. The eastern beach resorts are the quickest; Elounda, Agios Nikolaos and Rethymno are the longer legs that first-time visitors often under-estimate. Here is an at-a-glance guide to the most-booked routes:

Destination Distance Transfer time Recommended vehicle Range prices
Heraklion airport to Gouves 20 km ~25 min Private car or shared shuttle Shared from £8pp
Private from £28
Heraklion airport to Anissaras 22 km ~25 min Private car or shared shuttle Shared from £8pp
Private from £28
Heraklion airport to Hersonissos 25 km ~25 min Private car or shared shuttle Shared from £8pp
Private from £30
Heraklion airport to Stalis 27 km ~25 min Private car or shared shuttle Shared from £9pp
Private from £30
Heraklion airport to Koutouloufari 28 km ~30 min Private car (hillside village) Shared from £10pp
Private from £32
Heraklion airport to Malia 35 km ~35 min Private car or minibus (stag/hen) Shared from £11pp
Private from £38
Heraklion airport to Elounda 65 km ~60 min Private car (luxury resort area) Private from £58
Heraklion airport to Agios Nikolaos 70 km ~70 min Private car or minibus (families) Private from £62
Heraklion airport to Rethymno 80 km ~90 min Private car or minibus (long west run) Private from £85

Please note: Prices are subject to change depending on your specific travel details and requirements. To secure our most competitive price and get an instant, accurate fixed price, use the hoppa booking widget to lock in your ride today!

Which transfer from Heraklion Airport is right for you?

Your choice comes down to budget, group size and how directly you want to travel. Here is how the main options compare for the run from Heraklion Airport to your Crete resort:

Shared shuttle

  • The lowest-price option, from an indicative £7 per person.
  • You share the ride and there are drop-off points along the route.
  • Best for couples and solo travellers watching the budget.

Private car and MPV

  • Just your group, no shared stops, a direct run to your door.
  • A scheduled pick-up and a named driver waiting at arrivals.
  • Best for families and anyone with heavy luggage. This is hoppa’s most-booked Heraklion option — a private transfer from Heraklion Airport, fixed and all-in.

Minibus and coach

  • For larger parties, villa groups and clubs travelling together.
  • One fixed price for the whole vehicle.

Indicative fixed prices from Heraklion Airport, one way. Prices are indicative and shown in pounds for the UK market — enter your dates above for your exact fixed quote.

Your travel style Recommended service Why it works
Solo & budget travellers Shared shuttle The lowest fixed price per seat, from £7pp. You share the ride with others heading the same way — ideal when you are travelling light and time is flexible.
Couples & families Private car Up to 4 passengers with luggage, from £40 per vehicle. Door to door, no shared stops. A named driver meets you at arrivals and takes you straight to your accommodation.
Families with luggage Private MPV Room for 6–8 passengers with cases, from £57 per vehicle. Extra space for buggies and beach kit on a single fixed price.
Larger groups & villa parties Private minibus Room for the whole party and the cases in one vehicle, from £100 per vehicle — no splitting across taxis or waiting for a second car.
Groups, clubs & sports teams Private coach Keeps everyone together from the terminal to the resort, from £160 per vehicle. Best value per head for larger numbers on a single agreed price.

Prices are indicative, per vehicle unless marked pp (per person), one way. Enter your exact dates and party size above for your fixed quote.

A few things worth remembering before you book

A little planning makes your Heraklion transfer run smoothly. Here are the details travellers ask about most:

  • Child seats — the first child seat is free and must be requested at booking. Extra seats may carry a small supplier fee, shown in your quote before you pay.
  • Luggage — the standard allowance is one case up to 24 inches plus a piece of hand luggage per person; cases over 24 inches count as two. Flag oversized items such as golf clubs or a pushchair at booking so the right vehicle is sent.
  • Free cancellation — cancel a car or vehicle up to 7 seats more than 24 hours before travel for a full refund; 8–14 seats more than 48 hours before; 16+ seats more than 14 days before.
  • Night arrivals — a late-night period applies between 22:00 and 08:00, but your fixed price is agreed up front either way, so there is nothing to settle with the driver.
Ancient ruins of the Palace of Knossos near Heraklion, Crete

How much is a taxi from Heraklion Airport?

A taxi from Heraklion Airport is metered, and the fare you pay depends on traffic, the time of day and the season. On summer afternoons the rank outside arrivals gets long, and a late-night surcharge applies between 22:00 and 08:00. There is no way to know the final number before you ride.

A pre-booked hoppa transfer works the other way round. You agree one fixed, all-in price before you fly — tolls, tax and the driver’s time included — and a named driver is already tracking your flight when you land. For the popular run to Hersonissos, a private car is an indicative £40 for the whole car, fixed whatever time you arrive.

If you are travelling on a budget, the shared shuttle is the cheapest way from the airport, from an indicative £7 per person. Prices are indicative.

Transport option Indicative price to Hersonissos Journey time What's included / what to watch for
hoppa pre-book private car
from £35~€40 25–30 min Named driver waiting inside arrivals. Fixed all-in price locked at booking, flight tracked, 60-min free wait. No meter, no night surcharge sprung on the kerb.
hoppa shared shuttle
from £10pp~€12 30–50 min Cheapest pre-booked option for solo travellers and couples. Named driver, all-in price, a few resort stops along the coast road.
Heraklion airport taxi rank
€45–55cash only 25–30 min Metered taxi from the rank outside arrivals. A 22:00–08:00 night surcharge applies and the driver does not track your flight.
Greeting-hall freelance
€70–90cash only 25–30 min Often quoted well above the metered fare. No fixed price, no flight tracking, no recourse if the fare climbs once you set off.
KTEL intercity bus (via bus station)
from €3.50cash only 70–100 min Cheapest of all, but slow. No direct airport service — change at Heraklion bus station. Limited luggage room and thin late-night timetable.

Watch the hidden cost: a metered taxi looks simple until a summer queue, a late-night surcharge between 22:00 and 08:00 or an unfamiliar toll pushes the fare up. A pre-booked hoppa transfer is one fixed, all-in price agreed before you fly — so the number you see is the number you pay. Prices are indicative.

Seafront and old harbour of Heraklion on the island of Crete

Heraklion Airport transfer finder

Skip the taxi queue at Heraklion Airport (HER) and pre-book a fixed-price transfer to Hersonissos, Malia, Elounda, Rethymno or your Crete resort.

Who are you travelling with?
Heading where on Crete?
Any extra needs?

Budget pick

Shared shuttle

Best for: Solo travellers and couples heading to Hersonissos, Malia or a Heraklion Town hotel on a value budget.

One thing to know: Shuttles stop at multiple hotels — allow extra time if your resort is late in the route. Not available on the long Elounda, Agios Nikolaos or Rethymno runs.

Price from £8pp 15–35 min journey Lock in your Heraklion transfer

Most popular

Private taxi

Best for: Couples and families wanting a direct run from HER to their Hersonissos hotel, Elounda villa or Rethymno resort.

One thing to know: Fixed all-in fare — no meter, no night surcharge, no cash-only surprises. Your driver meets you inside Heraklion Airport arrivals with a name board.

Price from £28 15 min – 1 hr 30 min journey Lock in your Heraklion transfer

Family choice

Private minibus

Best for: Families and stag/hen groups of 6–16 with beach kit and buggies on the long Malia, Elounda or Rethymno run.

One thing to know: Book child seats and adapted vehicles at the same time so they are fitted before you land — first child seat free.

Price from £42 15 min – 1 hr 30 min journey Lock in your Heraklion transfer

Event scale

Private coach

Best for: Elounda wedding parties, Malia stag or hen weekends, and Hersonissos all-inclusive delegations of up to 60 arriving together.

One thing to know: Share your final headcount at booking so the right coach size meets you at Heraklion Airport arrivals.

Price On request 15 min – 1 hr 30 min journey Lock in your Heraklion transfer

How to book your Heraklion Airport transfers with hoppa

Takes less than 200 seconds to complete.
Book Now
1

Enter your travel details

Add your Heraklion Airport (HER) arrival date, resort address and passenger count in the booking form.

2

Choose shuttle or private transfer

Compare shared shuttles and private taxis to Hersonissos, Malia, Elounda, Rethymno or your Crete villa — with fixed prices and journey times shown upfront.

3

Add special requests

Child seats (first one free), oversized luggage or adapted vehicles — flag them at booking so they are ready when you land.

4

Confirm & get your e-ticket

Pay securely and your e-ticket arrives instantly with driver details, meeting point at HER arrivals, and pickup time — skip the taxi queue on the terminal forecourt.

What happens at Heraklion Airport when I land?

Head to the arrivals hall and look for the hoppa sign. Heraklion has a single passenger terminal, so your meeting point is easy to find, and the taxi rank sits directly outside — which is exactly where the summer queue builds. With a pre-booked transfer you walk past it to your waiting driver.

We understand flights run late. Your driver tracks your flight and waits free for up to 60 minutes after your scheduled landing, plus a 30-minute buffer on international arrivals. If your delay runs longer, call the number on your e-ticket and we will make arrangements.

Is hoppa transfer reliable?

Yes, and here's why. hoppa's managed network connects you to 70,000+ vetted local operators across 182+ countries, all verified for licensing, insurance, and service standards. With 40M+ travellers served, and institutional trust from Mastercard, UnionPay and Alipay, hoppa is built on the infrastructure that the world's leading financial networks rely on for ground transportation. Fixed prices, real-time flight tracking, and 24/7 support mean your transfer is never in doubt.

Can an AI assistant book hoppa?

Yes. hoppa is integrated into Mastercard's Agentic Pay platform, meaning AI agents can search, compare, and complete transfer bookings on your behalf, across hoppa's full network of 70,000+ vetted providers, without human intervention. hoppa is built for the agentic travel era.

Heraklion Airport terminal guide & tips

Heraklion International Airport (Nikos Kazantzakis) has a single passenger terminal, so finding your way out is simple. Clear passport control and baggage reclaim, then head into the arrivals hall where your hoppa driver is waiting with a sign. The taxi rank sits directly outside the doors — which is exactly where the queue builds on summer afternoons, so a pre-booked transfer lets you walk straight past it.

Heraklion Airport (HER) arrival guide

Heraklion International Airport ‘Nikos Kazantzakis’ — everything you need to know from touchdown to your resort.

Arriving at Heraklion Airport

Single terminal, quick to navigate

Heraklion International Airport ‘Nikos Kazantzakis’ has one passenger terminal serving all international and domestic flights. From gate to arrivals hall is usually a 5–10 minute walk with clear English signage throughout.

Passport control & e-gates

Non-EU arrivals queue for manual passport check; EU/UK passport holders can use the e-gates for faster processing. Allow 15–30 minutes in high season (May–October) when multiple charter flights land together.

Baggage reclaim

Multiple baggage belts serve international arrivals. Bags typically appear 15–25 minutes after landing; longer during peak-season overlap when several charter flights land within an hour.

Meeting your hoppa driver

Your driver waits inside the arrivals hall with a name board bearing your surname. Head through customs to the meeting area, and your driver will greet you and escort you to the vehicle. Your e-ticket carries the exact meeting point and a phone number if you cannot see them.

Peak arrival window: Heraklion is Greece’s second-busiest airport after Athens. Saturday afternoons in July and August can see 12–15 UK and European charter flights land within a two-hour window. Expect longer queues at passport control and slower baggage delivery on this day.

Onward transport from Heraklion Airport

Pre-booked hoppa transfers

The most reliable option in high season. Fixed all-in fare, driver tracks your flight with 60 minutes of free wait plus a 30-minute buffer on international arrivals, and meets you inside arrivals with a name board. Journey times range from 15 minutes (Heraklion Town) to 90 minutes (Rethymno).

Public bus (KTEL Astikon line 1)

The KTEL Astikon bus line 1 runs from the airport to Heraklion Town every 15–30 minutes during the day, with the bus station connecting onward to Hersonissos, Malia and eastern Crete. Fare around €1.20 to Heraklion Town, cash only. Limited luggage space and no dedicated resort drop-offs.

Local taxi rank

Metered blue-and-white taxis wait outside the arrivals exit. 22:00–06:00 attracts a night surcharge, and luggage adds around €0.50 per bag. Queues can exceed 45 minutes on Saturday afternoons and evening arrivals in peak season.

Car hire

Multiple international and local car rental desks operate inside the terminal. Book online in advance for high season — on-day rates can double in July and August. Crete is easy to explore by car with the E75 motorway running east and west along the north coast.

Facilities inside Heraklion Airport

Heraklion Airport is a mid-size Greek terminal, with more airside options than smaller Aegean airports but still limited compared to major hubs. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Free Wi-Fi throughout terminal
  • Cafés and light meals
  • Duty-free shop (departures)
  • ATMs in arrivals & departures
  • Currency exchange
  • Baby-change facilities
  • Reduced-mobility assistance
  • Tourist information desk
  • Toilets throughout terminal
  • Prayer room
  • Left luggage service
  • First-aid station

Airside options are compact: Once past security in departures, the food and shopping selection is modest. Grab a meal or coffee before checking in if you want more choice.

Insider tips for Heraklion Airport

Book high-season transfers early

Heraklion is Greece’s second-busiest airport with a huge summer peak. From mid-May to early October, transfer supply tightens and taxi queues can exceed 45 minutes. Pre-booking your hoppa transfer avoids the queue entirely.

Time your arrival

Weekday morning flights are quietest through immigration and baggage. Saturday afternoons are the busiest window — if you can choose your flight, this alone can save you 30–45 minutes.

Currency: Euro (€)

Greece uses the Euro. Card payments are widely accepted at the airport and in most resorts, but keep small Euro notes for the airport bus, tavernas, tips and any airport refreshments.

Grab water before you leave

Summer temperatures on Crete regularly hit 33°C+. Buy a bottle of water at the airport shops before your transfer — especially useful on longer runs to Elounda, Agios Nikolaos or Rethymno where the journey approaches 90 minutes.

Save your driver’s details

When you receive your hoppa e-ticket, save the driver’s phone number to your phone before you fly. Airport Wi-Fi can be patchy in high season when hundreds of arrivals connect at once.

Your return journey

Check your pick-up time in ‘My Bookings’ or your SMS 24 hours before you fly home, and be at the meeting point 10 minutes early. In a private vehicle you are collected from your accommodation at the exact time on your e-ticket.

Coastal landing view: Heraklion’s runway extends toward the sea on the north coast of Crete. Sit on the left side of the plane when arriving from the north for a spectacular view of the Aegean and the Venetian harbour of Heraklion city.

Going home

Booked return airport transfers for the end of your Crete stay? How you meet your driver depends on the transport you chose. In a private vehicle you are picked up from your accommodation at the time on your e-ticket — be ready 15 minutes before, with your e-ticket to hand.

Travelling by shuttle bus? Check your pick-up time online the day before your flight home and get to your pick-up point 10 minutes early. If you have opted in to SMS, we text your pick-up details. Whichever transfer you chose, call the emergency number on your e-ticket if your driver is late.

If you're planning your trip, be sure to check out our guide to the best things to do in Heraklion.

Coastal town of Elounda with clear water on the coast of Crete

Book your Heraklion Airport transfers with hoppa today

Lock in a fixed, all-in price with free cancellation and a named driver waiting at arrivals. Enter your dates above to see cheap Heraklion Airport transfers for your exact route to Hersonissos, Malia, Elounda and beyond. Prices are indicative.

Frequently asked questions

Are Heraklion Airport transfers cheap?

Yes. The shared shuttle is the lowest-price option from an indicative £7 per person, and every transfer is a fixed all-in price with free cancellation. Prices are indicative.

How much is a private transfer from Heraklion Airport to Hersonissos?

A private car to Hersonissos is an indicative £40 for the whole car, fixed and all-in, for the roughly 25-minute run. Prices are indicative.

How long is the transfer from Heraklion Airport to Elounda?

Elounda is one of the longer legs at around 60 minutes east along the coast. Agios Nikolaos is around 70 minutes and Rethymno around 90.

Will my driver wait if my flight is delayed?

Yes. Your driver tracks your flight and waits free for up to 60 minutes after landing, plus a 30-minute buffer on international arrivals.

Can I cancel my Heraklion transfer?

Yes. Cars and vehicles up to 7 seats cancel free more than 24 hours before travel; 8–14 seats more than 48 hours before; 16+ seats more than 14 days before.

Is a shared shuttle or a private transfer better?

A shared shuttle is cheapest and stops along the route. A private transfer takes only your group directly to your door with no waiting — the better choice for families and heavy luggage.

Can I add a child seat?

Yes. The first child seat is free and must be requested at booking. Additional seats may carry a supplier fee, shown in your quote before you pay.

Can I bring a pet or service animal?

Yes, at no extra charge — tell us at booking. Animals count toward the vehicle’s passenger capacity.

Can an AI assistant book my Heraklion transfer?

Yes. hoppa is integrated into Mastercard’s Agentic Pay platform, so AI agents can search, compare and complete your Heraklion transfer booking across hoppa’s network of 70,000+ vetted providers.

Transfers available

to our most popular destination of Hersonissos

Our customers love us!

Heraklion rated 4.2/5 from 82528 reviews