Crete has two main airports: Heraklion Airport (HER) in the north-central region and Chania Airport (CHQ) in the northwest. Both serve international flights, with Heraklion being larger and offering more year-round connections, whilst Chania provides easier access to western Crete destinations. Your choice depends primarily on your final destination within Crete and seasonal flight availability.
What are the main airports in Crete and which should you choose?
Crete operates two international airports that handle flights from across Europe and beyond. Heraklion Luchthaven (Nikos Kazantzakis Airport) is the island’s primary gateway, located on the northern coast about 5 kilometres southeast of Heraklion city. As Greece’s second-busiest airport, it offers extensive flight connections year-round and serves destinations across central and eastern Crete most conveniently.
de luchthaven van Chania (Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport) sits on the Akrotiri Peninsula, approximately 14 kilometres northeast of Chania town. This smaller facility primarily handles seasonal flights during summer months, making it ideal for accessing western Crete destinations including popular areas like Chania, Rethymno, and the stunning beaches of Balos and Falassarna.
Choose Heraklion if you’re heading to destinations like Agios Nikolaos, Sitia, Ierapetra, or anywhere in eastern Crete. Select Chania for easier access to western regions, particularly if you’re planning to explore the Samaria Gorge, visit traditional mountain villages, or stay along the western coastline.
How do you get from Crete’s airports to popular destinations?
Both Crete airports offer comprehensive transport options including public buses, taxis, car rentals, and private transfer services. Public buses provide the most economical option, with regular KTEL services connecting both airports to major towns and tourist areas. Journey times vary from 30 minutes to nearby cities up to 3 hours for cross-island destinations.
From Heraklion Airport, buses reach Heraklion city centre in 20 minutes, Agios Nikolaos in 90 minutes, and Sitia in approximately 3 hours. Chania Airport connects to Chania town in 30 minutes, with onward connections to Rethymno taking about 90 minutes total.
Autoverhuur remains the most flexible option for exploring Crete’s diverse landscapes and hidden beaches. Major international rental companies operate at both airports, though booking in advance ensures better rates and vehicle availability, particularly during peak summer months. Taxis offer door-to-door convenience but can be costly for longer journeys across the island.
Private transfer services provide a middle-ground option, offering pre-booked, fixed-price journeys that are particularly valuable when purchasing property in Greece and needing reliable airport connections for viewing trips.
Which airlines fly direct to Crete and from where?
Major European airlines serve both Crete airports with a mix of year-round and seasonal routes. Aegean Luchtvaartmaatschappij and Olympic Air provide the most comprehensive Greek domestic connections, whilst international carriers include Lufthansa, British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, and TUI, among others.
Heraklion Airport receives direct flights from major European cities including London, Berlin, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris, and Rome. Many routes operate year-round, with increased frequency during the April-October tourist season. Charter flights supplement scheduled services, particularly from Northern European cities.
Chania Airport’s flight schedule is more seasonal, with most international services operating from May through October. Direct connections serve destinations including London, Manchester, Berlin, Vienna, and various Scandinavian cities. Budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet have expanded their Crete operations significantly in recent years.
Both airports also handle connecting flights via Athens, providing access to destinations worldwide. This option often proves more economical for travellers from distant markets or those seeking premium cabin services.
What’s the difference between Heraklion and Chania airports for travellers?
Heraklion Airport offers superior facilities and services as Crete’s primary international gateway. The modern terminal features extensive shopping, dining options, car rental desks, and comprehensive passenger amenities. Longer operating hours and year-round flight schedules make it more suitable for flexible travel planning and off-season visits.
Chania Airport provides a more intimate, manageable experience with shorter queues and quicker processing times. The smaller terminal means less walking but fewer amenities, including limited shopping and dining options. However, its scenic location and proximity to western Crete’s attractions make it preferable for travellers focused on that region.
Heraklion excels for business travellers, those requiring extensive connections, or visitors planning to explore multiple regions of Crete. Chania suits leisure travellers seeking a relaxed arrival experience and immediate access to western Crete’s beaches, traditional villages, and natural attractions.
Both airports provide essential services including currency exchange, tourist information, and ground transport connections, ensuring smooth arrivals regardless of your choice.
When is the best time to book flights to Crete?
Book flights to Crete 2-3 months in advance for the best combination of price and availability. Peak season (July-August) requires earlier booking, ideally 3-4 months ahead, whilst shoulder seasons (April-June, September-October) offer more flexibility with 6-8 weeks advance booking often sufficient.
Flight prices typically peak during school holidays, particularly British and German summer breaks when demand from Northern European families reaches its highest. Mid-week departures (Tuesday-Thursday) generally cost less than weekend flights, with early morning and late evening departures offering additional savings.
Consider Crete’s tourism seasons when planning your booking strategy. Spring (April-May) provides excellent weather with lower prices, whilst autumn (September-October) offers warm seas and reduced crowds. Winter flights are limited but significantly cheaper for those interested in cultural exploration or property research visits.
Monitor multiple booking platforms and consider nearby departure airports if you live within reasonable distance of several options. Flexibility with dates and airports often yields substantial savings, particularly for leisure travel.
What should you know about arriving at Crete airports?
EU citizens enjoy streamlined entry procedures at both Crete airports, requiring only valid passport or national ID cards. Non-EU visitors should ensure passports have at least six months validity and may need to complete entry forms, though most nationalities don’t require visas for tourist visits up to 90 days.
Both airports offer currency exchange services, though rates are generally better in town centres. ATMs are readily available and widely accepted throughout Crete. Consider informing your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks during your visit.
Tourist information desks at both airports provide maps, accommodation assistance, and local guidance. Free WiFi is available throughout both terminals, making it easy to confirm onward travel arrangements or contact accommodation providers.
Car rental desks operate at both airports, though having documentation ready (driving licence, credit card, and any required international permits) speeds up the process. Local SIM cards are available for purchase, though EU roaming regulations make this less necessary for European visitors.
Whether you’re visiting Crete for holidays or exploring opportunities for property investment, both airports provide efficient gateways to this magnificent island. For those considering a more permanent connection to Crete through property ownership, our experienced team can provide guidance on the entire process from initial viewing trips to final purchase completion. Feel free to neem contact op met our specialists for personalised advice on making your Crete property dreams a reality.
