How to get to Heraklion

When planning a journey to sunny Greece, many tourists wonder how to get to Heraklion — the dynamic capital of the island of Crete and the gateway to the legendary Palace of Knossos. This bustling city, located on the northern coast, is the region's largest transport hub, welcoming travellers from all over the world year-round. You can arrive here in various ways: via a direct flight, by ferry, or by car from other parts of the island, choosing the most convenient option for your itinerary.

The fastest and most popular way to reach the island is to fly into Heraklion International Airport (Nikos Kazantzakis), which is located just a few kilometres from the city centre. The airport serves a vast number of scheduled and charter flights, connecting the region with the mainland and numerous European cities, making it a key entry point for tourists.

If direct tickets are unavailable, you can consider flying to neighbouring airports with a subsequent transfer. The nearest alternatives are in the cities of Sitia (about 89 km) and Chania (104 km). An option to fly via the island of Santorini and the city of Fira is also possible, from where you can reach Crete by sea.

It is important to note that railway services in the city of Heraklion, as on the entire island of Crete, are completely absent. There are no train stations or the trains typical of mainland Europe here, so planning a route by rail will not be possible.

Nearby cities, such as Chania or Sitia, are also not connected by rail transport. Travellers preferring ground transportation are recommended to use the developed network of intercity buses or rent a car for trips around the region.

Bus services on Crete are organised at a high level, and travelling to Heraklion by bus is a reliable and budget-friendly option. One of the most popular routes is the service from the city of Chania: comfortable buses cover the distance of 127 km in approximately 2.5 hours, driving along the picturesque coast.

If you are departing from the eastern part of the island, for example, from the city of Sitia, be prepared for a longer journey. The road, spanning about 172 km, will take approximately 5 hours, which is compensated by beautiful views from the window. Buses run regularly, linking the island's main cities with a convenient schedule.

Travelling by car offers freedom of movement and allows you to enjoy the landscapes of Crete at your own pace. You can get to Heraklion from the city of Sitia in about 2 hours 10 minutes, covering a distance of 127 km via national roads. A similar time — about 2.2 hours — will be required for a trip from the city of Chania (140 km).

For more complex routes, for example, from the city of Fira (which implies using a ferry to transport the vehicle), the total travel time may exceed 6 hours. Taxis are also available for intercity trips, but the cost of the transfer will be significantly higher than renting a car, especially for long distances.

To ensure your stay in the capital of Crete is as comfortable as possible and leaves only pleasant memories, it is worth considering a few local features in advance. Here is a list of practical recommendations for preparing for a trip to Heraklion:

1. Clothing and Footwear. It is hot here in summer, so choose light natural fabrics, but be sure to bring a hat. A light cardigan may be useful for evening walks by the sea. Since the city is rich in historical monuments, comfortable flat shoes are necessary for excursions.
2. Transport. It is best to explore the city centre on foot, as the streets can be narrow and congested. For trips to the surroundings and beaches, it is most convenient to use KTEL buses or a rented car.
3. Finances. The currency is the Euro (EUR). Cards are accepted in most restaurants and shops, but it is better to always have cash with you for buying souvenirs, paying bus fares, or in small taverns.
4. Health and Pharmacies. Pharmacies are marked with a green cross. The sun on Crete is very strong, so the use of sunscreen with high SPF is mandatory even in cloudy weather.
5. Communication. The official language is Greek, but staff in tourist areas speak English well. By learning a couple of words, such as "Kalimera" (Good morning) or "Efharisto" (Thank you), you will win the favour of the locals.
6. Plumbing. An important feature of all Greece: toilet paper must not be thrown into the toilet bowl due to narrow pipes. Special bins are always provided for this purpose.
7. Siesta. Keep in mind that many shops and institutions may close for an afternoon break (approximately from 14:00 to 17:00), especially during the hot summer months.

Observing these simple rules will help you avoid minor inconveniences and allow you to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this hospitable Greek city.