Airports In Crete: A Comprehensive Guide To Arrivals And Departures

Crete is a Greek island served by three airports: Heraklion, Chania, and a small airport near Sitia. Heraklion and Chania are international airports, while the airport near Sitia is a small domestic airport that offers internal connections to Greece. Heraklion is Greece's second busiest airport, located on the northern coast of Crete, about 4 kilometres from the island's capital. Chania is located in the Akrotiri peninsula, about 13 kilometres from the town. The airport in Sitia is generally used for internal flights, although negotiations for charter connections have been ongoing since 2012.

Heraklion Airport (HER)

The airport's passenger terminal was built in 1971, when mass tourism to Crete was still developing. While it may not be overflowing with facilities, travellers can expect to find essential services such as a tourist help desk, banks and currency exchanges, medical services, a baby room, a post office, duty-free shops, retail outlets, snack bars, and a café bar serving basic drinks and snacks.

Travellers can choose from several options to reach their destination in Crete upon arriving at Heraklion Airport. Major tour operators offer bus transfers from the airport to hotels, but these often include multiple stops at towns and resorts, extending the travel time. Alternatively, travellers can opt for a private transfer, which provides a more direct and time-efficient journey. For those who prefer to explore the island independently, car rental services are available at the airport, and driving to various destinations is generally straightforward even for first-time visitors to Crete. Taxis are also readily available at the main terminal, and travellers can inquire about the price of a ride in advance.

It is worth noting that Heraklion Airport can become congested during the high season, with queues forming outside the building. To address this issue, there are plans to replace the airport with a new one called Kastelli, located on a southwestern air force base, with an expected capacity of up to 10 million passengers.

Chania Airport (CHQ)

The airport is accessible by car, bus, and taxi. It provides both short-term and long-term parking spaces. Chania Airport has just one terminal and a single asphalt runway that is 3,347 metres (10,982 feet) in length. The airport is open 24 hours, with flights taking off throughout the day. Chania Airport operates domestic flights within Greece and international flights to several destinations.

Several passenger airlines operate flights from Chania Airport, including Aegean Airlines, Air Serbia, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Condor, easyJet, Finnair, Lufthansa, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Ryanair, Scandinavian Airlines, Smartwings, Sunclass Airlines, and many others. In addition to passenger flights, the airport is also used by cargo airlines and the Hellenic Air Force military branch.

Chania Airport offers various facilities and services for passengers. These include duty-free shops, restaurants and cafes, a VIP lounge, newsagents, gift shops, and paid long-stay parking. The airport also provides essential services such as a tourist help desk, banks, currency exchange, medical services, and a baby room.

Chania Airport is a popular gateway to western Crete for tourists. It is known for its beautiful and historic surroundings, with some of the best beaches on the island, such as Elafonisi. Chania City, renowned for its charm, is just a 20-minute drive or a 30-minute bus ride from the airport.

Sitia Airport (JSH)

The Greek island of Crete is served by several airports, including Heraklion and Chania, which offer regular flights to Athens and Thessaloniki. Crete is also home to a small airport close to Sitia, known as Sitia Public Airport (JSH/LGST). This airport handles only domestic flights to and from Athens and Karpathos, and other Greek destinations.

The airport serves four destinations within Greece, with Athens, Kasos Island, and Alexandroupolis being the most popular routes. The longest flight from Sitia Airport is a 242-mile (389 km) non-stop route to Preveza/Lefkada (PVK), operated by Sky Express. This direct flight takes approximately one hour and 35 minutes.

In addition to rental cars and taxis, Sitia Airport provides access to various destinations across Crete. The nearby city of Sitia is just a short drive from the airport, making it a convenient option for travellers. Sitia Airport is a smaller alternative to the busier airports in Crete, such as Heraklion, offering a more intimate and efficient travel experience for passengers travelling within Greece.

Transport links to/from airports

Crete has three airports with regular flights: Heraklion, Chania, and a small airport near Sitia. Heraklion Airport, also known as Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (HER), is Greece's second busiest airport, located approximately 3 km from Heraklion city centre. It is served by over 40 airlines, offering flights to and from several destinations across Europe, including London Gatwick, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, and Cardiff. Heraklion Airport provides various transport options, including rental cars, taxis, and public buses. Urban buses (blue) connect the airport to the city, running every 10 minutes at a cost of approximately €1.50.

Chania Airport (CHQ), located on the Akrotiri peninsula, is dedicated to Ioannis Daskalogiannis, a historic 18th-century rebel. It is situated about 13-14 km from Chania City, a beautiful and historic destination. Chania Airport is served by around 30 airlines, including Ryanair, offering connections to several European cities and Italian destinations. Transport options include rental cars, taxis, and public buses. The public bus service connects the airport to Chania City, with a journey time of about 30 minutes.

Sitia Airport (JSH), located in the eastern part of the island, is approximately 1 kilometre from the resort town of Sitia. It is a small airport offering domestic flights to and from Athens and Karpathos during the summer season.

Additionally, Crete's airports offer charter flights and are served by budget airlines, especially during the summer. Major tour operators provide bus transfers from Heraklion and Chania Airports to hotels, but these can involve multiple stops and longer travel times. Airport shuttles to Corissia Hotels are also available from both airports, offering direct and cost-effective transfers.

Facilities at airports

Crete is a Greek island served by several airports, both public and military. The principal airport is Heraklion (HER), also known as Nikos Kazantzakis, which is Greece's second busiest airport. It is located approximately 3 kilometres from Heraklion city centre and offers regular flights to Athens, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Kos, and other Greek islands. Heraklion Airport features a tourist help desk, banks and currency exchanges, medical services, a baby room, a post office, duty-free shops, retail outlets, snack bars, and a café bar. While it can get congested during the high season, it is easily accessible by taxi or public bus.

Chania Airport (CHQ), located about 14 kilometres from Chania City, is dedicated to the 18th-century rebel Ioannis Daskalogiannis. It offers connections with numerous European cities and, through Ryanair, several Italian cities as well. Chania Airport's facilities include a VIP lounge, bars, a newsagent, a gift shop, and paid long-stay parking. Transport options from the airport include taxis, public buses, and coaches provided by tour operators.

In addition to Heraklion and Chania, Crete also has a small airport near Sitia (JSH) in the Lassithi region. This airport offers domestic flights to and from Athens and Karpathos during the summer season. It is located on a plateau above the city of Sitia, which is the rural centre of an extensive olive-growing region.

Crete's airports provide a range of facilities and transportation options to accommodate travellers' needs. With connections to various European and Italian cities, these airports serve as gateways to the beautiful island of Crete, known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and cultural attractions.

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