Heraklion, Greece
Airport serving Crete, with flights to the Greek islands & other mainland European destinations.
7 features verified at Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport
Typical foot-traffic by hour, sourced from Google. Live conditions may differ.
Busiest on Mondays around 7 pm — usually busy.
Having read horror stories about this airport I was absolutely dreading the return journey. It was perfectly fine though. There was a bit of a queue to check in our bags, but that was down to Jet 2 not the airport. The duty free area was fine. There were plenty of seats once through. There were a few eateries and coffee shops which all seemed fine. The toilets were also perfectly OK. We proceeded through to the departure gate in good time. That was the only issue, we ended up in a big crowd awaiting buses to ship across to the plane so it wasn't the best organised at that point - but it was fine.
The sanitary facilities are an absolute disgrace. The main men's restroom had four toilets, two of which had broken locks, making it impossible to lock. Several toilet lids were missing, and the condition was simply appalling. When you flush, water spurts out of the lever. In the second men's restroom, one toilet was permanently locked, and the only remaining toilet had an unattached lid. There are makeshift holes in the wall everywhere, the mirrors look rusty, and the place looks like it's been in use for 40 years without being serviced. Not to mention that neither three nor six toilets are enough for the volume of passengers. Everything at Heraklion Airport looks ancient and unkempt. The rooftop terrace is locked and is used as a dumping ground for junk/trash. In what age do we live that toilet paper and the feces on it are collected in trash cans and are not allowed to be thrown down the toilet?2000 years ago, hygiene in Greece was much better. Very poor, absolutly missmanagement.
Fast processing and a clear layout thanks to its relatively small size. Food and drinks are reasonably priced; there are suitable options without having to search far. Negatives include the toilets - too few facilities and not particularly clean. Despite the high passenger numbers, the airport overall seems well organized and functional.
Very basic - a traditional Greek island airport. Toilets in arrivals are small and a bit smelly. Disembarking the plane then the bus to terminal - takes 3 mins (As of 17th Oct - there's still no EES working). Very quick through baggage claim, and just 30m out of the doors to the transfers. They are building a new airport and there a new motorway under construction. Return was painless but you do feel or realise how small the airport is. There a couple of sandwich outlets near duty with huge queues, staff were busy and occasionally took their frustrations out on customers who wanted to see through the cabinet (at the sandwiches) before purchasing!!! There's a another small outlet near the "A" gates (internal flights) with very small queues. Then when through Passport control, there's another outlet and burger outlet. If this review is of use - thumbs up pls :)
Heraklion International Airport, officially named after the celebrated Cretan writer Nikos Kazantzakis, serves as the primary air gateway to the island of Crete. Located in Nea Alikarnassos, just east of Heraklion city centre, it handles a mix of scheduled, charter, and seasonal flights connecting the island to destinations across Europe. The airport is a vital hub for tourism and local commerce, funnelling millions of passengers each year to Crete’s ancient sites, beaches, and resorts.
The airport sits roughly 5 kilometres east of Heraklion’s city centre, making it easily accessible by taxi, bus, or rental car. It is situated on the northern coast of Crete, and its proximity to the Aegean Sea means that flights often arrive with sweeping views of the coastline. The terminal buildings are compact but functional, designed to manage heavy summer traffic. During peak tourist season, the airport can become very busy, particularly in the late afternoon and early evening hours.
The airport has a single main terminal building that handles both arrivals and departures. Facilities are wheelchair-accessible throughout, including the car park, entrance, and toilets. Designated accessible toilets are available, and there are changing tables in the restrooms for families with infants. Baggage storage services are offered, allowing passengers to store luggage for a few hours or longer if they have a layover or need to explore Heraklion before a later flight. Standard toilets are provided in both public and secured areas.
On-site services include information desks, ATMs, currency exchange, and a small selection of shops and cafes. Duty-free shopping is available for departing passengers after security. Wi-Fi is generally free but may have limited bandwidth; connections can be slow when the terminal is crowded. There are no dedicated lounges operated by the airport itself, but some airlines may offer lounge access to premium passengers.
The airport does not operate 24 hours a day. It closes overnight, typically reopening a few hours before the first scheduled flight. For specific opening times, passengers should check the airport’s official website or contact the information desk. The busiest hours are around 7 pm and 8 pm, when multiple flights depart for European cities. Arriving during these peaks can mean longer queues at security, check-in, and baggage reclaim.
The terminal is fully equipped for passengers with reduced mobility. Wheelchair-accessible car parking spaces are located near the entrance. All floors are linked by lifts, and the ramps are gentle. Accessible toilets are clearly marked. If you require assistance, it is advisable to notify your airline in advance; they can arrange for a wheelchair escort through the terminal.
A taxi rank operates outside the arrivals hall, with fixed fares to Heraklion city centre and other nearby destinations. A public bus service (lines 1 and 6) connects the airport to the city bus station and the port area. Buses run roughly every 15–30 minutes during daytime. Car rental desks are present in the arrivals hall, and there is a multi-storey car park directly opposite the terminal for those driving to the airport. Short-term and long-term parking options are available.
For up-to-date flight information, parking rates, and terminal maps, visit the airport’s official website: https://www.heraklion-airport.gr/en/. You can also call the main information line at +30 281 039 7129. Useful for checking flight status or lost property inquiries.
Heraklion Airport is a busy but well-organised facility that primarily serves tourists visiting Crete’s northern coast and historic sites. While compact, it offers essential amenities and accessibility features. Peak times are in the early evening, so plan accordingly. The airport is not open overnight, so late-night arrivals must make alternative plans. For a smoother experience, check in online and arrive well before your flight.
Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport
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Wikipedia
More about Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport
Wikipedia
More about Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport
Guide to Plateia Daskalogianni Airstrip, a small landing facility in Heraklion's central square. Information on access, terminal, and local attractions.
Comprehensive travel guide to Sitia Airport (JSH) in eastern Crete: getting there, terminal facilities, local attractions, and practical tips for a smooth visit.
Welcome to Chania Airport, operated by Fraport Greece.
Complete guide to Chania International Airport Ioannis Daskalogiannis on Crete, Greece. Getting there, terminal facilities, and why Chania is worth visiting.
Airport with buses running to the island capital in 20 minutes, also serving as a military facility.