Crete Airports in 2026: Heraklion or Chania, and How to Get to Your Hotel
By Photis · Updated 24 October 2026
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Heraklion, Chania or Sitia: which Crete airport to fly into in 2026, what taxis and buses cost from each, car hire prices and what the new Kastelli airport changes.
Crete has two main airports, Heraklion and Chania, plus a small one at Sitia. The island is about 260 km long, so the airport you choose decides how long your first drive is. This guide covers which one to fly into in 2026, what a taxi or bus costs from each, and what is changing with the new airport at Kastelli.
Prices and times below were checked on 24 October 2026. Taxi fares in particular rise in summer and at night, so treat them as a guide.
Crete's airports at a glance
| Heraklion (HER) | Chania (CHQ) | Sitia (JSH) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Nikos Kazantzakis | Ioannis Daskalogiannis | Sitia |
| Where | 5 km east of Heraklion | About 15 km from Chania town, on the Akrotiri peninsula | Far east of the island |
| Size | Greece's second-busiest airport, 10 million passengers in 2025 | The main airport for western Crete | A handful of domestic flights |
| Best for | Heraklion, Hersonissos, Malia, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda | Chania, Kissamos, Balos, Falassarna, Elafonisi | Sitia and Vai only |
Which airport should you fly into?
Fly into the airport nearest to where you are staying. For the centre and east of the island (Heraklion, Hersonissos, Malia, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda), Heraklion is the obvious choice. For the west (Chania town, Kissamos and the beaches of Balos, Falassarna and Elafonisi), choose Chania.
Rethymno sits between the two, so compare flight prices: Heraklion airport is about 1 hour 20 minutes away by car. If you are touring the whole island, you can fly into one airport and out of the other. Heraklion to Chania is about a 2-hour drive.
Getting from Heraklion airport
- Taxi to the city centre: about €15 to €20, 10 to 15 minutes. The rank is outside arrivals.
- City bus to the centre: about 20 minutes. A ticket costs €1.60 if you buy it before boarding and €2 on the bus.
- Taxi to the resorts: roughly €35 to €45 to Hersonissos (25 minutes), €80 to €100 to Agios Nikolaos (55 minutes), €95 to €115 to Elounda (1 hour 10 minutes), €120 to €140 to Rethymno (1 hour 20 minutes) and €180 to €200 to Chania (2 hours). A night rate of about 25 to 30% extra applies from 01:00 to 05:00.
- Car hire: most big and local companies have desks at the airport. A small automatic costs about €40 to €70 a day in July and August and €20 to €35 in May or October. Book four to six weeks ahead for summer.
Heraklion gets very busy in summer. In August, passport control for arrivals from outside the Schengen area can take 45 to 60 minutes, so leave a buffer before any onward plans.
Getting from Chania airport
- KTEL bus to Chania town: about €2.50, 20 to 30 minutes, to the KTEL bus station just outside the old town. Buy tickets online, at the kiosk outside the terminal in summer, or from the driver in the off-season (cash only).
- Taxi to Chania town: about €20 to €25, around 20 minutes.
- Car hire: the main companies have desks at the airport, and a car is the easiest way to reach the western beaches.
Private transfers
A pre-booked transfer fixes the price and the driver waits if your flight is late. It makes most sense for families, late arrivals and longer trips such as Heraklion airport to Agios Nikolaos.
Heraklion Airport & Port Transfer to / from Agios Nikolaos
A fixed-price private transfer in a Mercedes minivan from Heraklion airport or port to your hotel in Agios Nikolaos, about 50 minutes. Waiting time is free if your flight or luggage is late, and baby seats are free if you ask when booking.
Crete: Private Transfer to and from Chania Airports and Port
A private car or minivan from Chania or Heraklion airport, or Souda port, to Chania town, Rethymno and resorts across the west of the island, with water on board.
Sitia airport
Sitia (JSH) is a small airport in the far east of Crete with a handful of domestic flights, mostly with SKY express. Unless you are staying around Sitia or Vai, you will fly into Heraklion instead.
The new airport at Kastelli
A new airport is being built at Kastelli, about 39 km southeast of Heraklion, to replace the current Heraklion airport. Opening is expected around 2027 to 2028, and dates for Greek infrastructure projects often slip. Until it opens, all Heraklion flights use the current airport.
Flying from Athens, or taking the ferry
Aegean and SKY express fly from Athens to both Heraklion and Chania several times a day, and the flight takes about 50 minutes. You can also take the overnight ferry from Piraeus and wake up in Crete: see our Athens to Crete ferry guide.
Plan the rest of your Crete trip
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport is best for Crete?
The one nearest to where you are staying. Heraklion suits the centre and east, including Hersonissos, Malia, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda. Chania suits the west, including Chania town, Kissamos, Balos and Elafonisi.
How far is Heraklion airport from the city centre?
About 5 km. A taxi takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs about €15 to €20, and the city bus takes about 20 minutes for €1.60 to €2.
How do I get from Chania airport to Chania town?
The KTEL bus takes 20 to 30 minutes to the town's bus station and costs about €2.50. A taxi takes around 20 minutes and costs about €20 to €25.
How long is the drive from Heraklion to Chania?
About 2 hours by car. A taxi between Heraklion airport and Chania costs roughly €180 to €200, so if you are heading west, it usually makes sense to fly into Chania instead.
Is Crete getting a new airport?
Yes. A new airport is being built at Kastelli, about 39 km southeast of Heraklion, and is expected to open around 2027 to 2028. It will replace the current Heraklion airport.
Do I need to rent a car in Crete?
Not for a stay in Heraklion or Chania town, but for beaches and villages a car makes life much easier. A small automatic costs about €40 to €70 a day in July and August and €20 to €35 in May or October.
About Photis
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