Flights from Athens to Heraklion: fares and flight guide

For flights from Athens to Heraklion, budget roughly €40–160 one way and €80–300 return in economy. During periods of high demand, fares can exceed these ranges. Direct flights usually take 50–60 minutes, with regular services from AEGEAN and SKY express. Lower fares are more common from November to March, outside holiday periods, and on less popular departures.

The amounts below are estimates to help you plan your trip, not live offers or guaranteed fares. The final price depends on your dates, availability, baggage and change conditions. For a meaningful comparison, look at the same overall package, rather than just the first price shown in search results.

At a glance

• Route: Athens, Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), to Heraklion, Nikos Kazantzakis (HER).
• Duration: around 50–60 minutes direct, based on the scheduled flight time.
• Airlines: AEGEAN and SKY express; check the available schedule for your dates.
• Indicative fares: around €40–160 one way and €80–300 return. Do not assume checked baggage is included.
• Best value: usually in winter outside holiday periods, with flexibility over your travel day and time.
• Getting to the centre: city bus or taxi, taking around 15–30 minutes depending on traffic and your destination.

Which airlines fly from Athens to Heraklion?

AEGEAN and SKY express operate direct flights between Athens and Heraklion year-round. This is a major domestic route, with frequent daily departures. Their number varies by season and day, so a fixed weekly flight count is not a reliable basis for planning your trip.

In search results, check both the airline selling the ticket and the carrier actually operating the flight. Different listings do not necessarily mean different aircraft or additional services. For other airlines, seasonal routes change, so you need to check the current schedule. Older references to carriers do not confirm that they still fly the route.

Connecting itineraries may also appear, for example via Thessaloniki, where schedules allow. On such a short route, they usually offer no practical advantage: they increase the total journey time and may cost more. If you consider one, choose flights on a single booking and check the total duration. Two separate tickets do not offer the same protection if you miss your onward flight.

How much do flights cost by season?

Seasonality has a noticeable effect on fares, but it is not the only factor. A Friday in winter can cost more than a weekday in June. The following indicative ranges per adult are for economy travel and are not recorded live offers:

• November–March, outside holiday periods: around €40–90 one way and €80–170 return.
• April–June and September–October, outside peak periods: around €50–130 one way and €100–240 return.
• July–August: around €70–180 one way and €140–340 return.
• Easter, Christmas, long weekends and bookings close to departure: around €80–220 one way and €160–400 return, potentially higher when seats are scarce.

Compare the final amount payable, including taxes and mandatory charges. Checked baggage, seat selection and flexible changes may cost extra. A return ticket is not necessarily cheaper than two one-way tickets, even when flying with different airlines.

When to book for a cheaper fare

For off-peak travel, start comparing fares around 4–8 weeks ahead. For summer holidays, Easter and popular long weekends, it is sensible to look 2–4 months in advance. These are useful search windows, not rules that guarantee the lowest price. If your dates are fixed, waiting for a possible offer increases the risk.

Check departures and returns one or two days either side of your original choice. Midweek flights and less convenient times are worth checking, although they are not always cheaper. There is no specific day to buy that guarantees a low fare for everyone.

Set a price alert and start by comparing like for like. Our guide to 20 tips for cheap flights offers more ways to reduce the overall cost. If you are searching shortly before departure, see what to watch for when booking cheap last-minute flights, without assuming the last remaining seats will be discounted.

How long is the flight, and which airports serve the route?

Athens–Heraklion flights usually have a scheduled duration of 50–60 minutes. This is not just time in the air: it also includes aircraft movements on the ground. Weather, air traffic and waits for take-off can affect the actual arrival time.

Flights depart from Athens International Airport, Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH). For a domestic flight, arriving around two hours early is a sensible starting point, especially with checked baggage or on busy days. Always follow your airline's specific baggage drop and boarding deadlines.

In Heraklion, Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (HER) is around 5 kilometres east of the centre. For future travel, confirm the arrival airport on your booking, as the new airport at Kastelli is under development. Do not arrange transfers based on an unconfirmed opening date.

From Heraklion Airport to the city centre

The short distance makes getting into the city relatively quick. Your choice mainly depends on your arrival time, group size and where you are staying:

• City bus: a budget option for reaching the centre, costing roughly €2–3 per person. Allow around 20–30 minutes for the journey, excluding waiting time. Check the stop, timetable and how to buy your ticket before boarding.
• Taxi: around 15–25 minutes to central areas, with an indicative fare of €15–25. Night rates, waiting time, surcharges and your exact address can affect the price. Ask how the fare is calculated and request a receipt.
• Private transfer: useful for families, travellers with lots of luggage or late arrivals. Compare quotes for the specific vehicle and hotel, including any child seat you need.

If you are staying entirely within the city, you will not usually need a car every day. If you are planning day trips, our guide to car hire in Heraklion helps you compare collection options, insurance and rental terms. Factor in fuel and parking, not just the daily rental rate.

What to see in Heraklion and when to go

Heraklion deserves more than a brief stop between the airport and a seaside hotel. For a first visit, I would allow two full days in the city and another for Knossos or a nearby excursion. The historic centre is pleasant to explore on foot, but distances add up if you combine the waterfront, Venetian walls and museums. Spread your sightseeing out rather than squeezing it all into one morning.

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is the best starting point for understanding Minoan civilisation. Its collection includes finds from Knossos, Phaistos and other sites across Crete, with frescoes, pottery and everyday objects. Allow around two to three hours, or longer if you are interested in archaeology. Check official opening hours and admission conditions, as these vary by season and visitor category.

Knossos, a few kilometres south of the city, complements a museum visit. The palace helps you appreciate the scale and organisation of an important Minoan centre. It is worth distinguishing the ancient remains from later restorations, though. A well-informed guided tour adds depth to the visit. In summer, go in the morning and bring water, a hat and sturdy shoes, as much of the site is exposed to the sun.

In the city, start at the Morosini Fountain in Lions Square, pass the Loggia and follow 25th August Street down to the Venetian harbour. Koules Fortress and the Venetian shipyards reveal another side of Heraklion's history, beyond the Minoan period. The waterfront is ideal for a late-afternoon walk once the heat eases. For a longer route, include a section of the Venetian walls and the tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis on the Martinengo Bastion.

If you have a second day in the city, the Historical Museum of Crete continues the story from Byzantine times to the modern era. The Natural History Museum of Crete is another good option, especially for families looking for a change from archaeological sites. Avoid filling your entire itinerary with admission tickets and opening hours, though. Leave time for coffee, the small shopping streets and an unhurried meal.

When eating out, choose seasonal dishes and ask what has been cooked that day. Dakos, leafy greens, pulses, local cheeses and goat are good starting points, without turning every meal into a huge order. For a trip out of town, Archanes combines a stroll, good food and access to the countryside. If you want a beach close to Heraklion, Ammoudara is a practical choice, but check the wind and sea conditions.

May, early June, September and October often offer a good balance for sightseeing and day trips, although no particular weather is guaranteed. July and August require more planning because of the heat and visitor numbers. Winter suits a trip focused on museums, food and everyday life in a city that stays active year-round. If you hope to swim outside summer, leave room to change your plans according to the forecast.

Where to stay

For a short trip without a car, the city centre is the most convenient base for sights, restaurants and evening strolls. The area near the port is practical if you are continuing by ferry, but check the actual distance to your departure gate. Ammoudara is better suited to combining city time with the beach. Our guide to where to stay in Heraklion: the centre, port and beaches compares the areas in more detail.

For a holiday with facilities and services on hand, compare all-inclusive hotels in Heraklion, paying attention to their distance from the city and what is included. For a more relaxing two-day break, browse spa hotels in Heraklion and confirm whether access to the facilities is included in your booking.

Baggage and low-cost airlines

The cheapest fare does not necessarily come from a low-cost airline, nor does it always include the same things. On the Athens–Heraklion route, compare what each specific fare includes. A personal item that fits under the seat, a cabin bag for the overhead locker and a checked suitcase are different baggage categories.

• Dimensions and weight: check the current limits with the airline operating your flight.
• Checked baggage: see whether it is included and how much the total price changes when you add it.
• Changes: even where permitted, you may have to pay a fare difference or an additional fee.
• Special equipment: pushchairs, sports equipment and musical instruments require a separate check of the conditions.

For a two-day trip, packing light can reduce costs and waiting time on arrival. For a longer stay, compare the basic fare directly with one that includes a suitcase, rather than assuming that adding baggage separately is always better value.

Practical tips before booking

Make your final comparison with the whole trip in mind. A very early departure may require a taxi to the airport, while a late arrival could make collecting a hire car more difficult. To explore different combinations, use our guide to comparing flights with Skyscanner and check the terms of the seller you ultimately book with.

• Enter passenger details exactly as they appear on the accepted travel document, and check the requirements for children separately.
• Complete online check-in in good time and save your boarding pass.
• Keep medication, documents and essential items in your cabin baggage, in line with security rules.
• If you are continuing by ferry or on a separately booked flight, allow plenty of time for delays and transfers.
• Before paying, check the final price, baggage allowance and cancellation policy for both legs of your trip.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Athens to Heraklion cost?

As a guide, around €40–160 one way and €80–300 return. Summer, holiday periods and limited availability can push prices up significantly. Check whether checked baggage is included.

How long is the flight from Athens to Heraklion?

A direct flight usually takes 50–60 minutes. Add travel to the airport, security checks, boarding and your transfer on arrival to work out the total journey time.

Which airlines fly direct from Athens to Heraklion?

AEGEAN and SKY express operate regular direct flights on the route. For other carriers and seasonal services, check the schedule for your travel dates.

Which airline is cheapest for Heraklion?

No airline is consistently the cheapest. Compare flights on the same day, at similar times and with the same baggage allowance. The lowest initial price may not be the cheapest option overall.

When can I find cheap flights from Athens to Heraklion?

They are more common in winter outside holiday periods and on days with lower demand. Comparing early and being flexible by a few days helps more than looking for a specific day to buy.

How do I get from Heraklion Airport to the city centre?

By city bus, costing roughly €2–3 per person, or taxi, at around €15–25 per journey. Allow around 15–30 minutes, depending on transport, traffic and your destination.