Arriving by Air

Nikos Kazantzakis airport (airport code: HER) can be reached throughout the year from Athens and other major Greek cities by daily flights of Aegean Airlines and Olympic Airlines. During the "summer" period (mid April till end of October) Heraklion can be reached by many charter flights from several European cities (please check with your local travel agents). Flight time to/from Athens is about 40min.

Arriving by Sea

Throughout the year there are 3 daily trips connecting Heraklion with Piraeus (Athens). The boats usually sail during the night and the trip is about 7hrs. For boat shcedule and fares please check: Minoan Lines, ANEK Lines and Superfast Ferries.

Getting from the airport to the city center

When you arrive at the Heraklion airport, you have two options to get to the city and to your hotel: You can either use public transportation (a bus) or a taxi. We highly recommend the taxi option, since you will be able to find one immediately outside the arrivals building and it will take you directly to your destination. Estimates of the taxi fares depending on the hotel you have booked can be found further down this page.

Getting from the city center to FORTH

By Taxi

Ask the taxi driver to get you to "ITE" (pronounced 'eete') since most taxi drivers will not understand the word "FORTH". You may stop a passing-by taxi in the street by simply raising your hand. You can also call for a taxi at the number (+30) 2810-210102. Expect an additional fee when you call the taxi by phone.

Approximate taxi fares for some common routes are as following:

  • Airport to FORTH: 17.5-20 €
  • Airport to Eleftherias Square (city centre): 8-10 €
  • Eleftherias Square to FORTH: 12-13 €

By Car

Should you wish to rent a car, the following map will give you a perspective on how to reach FORTH. The destination point is FORTH's entrance. Ask for the main building at the gate.
 

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By Bus

There are two city bus lines that you can use to get to FORTH. The one-way ticket price is 1.30€ for either lines. Ticket vending machines are located next to most bus stations. You can also buy tickets from most kiosks around the city.
A convenient bus stop for taking the bus to FORTH is the one located in front of Astoria Hotel at Eleftherias Square
Please keep in mind that city traffic may affect departure and arrival times.

  • Line 8 takes you directly to FORTH. The sign on the bus reads "I.T.E." and its schedule is:

    • Airport - FORTH:
      07:20,  08:30,  11:30,  14:05,  15:05,  17:20,  19:40,  21:15
    • Astoria Hotel - FORTH (approximately):
      07:30,  08:40,  11:40,  14:15,  15:15,  17:30,  19:50,  21:25
    • FORTH - Airport
      08:00,  09:15,  12:15,  14:50,  15:50,  18:00,  20:10,  21:30

  • Line 11 leaves you ~300m away from FORTH . The sign on the bus reads "ΠΑ.Γ.Ν.Η." (the University Hospital) and its schedule is:

    • Airport - University Hospital:
      06:25,  each hour from 07:50 to 18:50,  21:45
    • Astoria Hotel - University Hospital (approximately):
      06:30,  each hour from 08.00 to 19:00,  21:55
    • Bus Stop near FORTH - Airport :
      06:55,  each hour from 08:30 to 19:30,  21:25