Heraklion Airport Taxis
Licensed taxis are the quickest door-to-door way from Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” (HER) into the city, and they wait right outside arrivals whenever a flight lands. There is no need to book: you join the rank and take the next car. This guide covers the fares, the rank, how the meter works, and when a taxi beats the bus or a pre-booked transfer.
How much is a taxi from Heraklion Airport to the city?
The ride into central Heraklion takes 10–15 minutes and costs roughly €20–€25 during the day. At night, between 00:00 and 05:00, and on public holidays, the higher tariff applies and the fare is closer to €25–€30. Treat these as a guide and confirm the likely cost with the driver before you set off.
Where is the taxi rank?
The rank is directly outside the arrivals exit of the single terminal, a few steps from the door. A queue or marshal system operates in the busy summer months, so join the line and take the next available car. Use the official rank rather than accepting an offer from anyone approaching you inside the terminal — those are rarely a good deal.
How the fare is calculated
Heraklion taxis are metered and regulated, with two tariffs: tariff 1 in the daytime and the higher tariff 2 at night, on holidays, and outside the city limits. On top of the metered fare there can be small, legitimate extras — a charge per large bag and an airport pick-up fee — which the driver should be able to point to on the official rate card. A minimum fare also applies to very short trips.
- Daytime (05:00–00:00): tariff 1, roughly €20–€25 to the centre
- Night (00:00–05:00) and holidays: tariff 2, roughly €25–€30
- Extras: luggage and airport surcharges, plus a minimum fare
Taxi fares to the resorts
Crete is a large island, so a taxi across it adds up fast. For anything beyond the city, agree a fixed price before you leave rather than running the meter. As a rough idea, the resorts east of the airport — Hersonissos and Malia, around 25–35 km away — are a moderate fare, while Rethymno (~80 km) and Chania (~140 km) in the west cost considerably more. For those longer runs a pre-booked transfer is usually better value and less stressful.
Taxis with children or extra needs
If you need a child seat or a larger, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, this is hard to guarantee at the rank on the spot. Pre-booking a suitable taxi or transfer in advance is the reliable way to make sure the right car is waiting for you.
Booking a taxi in advance
You do not have to pre-book for the city, but a reservation is reassuring for a late arrival, a big group, or a trip to a distant resort. If you want a fixed price and a driver waiting with your name on a board, compare a private transfer, which removes the queue and the fare uncertainty.
Paying
Cash in euros is always accepted and is the safest bet. Some cars take cards, but do not rely on it — carry enough cash for the fare, plus a little for any extras. Ask for a receipt if you need one for expenses.
Simple ways to avoid overpaying
- Only use the official rank outside arrivals.
- Confirm the fare, or that the meter is on the correct tariff, before moving off.
- For the resorts, agree a fixed price up front.
- Keep small euro notes; rounding up is polite but a large tip is not expected.
- Ignore anyone touting for a taxi inside the terminal.
Taxi, bus or transfer?
A taxi is fastest and door-to-door but pricier than the bus. The public bus is the budget choice into the city at around €2. A pre-booked transfer suits families, late flights and the far resorts. See the full transport guide to weigh them up.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from Heraklion Airport to the centre?
About €20–€25 by day and €25–€30 at night, for a 10–15 minute ride.
Do I need to book a taxi?
No — taxis wait at the rank outside arrivals. Booking helps for late arrivals, groups, child seats, or distant resorts.
Can I pay by card?
Some taxis accept cards, but carry euro cash to be safe.
Are airport taxis more expensive at night?
Yes. The night tariff (00:00–05:00) and public holidays cost a few euros more.
How much is a taxi to Hersonissos or Malia?
More than the city fare, as they are 25–35 km away; agree a fixed price first, or compare a transfer.
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