Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” (HER) is easy to navigate because everything is in one compact, single-level terminal. You will not get lost between concourses here. This page explains the layout — where check-in, security, the gates and the facilities are — so you know what to expect before you arrive.
The terminal layout
HER has one passenger terminal on a single main level. The public (landside) area holds check-in, arrivals, car-hire desks, a cafe and the exits to transport. Beyond security is the airside departures area with the gates, shops and food. Because it is all close together, walking distances are short even at the summer peak.
Landside: before security
As you enter departures you will find the check-in desks, a cafe and small shops. The arrivals hall — where you come out after a flight — opens onto the taxi rank, the bus stop and the car-hire desks. The car park sits directly in front of the terminal, a two-to-three minute walk from the doors.
Airside: after security
Once through security (and passport control for non-Schengen flights) you reach the departures area with the boarding gates, the duty-free and shops, cafes and food, and the lounges. The gates are a short walk from security.
Getting around with luggage or reduced mobility
The single level and short distances make HER straightforward with trolleys, pushchairs or reduced mobility. Free assistance is available with notice — see the reduced-mobility guide. Signage is clear and bilingual (Greek and English).
Finding the car park and transport
The car park is immediately outside the terminal (see the parking guide), and the bus stop and taxi rank are directly opposite the main exit. There is no metro or train — Crete has no railway.
A note on the new airport
A new, larger airport is under construction inland at Kastelli to replace the current site in the coming years. Until it opens, this layout refers to the existing Nikos Kazantzakis terminal on the coast; we will update the maps when operations move.
Frequently asked questions
How many terminals does Heraklion Airport have?
One, on a single level, so it is quick and easy to navigate.
Where is the car park?
Directly in front of the terminal, a two-to-three minute walk from the doors.
Where are the shops and food?
Mostly airside, after security, with a cafe landside too.
Is there a train to the airport?
No — Crete has no railway; use the bus, a taxi or a transfer.