Terminals at Heraklion Airport (HER)

Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” (HER) has one passenger terminal, and every airline and every flight uses it, so there is no transfer between buildings to plan for. Departures run through the check-in counters, then security lanes shared by all flights, then a single airside area holding eleven boarding gates along with the shops and food outlets. Passport control applies only to flights leaving the Schengen area. Arrivals work in the opposite order: passport control where it applies, the reclaim belts, then one set of doors into the public hall where drivers wait. Because the building is compact, the gate is two to three minutes from security rather than a long walk down a pier. The practical consequence is that at HER the queue, not the distance, decides how early you need to arrive.

How many terminals does Heraklion Airport have?

HER has one terminal. All airlines and all flights, domestic and international alike, use the same terminal, so there is no inter-terminal transfer to worry about. Almost everything sits on the main level, which keeps walking distances short even at the busy summer peak, and makes it easy to manage with luggage or a pushchair.

Departures step by step

On the way out you arrive at the public departures hall, where the check-in counters, a cafe and a few shops are. After you check in and drop your bags, you pass through the central security screening into the airside departures area. From there you wait near your boarding gate with access to the duty-free shop, other stores and several places to eat. In July and August the check-in and security queues can be long, so arrive within your airline’s recommended window.

Arrivals step by step

Arriving passengers clear passport control where it applies (for flights from outside the Schengen area), collect bags at the reclaim belts, and continue into the public arrivals hall. Onward transport sits a couple of minutes from the door: the city bus stop, the taxi rank and the car rental counters. See the bus guide for bus fares. See the taxi guide for taxi prices.

Airside: gates, shops and food

Past security you will find the boarding gates along with the shops and food outlets. Because HER is compact, the gates are two to three minutes from security on foot, so you are never far from your flight. See the duty-free guide for what the shops sell. See the food and drink guide for where to eat. See the lounge guide if you want somewhere quiet to wait.

Facilities and services

• ATMs and currency-exchange counters
• Car rental counters in the arrivals area
• Lost and found / baggage services
• Duty-free, souvenir stands and a small mini-market
• Cafes, snack bars and a restaurant
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
• Airport lounges airside

Money, Wi-Fi and charging

There are ATMs and currency exchange in the terminal, though rates at airport exchange counters are rarely the best, a bank card withdrawal or paying by card in town usually works out better. Free Wi-Fi covers the terminal, and there are charging points in the departures area, so you can top up devices before boarding.

Accessibility

The compact layout and short distances make HER manageable for travellers with reduced mobility. Arrange assistance with your airline in advance so staff can meet you at the terminal and help through check-in, security and to the boarding gate; the earlier you request it, the smoother it is.

Getting to the terminal

The airport is about 5 km east of Heraklion city centre. Four ways to reach the terminal: the city bus, a taxi, a pre-booked transfer or your own car. The car park is two to three minutes from the doors on foot. See the parking guide for rates.

The new airport at Kastelli

A new airport for Heraklion is under construction inland at Kastelli and is expected to open around 2028 and to replace the current site. Until it opens, everything here refers to the existing Nikos Kazantzakis terminal on the coast; we will update this guide when operations move.

Frequently asked questions

How many terminals are there at Heraklion Airport?
HER has one terminal, used by every flight. Almost everything is on the main level: nine of the eleven departure exits are here, and two more are on the floor above, with lifts.

Is there Wi-Fi in the terminal?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout.

Where are the shops and restaurants?
Mainly airside after security, with a cafe and small shops landside too.

Is there an ATM and currency exchange?
Yes, both are in the terminal, though airport exchange rates are rarely the best.

How early should I arrive?
Follow your airline’s advice; in peak summer allow extra time for check-in and security.