Heraklion Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Heraklion Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

my god was it fun! I got stuck in this lift trying to get to Pizza Hut so i recommend the stairs! -Lawrence

HER Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Heraklion International Airport Nikos Kazantzakis.

What to Expect

Heraklion Airport (code: HER) consists of a small, recently renovated, terminal that primarily offers seasonal flights. Terminal amenities include a few eateries, bars, gift shop and duty free store, though previous reviewers were critical of high prices at these establishments. Reviewers are also critical about the terminal’s cleanliness. Comfort can be found through fee-based access to one of the airport’s first class lounges.

Sleeping in Heraklion Airport

Although the airport has recently undergone renovations, it would appear that these haven’t made it any more sleeper-friendly. Reviews of Heraklion Airport have gone downhill in recent years, with many travellers reporting a lot of garbage everywhere, dirty toilets and even stray cats and dogs wandering around the terminal building. The consensus is that this airport isn’t the best place to sleep overnight, so if you are unfortunate enough to get stuck here for long, you may want to consider a night at a hotel.

A few travellers say several couches are on the second floor on the landside/public area. The rest of the chairs available are uncomfortable and not suitable for sleeping.

One traveller has reported that due to the airport’s layout, there is plenty of space for you to hide away while you try to get some shut-eye, so that’s a positive. If you want to spend the night sleeping here, we’d recommend bringing a sleeping mat to make the floor a bit more comfortable and ensure you have plenty of layers and maybe a blanket.

Good to Know

According to the airport website, free WiFi is available throughout the airport; however, access can be difficult during the high season.

Read traveller reviews for more tips on where to sleep in Heraklion Airport. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Heraklion Airport Guide.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, you’ll find several hotels within a short drive of Heraklion Airport. Although some are relatively close, walking isn’t always practical because of busy roads.

Sofia Hotel (0.8 mi / 1.3 km) – Mid-range hotel.
Asterion Hotel (0.9 mi / 1.4 km) – Mid-range hotel.
Marvel Deluxe Rooms (1.1 mi / 1.8 km) – Guesthouse.
Anesea City (1.1 mi / 1.8 km) – Apartment-style accommodations.
City Life Port Hotel(1.7 mi / 2.7 km) – Boutique hotel.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program.

Landside

Filoxenia Lounge (Schengen) – Location: Airside, Schengen departures, after Passport Control, near Gate A1. Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM . Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.

Filoxenia Lounge (Extra-Schengen / Non-Schengen) – Location: Airside, Non-Schengen departures, after Passport Control, near Gate B10. Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.

Airside

Goldair Handling Lounge – Location: Airside, 1st Floor (above departures level), after Passport Control, Non-Schengen area. Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM (seasonal). Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.

Skyserv Executive Lounge (SKY Express Lounge) – Location: Airside, Departures, Terminal Building (Schengen), after Security, near the main SKY express boarding gates. Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM (based on SKY express flight schedules). Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Complimentary access for SKY express “SKY Experience” and “SKY Experience Plus” passengers; access available as a paid add-on during flight booking or via Manage My Booking.

Food & Drinks

Food outlets operate on varying schedules throughout the day. Options include a restaurant, several bars, and an ice cream shop. There are no 24-hour options.

Drinking Water
Information is unavailable. Does the airport have water fountains or water bottle refill stations? Click here to update this guide.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage storage is located in the car park area. Reported hours are 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

Previously listed sample rates:

Small locker: €3.00 / 6 hours • €9.00 / 1 day • €23.50 / 1 week
Large locker: €6.00 / 6 hours • €11.50 / 1 day • €42.50 / 1 week

Mobile Charging

There are no dedicated charging stations. However, power outlets have reportedly been found along the walls between luggage drop-off and Gates A1–A7. Some seats near luggage drop-off desk 36 may also have access to power.

Showers

Showers are not available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi/Internet

Free WiFi is available throughout the terminal. During peak tourist season, connections may be slow. Internet access/workstations are also available at Everest food outlets.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs operated by Piraeus Bank and National Bank are available. Fees may apply, especially for international withdrawals, so check with your bank before travelling.
Baby Care Facilities – A baby care room is available in the Departures terminal on the ground floor.
Currency Exchange – Currency exchange services are available in the Arrivals area.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available, along with a small selection of retail and gift shops.
Information Desk -An information desk is located in the Arrivals area and operates 24 hours a day.
Luggage Wrapping – Luggage wrapping services are available in the Departures terminal on the ground floor.
Medical Services – A medical centre is available and operates 24 hours a day.

Airlines

Heraklion Airport is served by the following airlines: Aegean Airlines • Air France • Astra Airlines • Bluebird Airlines • Cyprus Airways • EasyJet • Ellinair • Olympic Air • Sky Express • Volotea. Note: the airport is served by additional airlines on a seasonal-only basis.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Buses

Bus line 1 serves Heraklion Airport. The bus runs approximately every 10-15 minutes and is available from 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM. At the time of this update, a one-way ticket cost €3,00.

Car Rentals

There are 23 car rental agencies which offer service on-site; here are some of the options: Avis • Budget • Eurpdollar • Europcar • Firefly • Holiday Auto • Hertz • National • Sixt • Thrifty • Tourent.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

See Airport Hotels above.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available for hire in the ground transportation area. An airport surcharge of €2,50, extra luggage fees (over standard allowance), and overnight premiums are applicable.

Security & Safety

At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Heraklion Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Last updated: 2026-02-25

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.