Posted by Flight Times, Airports, Airlines & Tips 2025
Crete is one of the most popular Greek islands – and one of the easiest to reach by plane. For your target audience, who mostly come from Germany, Switzerland, or Austria, direct flights are a much-praised convenience. However, there are a few things to consider: Which airports are there? When is the best time to fly? How do you find cheap tickets? And how do you get from the airport to the island?
This article provides you with all the essential information and insider tips for flights to Crete – perfect for incorporating directly into your travel guide project.
1. The Airports on Crete
Crete has two large civilian airports served by international airlines:
| Airport | IATA code | Location & Importance | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heraklion International Airport | HER | Central Crete, near the capital Heraklion | Most frequent connections, ideal for travelers to East & Central Crete |
| Chania (Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport) | CHQ | Western Crete, near Chania city | Ideal for travelers who want to go to the west of the island |
Chania Airport is located approximately 14 km east of Chania on the Akrotiri Peninsula.
Heraklion Airport is the main hub – many scheduled and charter flights arrive here.
A new airport is planned near Kastelli, which is expected to take over large parts of the traffic from around 2027 as a modern terminal for the Heraklion region.
2. Flight Connections: Direct or with a Layover?
✅ Direct Flights
Many airlines offer direct flights from German and Central European cities – especially during peak season.
Examples:
Direct flights to Heraklion (HER) or Chania (CHQ) are available from Frankfurt am Main, Munich, Hamburg, and Düsseldorf.
Condor offers regular direct flights to Crete (Heraklion & Chania).
Direct flights to Heraklion are available from Zurich during the summer months.
Direct flights are faster and more convenient, but often more expensive – especially during peak season.
🔄 Flights with a Layover
Outside of peak season or with limited direct connections, you often have to expect layovers, e.g., in Athens, Athens + domestic flight, or via major European hubs.
This can be attractive in terms of price, but it adds extra time and waiting time.
3. Flight Duration & Typical Flight Times
Berlin → Heraklion: approx. 3h 10min
Frankfurt → Heraklion: approx. 3h 5min
Munich → Heraklion: approx. 2h 45min
Stuttgart → Heraklion: approx. 2h 50min
Flight times to Chania are similar – direct flights typically take 2.75 to 3 hours, depending on the departure airport and wind conditions.
4. Airlines & Flight Types
Charter airlines: Often depart from many German airports during the summer season; many package holidays rely on charter flights.
Scheduled airlines: e.g., Aegean Airlines, Lufthansa (with codeshare), Eurowings, etc.
Low-cost carriers: Some offer direct flights during the peak season.
Seasonal flights: During the off-season (e.g., winter), direct flights are reduced or replaced by connecting flights.
5. Tips & Tricks for Finding Cheap Flights
Book early: You can often find the best prices months in advance, especially for peak season.
Flexible travel dates: Being flexible with your departure and return flights by +/- 1-2 days can help you find cheaper options.
Compare flight portals: Use tools like Skyscanner, Momondo, and Check24 to compare departure airports and routes.
Check combined flights: Sometimes a combination of a budget flight and a connecting flight is cheaper.
Take advantage of off-peak season: Flights are significantly cheaper in spring or October.
Vary your departure airport: Larger airports often offer better prices and more direct connections.
6. Onward Travel from the Airport – How to Arrive on the Island
From Heraklion Airport (HER)
Crete Bus / KTEL: Regular bus services will take you from the airport to the city center or Bus Station A.
Taxi / Transfer: Direct and comfortable transport to your destination.
Rental Car: Many providers are located directly in the terminal.
Our page about ferries to Crete
From Chania Airport (CHQ)
KTEL buses run regularly to Chania.
Taxi / Transfer available.
Rental car rental agencies are located directly at the airport.
7. Seasonal Features & Risks
In July and August, traffic is very heavy, and airports and surrounding roads are heavily congested.
In October, general strikes can occasionally occur, which could result in flight cancellations or delays.
During the off-season: Direct scheduled flights are often reduced, and layovers are more frequent.