Bus Heraklion Airport → Centre: line 1, price, Knossos

In short

Yes, very simple. City line 1 links the airport to the centre in ~20 min for €1.30 (pre-bought) every 10-15 min, year-round, until ~midnight. It drops near Bus Station A, where the KTEL coaches and line 2 to Knossos depart.

Where this route sits

Real city positions, schematic line routing. It also shows what the network does not serve.

The north-west axisThe north-east backboneThe MessaraChania to the south and westThe south coastMount Ida from Chanioporta

Drag the map sideways.

high frequencyregular lineseasonal service, or no timetable of its own publishedferry servicebus stationroadless terminalstop named by the operator, no timetable published✕no line at all⊘line suspended

Schematic map. City positions are real; the routing of the lines is not.Every underlined name opens the page for that place or route.Verified on 3 September 2026 · ktelherlas.gr

At a glance

OperatorHeraklion city bus (astiko)

Line / crossingLine 1 (line 6 also serves the airport)

Frequency~every 10-15 min

Duration~20 min

Indicative price€1.30 pre-bought · €2.30 on board (zone A)

SeasonYear-round, ~06:00 → ~midnight

Where to boardExit the terminal, turn right, ~5 min on foot

ArrivalPort avenue / Bus Station A, then Plateia Eleftherias

How to do it, step by step

1
Leaving the terminal, turn right and follow the road ~5 min to the stop « Αστικό Λεωφορείο 1 Αεροδρόμιο ».
2
Buy the ticket at the stop's machine/kiosk (€1.30) rather than on board (€2.30): that's €1 saved.
3
In ~20 min, line 1 runs along the port avenue and through Plateia Eleftherias (centre).
4
To continue across the island: Bus Station A (north coast + east) is right there; for Knossos, take line 2.

⚠️ The traps to know

No bus after midnight: for a late flight, taxi is the only option (~€15 to the centre).
Luggage travels in the cabin, not a hold — in August at 3pm with two suitcases, it gets uncomfortable fast.
Buy the ticket BEFORE boarding: on board it's €1 more (a 43% mark-up).

Plan B

Taxi to the centre: ~€15 (3 km, a few minutes). For a night flight or lots of luggage, it's often the right call. If you're off to explore the east or south, a rental car picked up at the airport spares you a return to the terminal.

Taxis & transfers in Crete Rent a car in Crete

🕑 Today's official timetable

Timetables often change mid-season. Check the day before on the official source:

Heraklion city bus (routes) ↗KTEL Heraklion-Lasithi timetables ↗

Frequently asked questions

Which bus line goes from Heraklion airport to the centre?

City line 1 (line 6 also serves the airport). ~20 min, €1.30 pre-bought, every 10-15 min, until ~midnight.

Can you go straight to Knossos from the airport?

Not on a single line: reach the centre first (line 1), then take line 2 (Port – Knossos), which also passes Plateia Eleftherias.

Is the day pass worth it?

Often yes: the €5 day pass pays off from 3 rides — typically airport + Knossos return in the same day.

Does the bus run all year?

Yes, line 1 runs all year, roughly 06:00 to midnight. After midnight, only the taxi. Reduced frequency on Sundays.

Network structure checked in August 2026. Times and fares are indicative and change mid-season — always check the official source the day before you travel.

Bus or car? The honest call

The KTEL bus covers the main routes cheaply. But for remote beaches, early starts and stringing stops together, a car changes everything. Here's what's genuinely doable by bus — and how to rent without getting caught out.

What's doable without a car 🚗 Rent a car: guide + live compare →