Bus Heraklion → Agios Nikolaos: frequency, price, station

In short

Yes, very easy. The coach leaves from Bus Station A (near the port) every 30-60 min from 06:30 to 22:00, ~1h30 ride, ~€7.80. Along the way, Hersonissos is a connection hub for Ierapetra, Sitia and the interior.

Where this route sits

The « The north-east backbone » corridor, within the whole network. The other axes stay visible, in the background.

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 publishedbus stationstop named by the operator, no timetable published✕no line at all

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

OperatorKTEL Heraklion-Lasithi

FrequencyEvery 30-60 min, 06:30-22:00

Duration~1h30

Indicative price~7,80 €

SeasonYear-round

Where to boardBus Station A, Leof. Ikarou (near the port), Heraklion

How to do it, step by step

1
Go to Bus Station A (Leof. Ikarou, near Heraklion's port) — not Station B.
2
Take a coach to Agios Nikolaos (every 30-60 min), ~1h30, ~€7.80.
3
To continue east (Ierapetra, Sitia) or to Elounda/Spinalonga, change at Agios Nikolaos.

⚠️ The traps to know

Leave from Bus Station A (north coast + east), never Station B (south + mountains). Remember: A for « coastal Axis ».
For Elounda and the Plaka jetty (Spinalonga), you need a second local bus from Agios Nikolaos, less frequent.

Plan B

A car opens up the whole east (Mirabello, Elounda, plateau villages, beaches) without relying on connections. On the Heraklion → Agios Nikolaos leg alone, the bus is perfect; it's for exploring onward that a car wins.

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:

KTEL Heraklion-Lasithi timetables ↗

Frequently asked questions

How often does the bus to Agios Nikolaos leave?

Every 30 to 60 minutes, from 06:30 to 22:00, year-round. ~1h30 ride, ~€7.80, from Bus Station A.

How to reach Elounda or Spinalonga by bus?

Reach Agios Nikolaos first, then take a local bus to Elounda and Plaka (less frequent, in season). From Plaka, a short boat serves Spinalonga.

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 →