Bus Heraklion → Hersonissos & Malia: frequency, price

In short

Yes, it's the best-served corridor in the east: 2 to 4 buses an hour in summer from Bus Station A. Gouves ~30-40 min (~€2.50), Hersonissos/Stalida up to 1h (€2.10-4.20), Malia ~1h (~€4.20). Hersonissos is a connection hub for Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra and Sitia.

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

Frequency2-4 buses/hour in summer

DurationGouves ~30-40 min · Hersonissos/Malia ~1h

Indicative priceGouves ~€2.50 · Hersonissos €2.10-4.20 · Malia ~€4.20

SeasonYear-round (far more frequent in summer)

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

How to do it, step by step

1
Go to Bus Station A (near the port). Buses to Gouves, Hersonissos, Stalida and Malia leave from there.
2
In summer, a bus comes every 15-30 min: no need to plan tightly.
3
To continue to Agios Nikolaos or the east, Hersonissos is the best connection point.

⚠️ The traps to know

Don't confuse the many coastal stops: Stalida, central Hersonissos and Malia beach are distinct. Ask the driver.
Outside summer, frequency drops markedly: check the official source.

Plan B

On this corridor the bus is so frequent that a car is rarely needed for trips to Heraklion. A taxi helps for a late-night return. A car only pays off for exploring the hinterland (Lasithi plateau, villages).

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

Can you stay in Hersonissos and visit Heraklion by bus?

Absolutely: it's one of the island's best-served routes, 2 to 4 buses an hour in summer, ~1h, ~€4.20. Ideal for a car-free beach base.

Where to change to continue east?

At Hersonissos, a connection hub for Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, Sitia and the interior.

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 →