Heraklion Airport Arrival Guide:
ATMs, Transfers & Tips (HER)
Welcome to the ultimate Heraklion Airport arrival guide. Landing at Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (HER) can be chaotic, so we created this handbook to help you.
This no-fluff guide tells you exactly where to find ATMs, how to avoid high exchange fees, where to pick up your SIM card, and—most importantly—how to find your rental car without stress.
Navigating the Arrivals Hall
Heraklion Airport has one main Arrivals Terminal, making it fairly easy to navigate.
Passport Control: Non-EU citizens (UK, USA, etc.) go through immigration. EU citizens usually walk straight through the “Schengen” exit.
Baggage Claim: There are only a few baggage belts. Screens clearly display flight numbers.
The Exit: Once you collect your bags, you will pass through customs (Green Channel if nothing to declare) and exit through the sliding doors into the main Arrivals Hall.
💡 Pro Tip: The Arrivals Hall is often crowded with people holding signs. Don’t panic. Walk slowly, step to the side if needed, and scan the crowd.
ATMs & Cash: Avoid the "Tourist Trap"
You will need cash (Euros) for small shops and kiosks in Crete. However, not all ATMs are the same.
Avoid: Standalone generic “ATM” machines often found right next to the baggage belts or in high-traffic spots. These often charge high withdrawal fees and offer poor exchange rates.
Use: Look for official Greek bank ATMs. They are usually located just outside the arrivals building or near the check-in hall area.
Trusted Banks: Piraeus Bank (Yellow), Alpha Bank (Blue), National Bank of Greece (NBG), Eurobank.
Fee Tip: Always choose to be charged in EUROS (let your home bank do the conversion). Never accept the “Guaranteed Exchange Rate” offered by the machine—it is almost always a bad deal.
SIM Cards & Connectivity
Do not rely on the free airport WiFi, which can be slow or spotty.
Where to buy: There are kiosks in the Arrivals Hall selling tourist SIM cards (Vodafone, Cosmote).
Cost: Expect to pay around €25-€35 for a hefty data package (usually unlimited data for 15-30 days).
Advice: Ask the staff to install the SIM and verify it works before you leave the counter.
Car Rental Pickup: The "Best Way"
Unlike the big multinational brands that often force you to wait in long queues at a counter inside the terminal, Best Way Travel offers a personalized “Meet & Greet” service to save you time.
Where is the Meeting Point?
We don’t make you search for an office or take a shuttle bus to a remote lot.
Exit the Arrivals Hall: Walk out the sliding glass doors.
Look for the Sign: Our representative will be waiting right there holding a sign with YOUR NAME and the Best Way Travel logo.
Direct to Car: We walk you straight to your car in the parking lot (just 2 minutes away).
Flight Delayed? Don’t worry. We track your flight number. If you are late, we wait. No stress.
Bus vs. Taxi vs. Car Rental
If you haven’t booked a transfer yet, here is the math for a trip to Heraklion City Center:
| Option | Cost (Approx) | Pros | Cons |
| Public Bus | ~€2.00 / person | Cheap | Crowded; you must haul luggage to the bus stop outside the airport; stops frequently. |
| Taxi | €20.00 – €25.00 | Fast | You may wait 30+ mins in the queue during July/August; prices vary by traffic. |
| Car Rental | From €25.00 / day | Freedom | You have your transport sorted for the whole trip immediately. |
Luggage Storage & Lost/Found
Lost Baggage: If your bag doesn’t appear on the belt, go immediately to the “Lost & Found” desk inside the baggage area (before you exit). Do not leave the secure area without filing a report.
Storage: There is a luggage storage facility outside the terminal if you need to leave bags for a few hours, though most travelers load directly into their rental car.
Summary: Your Heraklion Airport Arrival Guide Checklist
Part of a stress-free Heraklion Airport arrival guide is knowing exactly where to meet your driver.
