Find Major Airports in Crete
Heraklion International Airport (HER)
Also known as Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, HER is the primary airport on the island of Crete. The airport connects the island to various destinations across Greece and Europe, with a wide range of domestic and international flights. HER is home to several major airlines, such as Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Ryanair, and easyJet.
Chania International Airport (CHQ)
Also known as Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport, CHQ is the second busiest airport on the island of Crete. The airport offers domestic flights to Athens and Thessaloniki and international flights to several European cities, primarily during the summer tourist season. Airlines such as Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Ryanair, and Scandinavian Airlines operate at Chania Airport.
Flights to Crete Snapshot
Economy Class
TOTAL NUMBER OF ECONOMY CLASS DEALS TO CRETE IN THE LAST MONTH
31
AVERAGE ONEAIR INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY ROUNDTRIP DEAL TO CRETE
$526
Business Class
TOTAL NUMBER OF BUSINESS CLASS DEALS TO CRETE IN THE LAST MONTH
15
AVERAGE ONEAIR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CLASS ROUNDTRIP DEAL TO CRETE
$2696
The Best Time to Visit Crete
Consider traveling during the shoulder seasons between April, May, September, and October to get affordable flights to Crete. The weather during these months is mild and pleasant, making it a perfect time to explore the island’s outdoor attractions and historical sites like Samaria Gorge and Knossos Palace. Off-peak months have lower tourism, resulting in cheaper flights and accommodations.
The peak summer travel season in Crete falls between June and August, the most expensive time to visit. The hot and sunny weather during these months is perfect for beach vacations and water activities but also attracts the highest number of tourists. This increases demand for flights and accommodations, resulting in higher prices. December to March can also be pricier due to limited flight options, as fewer airlines operate during winter.
Cheapest months to fly
April, May, September, and October
Most Expensive Months to Fly
June to August, December to March
Compare Prices
Here’s a price breakdown of plane tickets to Crete when flying to Heraklion International Airport (HER) from Dulles International Airport (IAD).
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main airport to fly into when visiting Crete?
The main airports in Crete that offer affordable flights are Heraklion International Airport (HER) and Chania International Airport (CHQ).
Are there other airports near Crete that may offer cheaper flights?
Nearby islands like Santorini (JTR), Karpathos (AOK), and Kos (KGS) may offer cheaper flights from some European cities. You can then take a ferry or connecting flight to Crete. Alternatively, flying into Athens (ATH) and then taking a domestic flight or ferry to Crete may be more affordable, but consider the additional transportation costs and time when comparing options.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Crete?
The cheapest months to fly to Crete are typically April, May, September, and October, considered the shoulder season.
Which airlines usually offer the most affordable flights to Crete?
JetBlue, United, American Airlines, Spirit, and Frontier often provide cheap flights to Crete.
Are there any budget-friendly airlines that fly to Crete?
Several budget airlines fly to Crete, including Ryanair, easyJet, and Jet2. These airlines often offer low fares but may charge additional fees for baggage, seat selection, and other services.
Are there any direct flights from the United States to Crete?
Direct flights from the U.S. to Crete are currently unavailable. However, travelers from the U.S. can reach Crete with one stop via several European cities including London (LHR), Athens (ATH), Berlin (BER), and Amsterdam (AMS).
What are some tips for finding the cheapest flights to Crete?
U.S. passport holders do not need a visa to fly to Crete or anywhere else in Greece for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors entering Greece and other Schengen Area countries must obtain an electronic travel authorization called ETIAS.
How far in advance should I book my flight to get the best deals?
To find the best deals on flights to Crete, book your tickets at least 2 to 3 months in advance. However, last-minute deals may also be available if you have flexible travel dates.
What are some tips for finding the cheapest flights to Crete?
Some tips for getting the best travel deals include being flexible with dates, booking in advance, comparing prices across multiple airlines and booking websites, and signing up for OneAir to stay informed about special offers and promotions.
What is the average flight time from major European cities to Crete?
Flight times vary depending on the origin city. It takes about 4 hours from London to Heraklion, while from Athens to Heraklion, it takes around 55 minutes.
What is the time zone in Crete?
Crete observes Eastern European Time (EET), which is 2 hours ahead of UTC (UTC+2) during winter months and 3 hours ahead of UTC (UTC+3) during Daylight Saving Time.
Are there domestic flights within Crete?
As the island is relatively small, there are no domestic flights within Crete. However, there are frequent flights between Heraklion and Athens and ferry services connecting Crete with other Greek islands.
How can I get from the airport to my destination in Crete?
Heraklion and Chania airports offer various transportation options, including taxis, airport shuttles, and public buses. Many hotels and resorts also provide airport transfer services for their guests. Rental cars are also available at the airports.
Discover Crete
Looking for cheap flights to Crete, Greece? OneAir makes it easy to discover incredible flight deals to destinations around the world. Follow these simple steps to start saving on your next trip.
- Set your departure airports on OneAir. Choose your preferred departure airports, and we’ll search for the cheapest flights from those cities to Crete. OneAir offers deals from over 50 major US airports, so you can find the most convenient and affordable options.
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- Turn on your notifications. We’ll notify you via email or push notification whenever the price for your selected route is at its lowest. This way, you’ll never miss a deal.
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- Expand your search to nearby airports. Unlock even more deals by searching for flights to Crete from nearby airports. This will show you flight prices from alternative departure airports close to your origin city.
Book a complete travel package. Once you’ve found your perfect flight to Crete, why not add a hotel room or rental car? OneAir also offers exclusive hotel, car, and activity deals, so you can save even more on your entire trip.
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