Arriving at Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” (HER)? WelcomeTaxi provides pre-booked airport transfers and private transfers between the airport, Heraklion and destinations across Crete, Greece. Travel directly to your hotel, villa, resort or business address with a professional English-speaking driver.
Our chauffeur service is also available for sightseeing, events and tailored island journeys. From central Heraklion and Hersonissos to Malia, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and resorts farther across Crete, private long-distance transfers provide a comfortable door-to-door alternative to public buses, taxis, rental cars or arranging several local connections after arrival.
How It Works
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Choose the route and a vehicle |
| Select service type you need, choose the route (or hourly hire duration), indicate number of passengers and luggage, as well as other necessary details if needed. See the price for different vehicle classes, choose one suitable for you and press Next. |
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Choose the payment method |
| Complete the booking form, choose the payment method, press Make Booking button, make online prepayment (if needed) and get email confirmation. When a driver will be assigned to your job, his phone number will be emailed to you. |
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The driver meets you with a name tag |
| Your driver will meet you on-site with a name tag at the right time. He will walk you to the car and safely drive you to your destination. At the end of your ride, if needed, you will pay in cash or by card-to-card transfer to your driver. |
Our Benefits
English-speaking drivers
Always available — friendly, professional, and communicative.
Fixed prices — no surprises
Know your fare in advance, with no hidden fees.
Meet & greet included
Your driver will wait at arrivals with a name tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a ride?
We recommend booking your transfer or hourly hire service at least 72 hours in advance. If you don’t have that much time, you can request an urgent transfer — we’ll let you know as soon as possible whether we can confirm it.
What pick-up time should I specify for the transfer?
If your transfer starts from an airport or railway station, please specify your flight or train arrival time as the start of your transfer. This helps the driver organize the meeting more accurately.
If your transfer starts from a hotel to an airport, please indicate the time you wish to be picked up at reception. You’ll need to calculate it yourself, allowing extra time for check-in. We recommend adding about 3 hours before your flight’s departure. For example, if your flight leaves at 14:00 and the trip takes 1 hour, your pick-up time should be 10:00.
How do I know if my order has been accepted?
After submitting your booking, you’ll receive an email with all trip details and your order status as “Waiting”. Once we receive and confirm your payment, the status will change to “Accepted”, and you’ll receive another email confirmation.
If you don’t receive the confirmation email, please contact our support team at office@welcome.taxi.
How do I change my booking?
To make changes to your booking, please contact our support team at office@welcome.taxi.
Important note: Requests for changes made less than 72 hours before your trip may be declined.
How can I cancel my booking?
You can cancel your booking in two ways:
- Via the booking page on our website — use the cancellation number provided in your booking voucher, at least 72 hours before the trip.
- By contacting our support team if it’s less than 72 hours before your ride.
Important note: In case of urgent cancellation, we may not be able to refund your deposit. The free cancellation period is stated in your confirmation email.
What should I do if my flight is delayed?
If your flight is delayed by less than 30 minutes, the driver will adjust their arrival time automatically.
If the delay is longer, please inform the driver directly (their phone number is in your confirmation voucher) or contact WelcomeTaxi Customer Support at office@welcome.taxi. Please include your order number and the new arrival time.
Important note: The driver may charge an additional fee for extended waiting time.
How will I find my driver?
For airport transfers, if you’ve added the meet-and-greet option to your order, the driver will meet you in the arrivals area — right after passport control and baggage claim. You’ll see a name sign with your first and last names (or custom text, if specified in your booking).
Important note: We strongly recommend adding the meet-and-greet option to your airport transfer booking.
For hotel pickups, the driver will wait for you in the hotel lobby. Detailed meeting instructions and your driver’s contact number are provided in your booking confirmation voucher.
How can I be sure that my driver will pick me up?
WelcomeTaxi guarantees that your driver will do their best to meet you on time.
Both you and the driver will have each other’s phone or WhatsApp number. Please keep your mobile phone switched on at the time of pickup. If you can’t reach the driver, contact our support team immediately.
I can’t find my driver. What should I do?
If you can’t find your driver, please double-check the name signs again — the driver may have missed you in the crowd.
Try calling or messaging the driver via WhatsApp. If there’s no response within the meeting time, contact our support team.
If necessary, go to the airport’s Information Desk to arrange a local taxi to your destination.
Important note: If the driver fails to meet you, we will refund your payment.
What Our Customers Say
United Kingdom
Highly recommended taxi service
Airport Transfers and Chauffeur Service from Heraklion Airport
Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” (HER) is the main airport serving Heraklion and central Crete and one of Greece's busiest aviation gateways. Located just east of the city, the airport is particularly convenient for travellers heading to Heraklion, Hersonissos, Malia, Agios Nikolaos and resorts across the central and eastern parts of the island.
WelcomeTaxi provides pre-booked private airport transfers from Heraklion Airport to hotels, villas, resorts, residences and regional destinations. Passengers can organise their transportation before travelling and continue directly from the terminal with a professional English-speaking driver rather than arranging their onward journey after arrival.
Private transfers are suitable for individual travellers, couples, families and groups. Chauffeur service and long-distance transfers can also be arranged for journeys throughout Crete, including resort transfers, sightseeing itineraries and travel between different parts of the island.
Getting from Heraklion Airport to the City
Heraklion Airport is located close to the city centre and has several practical ground transportation options. Travellers can choose between local buses, taxis, rental cars and pre-booked private transfers.
The most suitable option depends on the destination, amount of luggage, passenger number and whether the traveller prefers the lowest cost or direct door-to-door transportation.
Public Buses from Heraklion Airport
Urban buses connect the airport with central Heraklion and the city's main transport hubs. Regional KTEL services also operate along the eastern coastal corridor, linking Heraklion with destinations such as Gouves, Hersonissos, Stalida, Malia and Agios Nikolaos.
Public transport can be an economical choice for independent travellers with light luggage, particularly when accommodation is close to a bus stop. However, passengers staying in resorts, villas or properties away from the main route may still need another local connection.
A private airport transfer provides direct transportation from HER to the exact hotel, villa or residence without changing vehicles.
Taxis at Heraklion Airport
Taxis are available outside the passenger terminal and provide direct transportation to Heraklion and destinations throughout Crete. They are a practical option for passengers who prefer to arrange transportation after landing.
During the busy summer season, demand can be high. A pre-booked private transfer allows the vehicle, destination and passenger requirements to be arranged before arrival.
Rental Cars
Car rental is popular in Crete because the island contains beaches, villages, archaeological sites and mountain destinations spread across a wide area. A rental vehicle can be useful for travellers planning to explore independently over several days.
For passengers who prefer not to drive immediately after a flight, a chauffeur-driven transfer avoids rental formalities, navigation and parking while still providing private road transportation.
Why Pre-Book a Private Transfer from HER?
Pre-booking allows the airport journey to be organised before arrival. The pickup, destination, passenger number and vehicle requirements can all be specified in advance.
This is particularly useful in Crete because many visitors stay outside Heraklion itself. Hotels, villas and resorts are distributed along the northern coast and in towns that may require a significant onward journey from the airport.
Families and groups can reserve a vehicle with sufficient seating and luggage capacity rather than depending on the next available taxi.
For international visitors, travelling with an English-speaking driver can also make communication easier during the airport pickup and journey to the accommodation.
Transfers from Heraklion Airport to Heraklion City
Central Heraklion is only a short road journey from the airport and is a common destination for both leisure and business travellers. The city contains hotels, restaurants, museums, offices and ferry connections from Heraklion Port.
Urban buses and taxis provide convenient local transportation, while a private transfer takes passengers directly to their hotel, apartment, residence or business address.
This can be particularly useful for late arrivals, families or travellers carrying several pieces of luggage.
Heraklion Airport Transfers to Hersonissos
Hersonissos is one of the most popular resort areas east of Heraklion and is directly connected with the airport by the main coastal road. It offers a wide range of hotels, resorts, beaches, restaurants and entertainment.
Regional buses operate along the Heraklion–Hersonissos corridor and stop near the airport. A private transfer provides direct door-to-door transportation to the passenger's hotel or resort without waiting for a scheduled service or walking from the nearest stop.
Transfers from HER to Malia and Stalida
Stalida and Malia lie farther east along the same coastal corridor and are major holiday destinations with hotels, apartments, beaches and nightlife.
Regular regional buses connect Heraklion with both destinations, while a private airport transfer provides a direct journey from the terminal to the booked accommodation.
For families and groups travelling with substantial luggage, door-to-door transportation can make arrival considerably easier.
Transfers from Heraklion Airport to Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos is one of eastern Crete's principal tourism centres and is located on the Gulf of Mirabello. The town is known for its waterfront, hotels and access to resorts throughout the Lasithi region.
Regional coach services connect Heraklion with Agios Nikolaos, with many services travelling along the airport and eastern coastal corridor. A private transfer provides direct transportation to a hotel, villa or residence without additional local connections.
Heraklion Airport Transfers to Elounda
Elounda is a well-known resort area north of Agios Nikolaos, with luxury hotels, villas and views across the Gulf of Mirabello. Travellers using public transport generally need to continue via Agios Nikolaos.
A private transfer from HER provides direct transportation to accommodation in Elounda and can be particularly convenient after a long flight or when travelling with several passengers and luggage.
Transfers to Rethymno
Rethymno lies west of Heraklion and is an important destination for visitors travelling along Crete's northern coast. The city combines a historic centre with beaches, hotels and resorts.
Intercity buses connect Heraklion with Rethymno, while a private transfer offers direct transportation from the airport to the passenger's accommodation without first travelling to the central bus station.
Chauffeur Service in Heraklion and Crete
WelcomeTaxi chauffeur service can be arranged for sightseeing, events, business travel and personalised itineraries throughout Crete.
The island's main attractions are spread across coastal towns, mountain areas, archaeological sites and rural destinations. A private vehicle with an English-speaking driver allows travellers to organise several stops according to their own schedule rather than relying entirely on fixed bus timetables.
Chauffeur service can also be useful for weddings, private events, restaurant visits and journeys between different hotels or resorts.
Transfers to Knossos and Central Crete
The Palace of Knossos is one of Crete's most important archaeological sites and lies south of Heraklion. It is easily accessible from the city and can be incorporated into a private sightseeing itinerary.
Private chauffeur service can also be arranged for destinations farther into central Crete, including villages, wineries and countryside accommodation that may not have convenient direct public transport from the airport.
Regional Transfers across Eastern Crete
Heraklion Airport is particularly well positioned for journeys along Crete's eastern northern coast. Private transfers can be arranged to Hersonissos, Stalida, Malia, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and destinations farther into Lasithi.
Passengers travelling directly to a resort can leave the airport and continue towards their accommodation without entering central Heraklion simply to change transportation.
Long-Distance Transfers across Crete
Crete is Greece's largest island, and journeys between its eastern and western regions can cover substantial distances. Private long-distance transfers provide an alternative to intercity buses when direct address-to-address transportation is preferred.
Journeys can be arranged from Heraklion Airport to destinations across Crete according to the required route and vehicle. This type of service is particularly useful for families, groups and passengers staying in accommodation away from major bus stations.
For longer routes to western Crete, scheduled coaches may be more economical, while private transportation provides greater flexibility and eliminates intermediate connections.
Heraklion Airport and Other Airports in Crete
Crete has three commercial passenger airports. Heraklion International Airport (HER) is the principal gateway to central Crete, while Chania International Airport (CHQ) serves the western part of the island and Sitia Airport (JSH) serves the far east.
Chania Airport can be a genuine alternative for some visitors whose itinerary covers several parts of Crete, although it is considerably more convenient for destinations around Chania and western Crete. Sitia Airport has a much smaller route network and is primarily relevant to eastern Lasithi.
For Heraklion itself and the main resort corridor east towards Hersonissos and Malia, HER remains the natural airport choice.
Useful Information for Arriving Passengers
Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” uses the IATA code HER. It is located immediately east of Heraklion and serves a large international and domestic network, particularly during the summer season.
Urban and regional bus services operate from the airport area, including routes towards Heraklion and the main resort corridor east towards Hersonissos, Malia and Agios Nikolaos. Taxis and rental cars provide additional transportation options.
When booking a private airport transfer, passengers should provide the correct flight details, complete accommodation name or address, number of travellers and realistic luggage requirements. For villas and smaller resorts, precise property information is particularly useful.
With airport transfers, chauffeur service and long-distance private transportation available from Heraklion Airport, travellers can arrange their onward journey before arrival and continue directly to Heraklion, Hersonissos, Malia, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda or destinations farther across Crete.