How to Get from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos (and from Agios to Heraklion) the Easy Way!

Whether you arrive at Heraklion port or the airport, you can easily reach Agios Nikolaos by bus, taxi, car, or private transfer.

Both Heraklion and Agios face the northern coast of the island, so the trip is pretty straightforward, from point A to point B, no matter what travel method you choose.

So let’s see now how to get from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos (and of course, from Agios to the capital too), and all the transport options you have.

Arriving at Heraklion

Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport is about 6 km (less than 10 minutes) from the center of Heraklion. The Port of Heraklion is about 5 minutes from the center of town. 

Many tourists getting to Crete usually arrive at Heraklion Airport. And many of them choose to head directly to Agios Nikolaos, a very popular holiday resort on the island.

While Heraklion is in the center of the island, Agios is located to the est, 62.4 kilometers from the airport of Heraklion (about 51 minutes in regular traffic conditions).

The most important road on Crete, the National Road, runs along the north coast, connecting the easternmost city of Sitia, to the western city of Kissamos.

No matter what transport method you choose, this is the road you need to take to get to Agios Nikolaos from Heraklion. And the length of the trip will mostly depend on how you decide to get there. These are your options:

Are You Ready to Hit the Road?
Things to Consider…

You can get to Agios Nikolaos from Heraklion either by public transport or by car, it all depends on how you like to travel, how comfortable you feel about driving on roads you don’t know, and how much money you can spend on transport.

Traveling from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos by taxi is the most expensive way to get there, on the other hand, even when renting a car might sound like another expensive option, it is instead very convenient.

Renting a car is a winning idea if you’re interested in visiting places that are hard to reach, for instance, the South.

Nobody will interfere with your schedule… or with spontaneity. I believe it’s a blast to forget everything about schedules and drive your car on the island.

Unless you have an unlimited budget to spend on taxis, of course. But let’s get real, that’s often not the case with regular travelers.

If you’re ready to travel by bus, I can only recommend you travel light, plan your schedules, and allow some extra time for unforeseen situations, like extra traffic (or a herd of goats in the middle of the road!).

Plan, plan a lot, and remember these simple details for a smooth trip around Crete, and – in our case – from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos.

No matter which means of transport you choose. For even better info, always check this website for further accurate information.

How to Get from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos by Bus

One of the most cost-effective ways to get to Agios Nikolaos from Heraklion is to get the bus. It leaves from Heraklion’s Central Bus A (New building – Efesou Street) with the following schedules:

Departure hours from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos: 6.30 – 7.00 – 9.15 – 10.45 – 12.45 – 14.45 – 15.45 – 16.45 – 17.45 – 18.30 – 20.15 – 21.15

The new station in Heraklion is just a few meters from the port. The bus connecting the Airport of Heraklion with the Central Bus Station of Heraklion leaves you right behind the station.

It’s a frequent, convenient service (the bus has ample space for luggage), and the ticket is under €2. Once there, head to Heraklion’s Bus Station ticket office to purchase your ticket to Agios Nikolaos.

There are buses covering the Heraklion-Agios route at least every two hours, a frequency that can increase between May and October, depending on the demand.

According to the official website, the trip is 1 hour and 45 minutes, a travel time that can be longer with heavy traffic (especially in summer). 

The bus makes a few stops along the way, during the stop, you’re not allowed to leave the bus for long (always ask the driver first if you need to get off the bus). For more details about bus travel in Crete, check out this post.

Luggage restrictions: Passenger luggage must be placed in the luggage compartment of the bus. Each passenger can carry 2 pieces of luggage for free.

There is an extra charge for every extra piece of luggage. Small pieces (hand luggage, backpacks, etc.) can be taken on the bus but must be placed in the special luggage racks inside the bus.

WiFi: All buses offer a free Wi-Fi network service, powered by external GSM antennas and advanced free Wi-Fi routers. There is free Wi-Fi access inside the bus stations as well.

Discounts: Discounted rates are available for students, families with more than 3 children get a 50% discount on all routes. People with disabilities have the same discount.

Infants until 6 years old travel free of charge. Credit cards and debit cards are accepted to pay for all tickets.

Refunds: In case you pay a ticket and you don’t travel, the company gives the passenger a 70% refund of the ticket price or a refund of 50% in case of a cancellation within 8 hours before departure time.

More info: Information for passengers is available daily from early morning to late at night on the phone at 2810-246530.

How to Get from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos by Taxi

It’s also possible to get to Agios Nikolaos from Heraklion by taxi. You can take a taxi at the airport of Heraklion as well as at the Port of Heraklion.

The 60-km trip can take about 1 hour (always depending on the traffic and the season), and the ride can cost anything from €60 to €180.

It is always advisable to discuss and agree on the price with the driver before you get into the taxi.

Taxis are a good way to get to Agios Nikolaos if you arrive late at night, when there’s no bus service available, or when sharing the cost with other travelers.

Remember that it’s not odd for taxi drivers to charge an extra fee for night rides.

How to Get from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos with a Private Pre-Booked Transfer

If you’re looking to save some money but still prefer the comfort of a car over the public bus, then keep in mind that pre-booked transfers can be more convenient than taxis.

Prices can be discussed and agreed price beforehand, and you can even book the trip online before getting on the island. 

You can arrange for a meeting point or have a driver waiting for you at your place of arrival (either the port or airport).

This is also great if you have a lot of luggage; if you travel with kids or with a big group of friends. Since everything will be arranged before the trip, you won’t need to bargain for the price.

How to Get from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos by Car

Hiring a car is probably the easiest way to get from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos. Driving gives great opportunities to discover the island.

It also gives you the flexibility to stop anywhere on the road either to rest or so simply stand there admiring the beauty of the landscape.

If you’re doubtful about driving in Crete, check out this helpful guide about car rental and driving in Crete. Don’t forget to bookmark it before your trip.

Driving from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos is fairly simple, the road is in very good condition since most of it has been recently completed.

You will be driving along the National Road for about an hour. The road is safe and straightforward, and there’s no real risk of getting lost.

About fuel: In several areas, gas stations close at 7 pm, however, you will be able to find other petrol stations open until later, especially if they are on the highway.

Don’t be shy and ask the locals for further information, they’re always happy to help.

Some petrol stations accept credit cards, that being said, do have some cash with you at all times. 

There’s no self-service option in Crete, they will fill your vehicle and you will pay either the employee or inside the shop.

Remember: It’s not possible to buy petrol with a credit card if the gas station is already closed.
How are you planning to get from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos this season?

Read more about Crete

• Best Agios Nikolaos Hotels: Where to Stay in Lasithi, Crete
• Amazing Things to Do in Agios Nikolaos During Your Trip to Crete
• Safest Beaches for Children in Crete: Insider’s Guide
• Most Stunning Beaches in East Crete: Complete Insider’s Guide
• The Prettiest Holiday Homes in Agios Nikolaos for Your Vacation in Crete!

This Belongs to a Board! Pin This Guide to Remember How to Get from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos For Your Trip!

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