For Western Crete
Hania airport is the more convenient.
The main airports in Crete are Hania (Chania - ID: CHQ) and Iraklio (Heraklion - ID: HER ). For access to western Crete Hania is the better choice although there are many more flights to Iraklio.
Most people will opt for charter flights but do consider the alternatives. Scheduled flights are often no more expensive especially as most charter airlines now charge for meals and some for pre-booked seats.
Most scheduled flights between the UK and Crete go via Athens but in 2005 GB Airways started flies direct to Heraklion from Gatwick and has added flights from Manchester for 2006.
Also starting in 2006 is a weekly service from Glasgow to Heraklion and London Stansted to Athens, operated by flyglobespan.
Breaking the journey in Athens gives the option of continuing to Crete by air or sea. There are other potential advantages too (see ‘Scheduled’ page).
Whist the choice of departure airports is relatively limited there’s a greater choice of flight times.
Travel
A hire car can be delivered to either airport. Iraklio is 150 km away from the apartment so you’re faced with a drive, when you’re probably tired, along the National Highway; that can be a bit intimidating if you’re not used to it, especially at night.
The apartment is only 35 minutes drive from Hania airport and the route includes only about 8 km of National Highway.
Alternatively, you could take a bus (daytime) or taxi (anytime). Bus fares are cheap but you don’t get ‘d(2 / 4½ *)oor to door’ service. A taxi will eat about €90 (£70) of any air fare savings you might have made by flying to Heraklion.
Hania airport is about 35 minutes from both the city centre and from the apartment. (Iraklio 1¾ hours or more)
Baggage claim is usually slightly quicker than at Iraklio
Car hire formalities are usually quicker than at Iraklio
If you choose not to pick up a hire car at the airport a taxi will cost about €27 (from Iraklio €95)
Some car rental companies impose a surcharge for delivering a car to Iraklio airport
Whether you fly charter or scheduled there’s something you can do to make waiting at the departure airport more comfortable - use a VIP lounge. Book places in advance, check in early, go airside and head for the lounge. There are many advantages.
No searching for somewhere to sit. Numbers in the lounges are restricted so there aren’t half a dozen people chasing every seat.
Especially valuable if your flight’s delayed - keep out of the crush in the main public areas.
Much quieter, relaxing atmosphere.
Free coffee, snacks and drinks.
Free newspapers.
Plenty of time to shop (and a seat to come back to).
The service we’ve always used is Holiday Extras who offer good value and service.
Special deals for airport parking and hotels are a bonus.
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Flight search pages of charter airlines
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Flight search pages of scheduled airlines
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UK Airport services and information
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UK Motoring organisations
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Greek airport information
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Ferries
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Airport and local bus service information
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Why not take a look at
their offers
http://www.apartment.creteforyou.com
Margarita’s, Tsivaras 5, Kalives 73003, Xania, Crete, Greece.
Tel: +30 28250 32562 Mob:+30 6947 236 529
e-mail: enquiries@apartment.creteforyou.com
Fax: Not currently available