A Local’s Guide: How to Get from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos
How to get from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos if you’re driving in Crete.
Agios Nikolaos is the capital of the eastern region of Lasithi in Crete, about one hour from Heraklion, the island’s capital. If you’re traveling to Crete, you’re likely to land in Heraklion, but if you are spending your vacation in Agios, you need to know how to get there. This guide describes how to get from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos to make moving around the island a breeze!
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Whether you arrive at Heraklion port or the airport, you can easily reach Agios Nikolaos by bus, taxi, car, or private transfer. Heraklion and Agios face the island’s northern coast, so the trip is pretty straightforward, from point A to point B, no matter your travel method.
So, let’s examine 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 island’s center, Agios is located to the est, 62.4 kilometers from the Heraklion airport (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 must 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: driving, taxi ride, bus, and private transfer.
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Are You Ready to Hit the Road? Things to Consider…
You can get to Agios Nikolaos from Heraklion by public transport or 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 very convenient.
Renting a car is a winning idea if you’re interested in visiting places that are hard to reach, such as 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.
Always keep this in mind when planning your trip: Bus travel is easy on the north coast of the island while getting to popular places in the south, including Elafonisi, Loutro, Preveli, Matala, Ierapetra, or Plakias, can be more difficult.
>> Hotel City Life is ideal for staying near Heraklion Bus Station.
Most small villages lack regular or frequent bus connections. And these are the times when driving your vehicle can be a blessing… 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 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 more accurate information, always check this website.
How to Get from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos by Bus
Getting the bus is one of the most cost-effective ways to get to Agios Nikolaos from Heraklion. It leaves from Heraklion’s Central Bus A (New building – Efesou Street) with the following schedules:
The new station in Heraklion is just a few meters from the port. The bus connecting the Heraklion airport with the Central Bus Station 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.
Buses cover the Heraklion-Agios route at least every two hours, a frequency that can increase between May and October, depending on the demand.
The service is reliable and quite affordable. A ticket covering the route Heraklion-Agios Nikolaos is around €9 one way.
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
💡Always keep your ticket with you during the trip since ticket controls on the bus are common and frequent.
The first bus from Heraklion to Agios departs at 6.30 a.m., while the last bus departs every night at 9.15 p.m. According to the official website, the trip takes 1 hour and 45 minutes, but it 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.
>> Traveling the other way around? Check departures from Agios Nikolaos Station
Traveling with a pet: Traveling by bus with your pet, according to the official website of the bus company, the itineraries on which two escort animals are accepted within the passengers’ area are the ones departing at 5:30, 09:30, 11:30, 14:30, 17:30, and 21:30.
Luggage restrictions: Passenger luggage must be placed in the bus’s compartment. 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 inside the special luggage racks.
WiFi: All buses offer a free Wi-Fi network service powered by external GSM antennas and advanced Wi-Fi routers. There is also free Wi-Fi access inside the bus stations.
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: If 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.
- You can also call to learn about the timetable by calling this number 2810-245020 with an answering machine 24 hours a day.
>> Bus schedules are published on this website
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 upon arrival at Heraklion’s airport and the Port of Heraklion.
The 60-km trip can take about 1 hour (depending on traffic and the season), and the ride can cost anywhere 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 money but still prefer the comfort of a car over the public bus, remember that pre-booked transfers can be more convenient than taxis.
Prices can be discussed and agreed upon 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.
If you’re flying out of Crete and from Heraklion Airport, it’s always a good idea to book the return trip beforehand. Prices can range from €50 to €150, depending on the transfer company and the number of people sharing the ride.
>> This transfer service is a good way to save money for groups of up to 5 travelers.
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 stand there, admiring the beauty of the landscape. If you’re unsure about driving in Crete, check out this helpful guide to car rental and driving in Crete. Remember 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.
Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos: Map
About fuel: In several areas, gas stations close at 7 p.m.; however, other petrol stations, especially those on the highway, remain open until later. Don’t hesitate to ask the locals for further information; they’re always happy to help.
Some petrol stations accept credit cards; that being said, always have some cash with you. There are very few self-service options in Crete. They will fill your vehicle, and you will pay the employee or inside the shop.
💡Remember: If the gas station is closed, you cannot buy petrol with a credit card.
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How to Get from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos
Gabi, the Crete Insider
Hi, I’m Gabi — your go-to local expert in Crete! I’ve been living in Chania, Crete since 2016, and I’ve turned my love for the island into a full-time passion — guiding travelers, writing for travel media, and curating local experiences.
I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and other guides. I run the blogs The Tiny Book, Greece Planner, and My Cretan Recipe. Through this platform I help travelers design unforgettable trips to Crete.
