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Heraklion is the capital of Crete and also the largest city of Crete island. Heraklion is located on the northern coast of the island and is the most populated area, with a total of 140,000 people. Heraklion holds a special place in representing the history and culture of Greece. It is also a vital economic center of Crete, which helps in attracting tourists from all over the world. People visit Heraklion to explore the beauty and history.
Heraklion holds a great collection of different historic and cultural landmarks, such as the famous Knossos Palace, which dates back to the Minoan civilization, and is also the biggest archeological site on the island. People also visit Crete to explore places like the Venetian Fortress of Koules, the Historical Museum of Crete, and the Archeological Museum of Heraklion.
Other than having a rich historic and cultural atmosphere, Heraklion is also famous for delicious food and drinks. The city has some of the greatest restaurants on the island, and they serve some of the best traditional Cretan cuisines. Heraklion is also a bustling shopping district, with the biggest and busiest markets and stores selling different varieties of goods.
If you plan a visit to Heraklion City, you will need some transportation to go around the city. If you are new to Crete and are not aware of how you can roam around the island, then here is a list of means of transportation that will make your stroll around the city easier and more comfortable.
Heraklion’s KTEL bus service is a well-organised transportation system that takes locals and visitors around the city and to nearby beautiful, interesting places throughout the year. The public buses are a great way to explore the city and its nearby places while being budget-friendly and comfortable at the same time. The main bus station in Heraklion is on 1866 Street, which is near the city center. You can easily walk in, buy a ticket, and explore this cultural hub.
Talking about the fare, travelling via bus is the cheapest, with fares ranging from €1.20 to €2.5. The bus services also offer daily and weekly passes, which can be more cost-effective, and you can use them for frequent travelling. The buses are equipped with comfortable seats, and some of them also have Wi-Fi available. However, during the peak season, buses can get really crowded, so it would be best to plan your trip accordingly if you plan on commuting via bus.
Where public buses like KTEL provide a broad route covering the city and its surrounding areas, the local buses like AST Heraklion bus offer an extensive network that goes around the city and its suburbs. The local roads are numbered, so you can easily understand whether the bus is heading to your desired destination or not.
Also, these buses are painted with bright green and white paint so people can easily spot them. The bus service usually runs from early morning to late at night with affordable pricing. For example, the regular bus fare starts from €1.1 and goes to €2. If you buy an all-day ticket, it will cost you around €5. You can easily purchase the ticket from the ticket counter at the bus stop. The buses are equipped with air conditioning to provide comfortable seating to every passenger, and some of them even have free access to Wi-Fi.
Heraklion has a number of hop-on hop-off bus tours operated by a number of different companies. The tours are a convenient and flexible way to explore the city’s biggest landmarks and attractions at your own pace. These buses cover different routes around the city and operate on a specific schedule throughout the day. You can get on and off the bus at any designated stop on the route, explore the area, and then get on the next bus to continue.
The double-decker, open-top bus usually features audio commentary in multiple languages, which provides fun and interesting information about the landmarks on the way. You can purchase the ticket easily from the bus stop or book them online for the next day. The tickets are only valid for a day or two, and the prices depend on the type of tour you are booking. For example, a complete city tour will cost you around €28.5, and the ticket will be valid for 48 hours.
Heraklion transfer services include private transfer services, which will take you from one area of the city to another easily. These transfer services are relatively more expensive than public buses, but if you are into travelling alone with fixed fares, then these transfers are the best for you. There are many transportation transfers available around Heraklion, so let us discuss them in detail:
Travelling in a taxi is a very convenient option when visiting the city with friends or family, or if you do not want to travel with people and you like your own company. A taxi provides you with the privacy and liberty to roam around the land at your own pace as well. There are many taxi services that run around Heraklion, like the Cretan Bay Transfer.
You can book a Crete taxi and go on to explore the capital of Crete. They have different options available in taxis suitable for the number of people. Their cars can accommodate from four to eight people with luggage. The cost, however, depends on the distance, the ride, and the time of the year. For example, booking a taxi service from Heraklion airport to Heraklion port will cost you from €20 to €45. The best part about hiring a taxi is that it comes with a local driver who is well aware of all the shortest routes and best places around Heraklion and its nearby areas. So, you get to make the most of your time in Heraklion.
Whether you have an early morning flight or you are landing late at night, Cretan Bay Transfer is here to ensure that you reach your destination safely and on time. You can also ask the hotel you are staying at to book transfer transportation, but if you do not want to, you can easily book a Heraklion Airport Transfer online. You do not have to worry about getting lost in an unknown city as the drivers at Cretan Bay are all Cretan locals who are well aware of all the routes.
Cretan Bay also runs a background checks on each driver before hiring them to ensure the client’s safety. The drivers also know some of the best places to visit around Heraklion, so you can also ask them for suggestions. Once you book the taxi, a driver will be sent to the airport with the car to pick you up. He will also be holding a name card so you can easily spot him. The fare, however, depends completely on the destination and the number of people. For example, a ride from Heraklion to Heraklion airport will cost you €18.
There is no Metro in Heraklion, or anywhere in Crete, so Metro is not a transportation option in Heraklion or Crete.
Uber or Lyft are not available in Heraklion or Crete. Alternative transportation options like a taxi booking or airport transfers can be found here.
If you want to drive around Heraklion and explore the city at your own pace, renting a car is extremely convenient. A rented car provides you with the freedom to explore the city by your own rules. You can make as many stops as you like and stay there for however long you wish. A Heraklion car rental is also a good choice if you wish to travel around Crete, but for that, you must have the know-how of the traffic rules in Greece. For example, travelling with a valid international driver’s licence and a functional credit card is a must if you want to rent a car in Greece.
There are many rental shops in Heraklion which you can easily spot in the city and near the airport. You can simply book the car from their website, and a chauffeur will be sent to the airport to deliver the car. The fare, however, depends on the car and the time of year. For example, booking a car in Heraklion will cost you around €25 per day.
Make your holidays special and more fun by renting a motorbike and exploring Heraklion City. The weather around Crete is mostly hot, with strong winds. So, going around the island on a motorbike will be another type of adventure. These bike rental companies offer a variety of bikes, such as city bikes, children’s bikes, mountain bikes, and more. They also rent bike locks, helmets, and other accessories needed for a safe bike journey. The cost of renting a bike can vary depending on the type of bike and the number of days. For example, the rental price for a basic bike starts from €10 and goes up to €30-40 euros.
#Also interesting to read
ᐅ Transportation Guide for Heraklion
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ᐅ Best Ways to Get from Heraklion to Chania and Vice Versa