For 50 years, your Crete holiday started with a cramped landing at Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, 5km from the city, planes buzzing over apartment balconies. From early 2028, that changes. All commercial flights move to new Kastelli International Airport, 39km southeast, with a 72,000m² terminal, 19 jet bridges, and a 6-lane highway.
What does this mean for you as a traveler? Is Kastelli better or just further? And what happens to car rental at Kastelli Airport compared to Heraklion? This side-by-side comparison covers 8 key differences and what stays the same.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Kastelli vs Heraklion Airport
| Feature | Heraklion Airport (HER) - Old | Kastelli Airport (LGTL) - New 2028 |
|---|---|---|
| Location | 5km from Heraklion center, inside city | 39km SE, plateau near Kastelli village |
| Terminal Size | 13,000m², overcrowded, 5 gates | 72,000m², spacious, 19 jet bridges |
| Runway | 2,682m, short, no long-haul | 3,200m, CAT II, long-haul capable |
| Capacity | 8M max, chaotic in summer | 10M Phase 1, 18M Phase 2 |
| Drive to Heraklion | 10 min but 30 min traffic to exit city | 35-40 min via new A90 highway, no traffic |
| Car Rental Pickup | Across busy road, shuttle, queues 60+ min | P5 lot 2-min walk, 3-min pickup with Comfy |
| Noise / Environment | Planes over city, noise complaints | Away from city, quieter approach |
| Parking | 500 spaces, always full | 2,000 spaces P1-P5, EV charging |
What Changes for Travelers in 2028?
1. Further But Faster
Kastelli is 34km further than Heraklion. Sounds worse, but the new A90 highway means you spend less time in traffic. Old HER: 5km distance but 30-40 min to get out of Heraklion traffic in summer. New Kastelli: 39km but 35-40 min smooth highway. Plus you start your road trip immediately, not stuck in city.
If you rent a car at Kastelli Airport, you are on open road in 5 minutes. At HER, you were stuck in city for 20 minutes.
2. Modern Terminal vs Crowded Shed
Heraklion terminal had no air bridges, busses in 35°C heat, one tiny baggage belt. Kastelli has 19 air bridges, 8 security lanes, proper AC, and space to sit. Families with kids will appreciate this hugely after a 3-hour flight.
3. New P5 Rental Lot = Easier Pickup
At HER, rental lots were scattered across a busy road, you dragged luggage across traffic, waited for shuttle. At Kastelli, all rentals are in P5, covered walk, same level as arrivals. Comfy's 3-min pickup means you are faster despite bigger airport. Our Comfy cars at Kastelli Airport will be pre-allocated and waiting.
Pro Tip: The new airport is at 360m altitude, so mornings can be 3-4°C cooler than Heraklion coast. Keep a light jacket in your Kastelli Airport car rental for first hour if you land early.
What Stays the Same?
Good news: Crete still needs a car. Whether you landed at HER or LGTL, you need wheels to see Balos, Elafonissi, Samaria, and hidden beaches. Public transport from both airports is limited. A Kastelli Airport car rental remains essential.
Also same with Comfy:
- Full insurance included (not extra at counter)
- No credit card hold, debit accepted
- Free second driver, free child seats
- Free one-way Kastelli ↔ Heraklion ↔ Chania
- New Peugeot 2008 fleet, left-hand drive Greece, automatic option
Read more on why Comfy is the best place to rent a car in Crete.
Transition Period: Will Both Airports Operate in 2027-2028?
For a few months in late 2027, both airports may operate during ORAT (Operational Readiness) tests. Charter and test flights will use Kastelli, scheduled flights still HER. Early 2028, all commercial moves to Kastelli and HER closes to commercial (may stay as military). If you book flights for summer 2028, your ticket will say LGTL or KST or still HER but landing Kastelli - airlines will update.
If you are unsure which airport your flight uses, book your rental car for Kastelli Airport with free cancellation - we will transfer booking to whichever airport is active at no cost.
Which Airport Should You Choose?
From 2028 you have no choice - Kastelli is the only airport for Heraklion area. But for comparison:
- Choose Kastelli (2028+): All international flights, modern, faster highway exit, better rental pickup, long-haul from US/UAE possible
- Heraklion was better for: Walking to city hotels (but who walks with luggage in 35°C?) and slightly shorter taxi to port for Santorini ferry (now 40 min vs 10 min)
For ferry to Santorini, add 30 min buffer. Better to stay overnight in Heraklion before ferry if you land late at Kastelli.
Impact on Your Crete Road Trip
Kastelli being southeast changes road trip flow slightly. Starting from Kastelli, it is natural to go east first (Agios Nikolaos, Elounda) then loop west via south coast. Our 7-day Crete road trip itinerary already starts with this flow. With a car rental at Kastelli Airport, you can do:
- Day 1: Kastelli → Agios Nikolaos (1h) → Elounda
- Day 2: Elounda → Vai → Sitia
- Day 3: South coast → Matala
- Day 4: Matala → Elafonissi
- Day 5: Elafonissi → Balos → Chania
- Day 6: Chania → Rethymno → Heraklion
- Day 7: Return to Kastelli (35 min)
This loop avoids backtracking and uses new highway. More details in ultimate guide to exploring Crete by car.
Book Your Kastelli Airport Car →
FAQ: Kastelli vs Heraklion Airport
Is Kastelli Airport replacing Heraklion Airport?
Yes, fully from early 2028. Heraklion will close to commercial flights. Is Kastelli further than Heraklion Airport?
Yes, 39km vs 5km, but 35-40 min via new 6-lane A90 highway vs 30 min with city traffic before. Will car rental be more expensive at Kastelli?
No, same prices as Heraklion. Comfy includes full insurance. Check Kastelli Airport car rental prices. Which airport is better for rental car pickup?
Kastelli - P5 lot 2-min walk, 3-min pickup, no shuttle, no road crossing like HER. Will my 2028 flight land at Kastelli or Heraklion?
If booked for Feb 2028 onward, it will land at Kastelli (LGTL) even if ticket says HER. Airlines will update code.
