{"id":3608,"date":"2026-09-15T08:39:29","date_gmt":"2026-09-15T08:39:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.comfy.gr\/blog\/?p=3608"},"modified":"2026-09-18T12:21:22","modified_gmt":"2026-09-18T12:21:22","slug":"kastelli-airport-vs-heraklion-airport","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.comfy.gr\/blog\/?p=3608","title":{"rendered":"Kastelli Airport vs Heraklion Airport: What Changes for Visitors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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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 72,000m\u00b2 terminal, 19 jet bridges, and a 6-lane highway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does this mean for you as a traveler? Is Kastelli better or just further? And what happens to car rental at Kastelli Airport<\/a> compared to Heraklion? This side-by-side comparison covers 8 key differences and what stays the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Side-by-Side Comparison: Kastelli vs Heraklion Airport<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Feature<\/th>Heraklion Airport (HER) – Old<\/th>Kastelli Airport (LGTL) – New 2028<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Location<\/td>5km from Heraklion center, inside city<\/td>39km SE, plateau near Kastelli village<\/td><\/tr>
Terminal Size<\/td>13,000m\u00b2, overcrowded, 5 gates<\/td>72,000m\u00b2, spacious, 19 jet bridges<\/td><\/tr>
Runway<\/td>2,682m, short, no long-haul<\/td>3,200m, CAT II, long-haul capable<\/td><\/tr>
Capacity<\/td>8M max, chaotic in summer<\/td>10M Phase 1, 18M Phase 2<\/td><\/tr>
Drive to Heraklion<\/td>10 min but 30 min traffic to exit city<\/td>35-40 min via new A90 highway, no traffic<\/td><\/tr>
Car Rental Pickup<\/td>Across busy road, shuttle, queues 60+ min<\/td>P5 lot 2-min walk, 3-min pickup with Comfy<\/td><\/tr>
Noise \/ Environment<\/td>Planes over city, noise complaints<\/td>Away from city, quieter approach<\/td><\/tr>
Parking<\/td>500 spaces, always full<\/td>2,000 spaces P1-P5, EV charging<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What Changes for Travelers in 2028?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Further But Faster<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you rent a car at Kastelli Airport<\/a>, you are on open road in 5 minutes. At HER, you were stuck in city for 20 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Modern Terminal vs Crowded Shed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Heraklion terminal had no air bridges, busses in 35\u00b0C 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. New P5 Rental Lot = Easier Pickup<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> will be pre-allocated and waiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro Tip:<\/strong> The new airport is at 360m altitude, so mornings can be 3-4\u00b0C cooler than Heraklion coast. Keep a light jacket in your Kastelli Airport car rental<\/a> for first hour if you land early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Stays the Same?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> remains essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also same with Comfy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n