Travelling from Heraklion Airport (HER) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Istanbul is 1 hour ahead of Heraklion, where Heraklion Airport is located. Istanbul operates on the UTC+3 timezone.
Give yourself enough time to catch your flight from HER to Istanbul. As a general rule, turn up at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You can expect longer lines in popular months like August and other peak periods. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for domestic departures is a wise move.
We make it a cinch to plan a flight from HER to Istanbul that includes a stopover. To see your options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply pick a flight with a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Popular stopovers include:
Belgrad Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)
If you hold a passport from Greece and plan to travel to Türkiye (Turkey) for tourism purposes, you won't need a visa. However, entry and visa requirements may differ based on the length of your trip and can be subject to change. For the latest rules, check with your destination's nearest embassy or consulate before reserving a cheap ticket from Heraklion Airport to Istanbul.
HER is about 3 kilometres from central Heraklion. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take 9 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the trip time to be approximately 15 minutes.
Want a handy hotel close to HER? If you've booked an early flight from Heraklion Airport to Istanbul, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your departure lounge:
How to find the cheapest flights from Heraklion Airport (HER) to Istanbul
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Heraklion Airport to Istanbul is RM210. The cheapest price for a return flight is RM507. Keep in mind fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
To pick up cheap tickets from HER to Istanbul, book early. Airlines typically offer their most competitively priced fares when flights are first made available.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest tickets from Heraklion Airport to Istanbul throughout the entire month. It's a good way to snap up a bargain if your travel plans aren't set in stone.
Log into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know right away if there's a cheaper deal on this route. It doesn't take long, and it'll save you the hassle of looking for cheap tickets from HER to Istanbul every day.
Take advantage of the filters to find your ideal trip. To see the 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Heraklion Airport to Istanbul, use the 'Sort by' function. You can also filter results by departure and arrival times, airline, and number of stops.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to the centre of Istanbul takes around 50 minutes by car. It's approximately 48 kilometres away.
It typically takes 1 hour and 45 minutes if you're using public transport.
If you have a late flight from Heraklion Airport to Istanbul, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these hotels near IST:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is around 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. Once you've hopped off your flight from Heraklion Airport to Istanbul, it'll take you around 57 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
Public transport will get you there in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
After your flight from HER to Istanbul, unwind at a hotel near SAW. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
Best time to go to Istanbul
It's time to choose your travel dates for your flight from Heraklion Airport to Istanbul. August is the busiest month to visit Istanbul. If you prefer a more peaceful vibe, go in February.
Before you book a flight from Heraklion Airport to Istanbul, think about the type of weather you enjoy. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with the temperature ranging from 20ºC to 30ºC.
Look for cheap flights from HER to Istanbul in January if you like cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC and 11ºC on average.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Istanbul right here. Browse these hotels after locking in your flight from Heraklion Airport to Istanbul:
Topkapi Palace and The Basilica Cistern are just the start of the leading attractions to put on your Istanbul itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to Galata Tower.
Complete your Istanbul trip with a car rental
Select one of our car rentals in Istanbul and explore the city on your own terms. Easily compare rates in one go to find the perfect ride once you've locked in your hotel and cheap flights from Heraklion Airport to Istanbul.