You’re standing in Gatwick at 5:00 AM. It’s grey. You’ve got a lukewarm pastry in one hand and a passport in the other, wondering if the four-hour haul is actually worth it. Honestly? It is. But if you’re planning to fly London to Crete, you need to realize that Crete isn't just "an island." It’s basically a small country masquerading as one.
Most people mess this up by landing in the wrong spot.
Crete has two main international airports: Heraklion (HER) and Chania (CHQ). There’s a third one, Sitia (JSH), way out east, but unless you’re flying a small prop plane from Athens, you probably won’t see it. Picking between Heraklion and Chania isn't just a minor detail; it’s the difference between a twenty-minute taxi and a three-hour soul-crushing drive across winding mountain roads.
Which London runway actually gets you there fastest?
London is spoiled for choice, but not all departures are created equal. You’ve got Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton all throwing metal into the sky toward the Mediterranean.
British Airways runs the show out of Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW). If you have Avios points burning a hole in your pocket, Heathrow Terminal 5 is the "civilized" way to go. You get the lounge, the decent coffee, and a bit more legroom. But you’ll pay for it.
EasyJet and Ryanair are the workhorses here. They dominate the routes from Gatwick, Luton, and Stansted. If you're looking to fly London to Crete on a budget, you’re likely looking at an orange or blue tail fin.
Direct flights take about 3 hours and 50 minutes. Sometimes four hours if the headwind is nasty.
The Heraklion vs. Chania dilemma
Heraklion is the capital. It’s busy, slightly chaotic, and right next to Knossos. If you want big resorts or you’re heading to Agios Nikolaos or Elounda, land here. Jet2 and TUI run massive charter operations into HER during the summer months.
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Chania is the pretty sister. It’s got the Venetian harbor and the sunset views that make your Instagram followers jealous. If you’re staying in Rethymno or the far west, CHQ is your target.
Do not—I repeat, do not—book a flight to Heraklion if your hotel is in Kissamos. You’ll spend half your first day in a car. It sucks.
Timing is everything: When the deals actually happen
The flight paths from the UK to the Greek islands are seasonal. This is crucial. From November to March, the direct "holiday" flights basically vanish.
If you want to go in February, you’ll have to fly to Athens first. Aegean Airlines is fantastic for this. You hop from London to Athens, wait an hour, then take a 40-minute "puddle jumper" to the island. It’s actually a great way to see the Aegean from above.
Peak season is July and August. It’s hot. It’s crowded. Prices for a seat can skyrocket to £500 or more if you book late.
Go in May or September.
In May, the wildflowers are out. In September, the sea is like bathwater. The prices? Usually half of what they are in August. Plus, the flight crew at Gatwick won't look nearly as exhausted.
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Hidden costs and the "Low-Cost" trap
We’ve all seen the £39 fare. It’s tempting.
But wait.
By the time you add a carry-on bag (because heaven forbid you wear the same shirt twice), pick a seat so you aren't stuck next to the toilets, and pay for a sandwich that tastes like cardboard, that £39 is suddenly £140.
- Check the baggage rules: Ryanair is notoriously strict. If your bag is a centimeter too wide, they will find it. They have a sixth sense for it.
- Airport transfers: Getting to Stansted at 3:00 AM costs money. Factor that into your "cheap" flight.
- The Night Flight: Some flights from London arrive in Crete at 2:00 AM. Many local car rental desks close at midnight or charge a "late arrival" fee of €30 to €50.
I once met a couple who saved £40 on their flights but spent €120 on a taxi because the buses had stopped running and their rental agency was shut. Don't be those people.
What to expect when you land
When you finally fly London to Crete and step off that plane, the first thing that hits you is the smell. It’s thyme, oregano, and salt air.
Heraklion airport is currently undergoing a lot of transitions because they are building a brand new airport at Kastelli. For now, the old terminal is... cozy. It’s crowded. If three flights land at once, the baggage reclaim area becomes a mosh pit. Just breathe. You’re on island time now.
Chania is smaller and generally a bit calmer, though still hectic in the height of summer.
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Logistics you shouldn't ignore
You need wheels. Crete is huge. It’s the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean.
While the KTEL bus system is actually surprisingly good and reliable, it won't get you to the "secret" beaches like Elafonisi or Falassarna at sunrise before the tour buses arrive.
Book a car in advance. Use local companies like AutoWay or Monza rather than just the big international chains. They often include full insurance with zero excess, which is a lifesaver on Crete’s narrow, goat-filled mountain roads.
Making the flight easier on yourself
Since it’s a four-hour flight, download your podcasts before you leave the house. The Wi-Fi at London airports is hit or miss, and once you’re over the Alps, you’re on your own.
Pack a reusable water bottle. Empty it before security, then fill it up at the Hydration Stations in Gatwick or Heathrow. It saves you £4 and a lot of plastic waste.
Also, wear layers. London might be 12°C and drizzling, but Crete will likely be 28°C. There is nothing worse than walking across the tarmac in Heraklion wearing a heavy wool coat.
The final verdict on the London-Crete route
Is it a long flight? Sorta. Is it worth the effort? Absolutely.
If you want luxury and ease, fly British Airways from Heathrow to Chania. If you want the best price and don't mind a bit of a trek to the airport, look at EasyJet from Luton or Stansted.
Actionable steps for your trip:
- Match your airport to your hotel: Use Heraklion for the East/Center and Chania for the West.
- Book 12 weeks out: This is generally the sweet spot for pricing on Greek island routes from the UK.
- Check the arrival time: Avoid landing after midnight unless you have a pre-arranged transfer or a rental car that allows late pick-ups.
- Use a flight aggregator: Sites like Google Flights are great, but always check the airline's direct site before hitting "buy" to ensure you’re getting the actual baggage allowance.
- Scan your passport: Keep a digital copy on your phone. It’s a small thing, but it saves a mountain of stress if your bag goes wandering.
The island is waiting. The raki is cold. The olives are salty. All you have to do is get through security.