Flying to the sunny shores of Crete from the United Kingdom is a journey filled with anticipation. If you’re setting off from Gatwick Airport, destined for Chania in Crete, you’re likely curious about how long your flight will be. This article will answer that question, along with information about flight times from other major UK airports to various destinations in Crete.
Gatwick to Chania
Gatwick, located just outside of London, offers a straightforward and convenient route to the beautiful city of Chania in Crete. Direct flights from Gatwick to Chania typically take around 4 hours, giving you ample time to sit back, relax, and maybe catch a movie or two on the flight.
Additional UK Airports
While Gatwick is one of the UK’s major international airports, it’s certainly not the only one offering flights to Crete. Here are the average flight times from other significant UK airports:
- Heathrow (London) to Heraklion: Direct flights from Heathrow to Heraklion, Crete’s capital, take approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes.
- Manchester to Chania: If you’re traveling from the North, direct flights from Manchester to Chania take around 4 hours and 20 minutes.
- Edinburgh to Heraklion: For those heading off from Scotland, the flight from Edinburgh to Heraklion usually takes approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes.
- Birmingham to Chania: A direct flight from Birmingham to Chania takes around 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Please note that these are average times for direct flights and can vary based on the specific flight and airline. If your flight includes layovers, your travel time will be longer.
Crete Airports
Crete is home to two international airports – Chania International Airport (CHQ) on the western side of the island, and Heraklion International Airport (HER), located in the capital.
Chania International Airport is conveniently situated about 14 kilometers from Chania City. The airport offers a good range of facilities, including car hire, taxi services, and public bus connections to Chania and other locations across the island.
Heraklion International Airport, also known as Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, is the primary airport in Crete and the second busiest airport in Greece. Located about 5 kilometers from Heraklion city center, it’s well connected by public transportation, taxis, and rental car services.
Both airports welcome flights from numerous international airlines, offering good connectivity from the UK and beyond.
The flight to Crete, no matter which UK airport you’re departing from, is a small step towards the unforgettable experiences awaiting you on this stunning Greek island. Whether you choose to land in Chania or Heraklion, the enchanting landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality of Crete are just a short flight away. Safe travels!
