Find the cheapest flights from London to Crete in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: London (LHR) → Crete (HER)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 5h 30m – 8h 30m (1 stop)
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €320 | low |
| February | €310 | low |
| March | €340 | low |
| April | €380 | medium |
| May | €420 | high |
| June | €520 | high |
| July | €580 | high |
| August | €620 | high |
| September | €480 | high |
| October | €390 | medium |
| November | €300 | low |
| December | €350 | low |
Airlines on This Route
- easyJet (direct): from €350 — easyJet releases seats around 4-6 months ahead. Book early for summer dates as prices rise sharply after March. Check Gatwick and Luton hubs for most frequency.
- British Airways (direct): from €450 — BA prices tend to be higher but include better baggage allowance. Use BA Miles to upgrade or book through American Express points. Flexible fare includes free changes.
- Jet2 (direct): from €380 — Jet2 is excellent for package holiday bundles. Compare flight-only vs package prices – sometimes package deals work out cheaper with included baggage.
- TUI Airways (direct): from €420 — TUI operates mainly as part of package holidays but flight-only deals available. Best value when booked as part of a package with transfers.
- Aegean Airlines (connecting): from €280 — Aegean is consistently cheapest for connecting routes via Athens. Athens connection typically adds 2-3 hours. Check ATH – HER positioning carefully.
- Ryanair (connecting): from €250 — Ryanair often has rock-bottom prices but beware extra costs. Connect via Athens, Milan Bergamo, or other European hubs. Price often excludes any checked baggage.
Booking Strategy
For London to Crete flights, the sweet spot for booking is 6-8 weeks ahead for summer travel (June-September) and 8-12 weeks for winter. November sees the lowest prices at around €300 return. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically €40-80 cheaper than weekend flights. Use Skyscanner’s ‘Everywhere’ search to compare routing options, but book directly with the airline to avoid third-party complications. Gatwick (LGW) and Stansted (STN) usually offer the best direct prices, while Heathrow (LHR) has premium carriers with better baggage. If flying indirect via Athens, build in at least a 2-hour layover to account for possible delays. Set price alerts on Google Flights for your specific dates – prices often drop midweek. Avoid booking during Greek school holidays as prices spike significantly.
Route Tips
- Heraklion airport (HER) can get extremely busy in August – arrive 3 hours early for international departures and pre-book transfers rather than queuing for taxis.
- British passport holders need no visa for Greece – ensure your passport has at least 3 months validity beyond your return date and is not more than 10 years old.
- Consider flying into Chania (CHQ) if your accommodation is in western Crete – it’s only 35km from popular resorts like Rethymno and the Samaria Gorge trailhead.
- Skip the expensive airport taxis – KTEL public buses run every 15-20 minutes from Heraklion airport to the city center for €1.60.
- For baggage savings, Jet2 and TUI often include 15-22kg hold luggage in the ticket price, making them competitive with low-cost carriers once bags are added.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from London to Crete?
Direct flights from London to Heraklion (HER) take approximately 4 hours. The main carriers operating direct routes include easyJet, British Airways, Jet2, and TUI, with seasonal services from Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, and Stansted. If you opt for a connecting flight via Athens with Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air, expect a total journey time of 5h30m to 8h30m depending on the layover duration. Athens connections are the most common indirect option, though some routes go via Milan, Vienna, or other European hubs.
How much does it cost to fly from London to Crete?
Return flights start from around €300 in the low season (November-March) with carriers like Aegean Airlines and Ryanair offering connecting services. During peak summer (July-August), expect to pay €500-620 for direct flights with easyJet or British Airways. May and September shoulder seasons offer a balance with prices around €380-480. Package holiday deals through Jet2 or TUI can sometimes undercut standalone flights, especially when including baggage and transfers.
Are there direct flights from London to Crete?
Yes, multiple airlines operate direct seasonal flights to Heraklion (HER) from London. easyJet runs the most frequent services from Gatwick and Luton. British Airways operates from Heathrow. Jet2 and TUI primarily offer package holiday flights but also sell flight-only seats from various London airports. Direct flights are only available during the summer season (typically April/May through October), with significantly reduced frequency in winter when connecting via Athens becomes necessary.
What is the cheapest month to fly from London to Crete?
November is the cheapest month with average return prices around €300, offering the best value for budget-conscious travelers. January and February also offer low prices (€310-320) though flight frequency is reduced. The most expensive period is July and August when prices peak at €580-620 due to peak summer demand and school holiday periods. For the best balance of good weather and reasonable prices, consider late May or September when temperatures are still warm (25-28°C) but prices drop significantly from summer peaks.
Which airlines fly from London to Crete?
Direct carriers include easyJet (budget, from £60 one-way), British Airways (premium, from £120 one-way), Jet2 (budget package specialist), and TUI Airways (package holiday specialist). For connecting options, Aegean Airlines via Athens offers the best balance of price and service, while Ryanair can be cheapest but with minimal baggage included. Aegean includes a 23kg checked bag in the fare, while Ryanair charges extra for everything beyond a small personal item.
What airport do I fly into in Crete?
Most flights land at Heraklion International Airport (HER), also known as Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, located roughly 5km east of Heraklion city center. This is Crete’s busiest airport and main gateway. Alternative airports include Chania (CHQ) in western Crete, served by some seasonal flights from London. From Heraklion airport, bus service (KTEL) costs around €1.60 to the city center, while taxis cost approximately €15-20. Car rentals are readily available at both airports with major providers like Sixt, Enterprise, and local companies.
How far in advance should I book London to Crete flights?
For summer travel (June-August), book 6-8 weeks ahead for the best prices – waiting longer often means paying a premium. For half-term and Christmas periods, book 3-4 months ahead as these peak times fill quickly. Winter travel (November-February) offers more flexibility with 4-6 weeks usually sufficient. Avoid booking too early (more than 4 months) as airlines haven’t yet released their lowest fare classes. Use Google Flights to track price trends for your specific travel dates.
Is it cheaper to fly from London to Crete on weekdays?
Yes, flying midweek is typically cheaper than weekend departures. Tuesday and Wednesday are consistently the cheapest days to fly, with savings of €40-80 compared to Friday or Sunday departures. This price difference is most pronounced during off-peak seasons. Saturday departures often fall between weekday and weekend prices. If your schedule is flexible, shifting a departure by one or two days can result in significant savings, especially for peak season travel.
Data updated: 2026-03
