Car Rental at Crete Airport Heraklion [HER], Greece

Driving in Crete

With vibrant beach resorts, hundreds of ancient sites, breathtaking landscapes, and numerous cultural adventures, Crete is an outstanding destination to see. The number of travel options it has is impressive and Crete car rental is a great way to check them all out.

The car gives you access to all the hidden sightseeing gems not available to you on public transport. Plus, it's just convenient to have four wheels on hand and travel at your own pace. Moving around the island in your own vehicle is sure to leave you with vivid memories. Despite the island's small size, it offers many great things to see and do. The distance from west to east is 258 km, which you can drive in 5-6 hours.

Traffic rules and safety in Crete

Crete's unique approach to safety contributes to a hassle-free road trip as well. The crime rate on the island is impressively low - you can see how the locals often leave their cars and houses unlocked. At the same time, drivers are usually polite and thus ride safely. However, be careful on the road when driving a car rental in Greece, as sometimes even high mountain sections may not have restrictive barriers and road markings. 

In other respects, Crete is an absolutely safe place to explore, and it would be a great idea, for example, to pick up a car for rent from Heraklion to Chania and enjoy your trip. This spectacular 142 km/h coastal adventure will give you an unforgettable driving experience between the wilderness and the endless ocean. The quality of the roads is undeniable, while the well-developed island infrastructure allows you to count on a fun-filled journey. The only thing you need to improve is your knowledge of the traffic regulations in Greece. So, consider the top tips below:

• Stay on the right-hand side of the road when driving in Greece.
• Always fasten your seat belt and don’t use your mobile phone while riding.
• Don't drive under the influence.
• Don’t put children under 10 in the front seats.
• Transport children 4-11 years of age in a child seat only.
• When at a roundabout, give way to vehicles entering it.
• Don’t exceed the speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 110 km/h on open roads, and 120 km/h on highways.
• Use the middle line to overtake on a 3-lane highway.
• Don’t overtake at curves, junctions, pedestrian crossings, narrow sections of road, and areas with poor visibility.
• Don’t park closer than 5 meters to a junction and 15 meters from a public transport stop.
• Drive slowly in blind corners.

Driving Licence Requirements in Crete

You can rent a car from Heraklion or any other Cretan destination if you are 21 years old and have a valid driver's licence in your name. At the same time, you must hold your licence for at least a year before your trip.
If your licence is not in English or Greek, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, and Israel can rent a car in Greece even with a domestic driver's licence only. In all other cases, you must accompany your national licence with the IDP. Learners’ permits, and expired or canceled licences are not accepted in any case.

Rent your perfect car at Crete Heraklion Airport

We offer a wide range of all-inclusive car rental deals in Crete. Don't know what to choose? Book a car according to your needs and personal preferences.

For example, the economy Fiat Panda or Opel Corsa is suitable for those travelling on a budget. If you need more interior space, prefer the full-size Volvo S40 or similar. Family travelers can benefit from a large 7-seater minivan like the Fiat Doblo or the Volkswagen Caddy. If you're planning to hit the beach or explore the wilderness, pick up an AWD SUV. Ford Kuga, Volkswagen T-Cross, and Seat Arona are the best off-road cars to rent in Crete.

Most of our vehicles are manual. However, you can also find automatic vehicles when looking for Heraklion Airport Crete rental car. In addition, cars with manual gear shifting are often slightly cheaper.

The average rental car prices on our website are accessible to everyone and suitable for any budget. We have close working relationships with many providers and thus can offer you additional discounts. Check out our average rates:

These are not final prices as many things affect how much you pay. Seasonal factors, length of the rental period, current demand, and additional options are important price deciders. So, for example, you are more likely to get a cheap car hire in Crete if you rent in the low season and for a long period.

Would you like to know the exact prices for the date you need? Fill out the search form above, or go to the general information on our home page.

Car rental agencies at Heraklion Airport in Crete

It's always great when you have a large selection of providers. Fortunately, you can pick up a cheap rental car at Crete Airport Heraklion from one of over 20 companies. These include both large international vendors and local agencies located in and out of the terminal building. Check all the required information for each supplier below:

On-site Companies

The suppliers located in the airport provide fast and easy car rental pickup. All you have to do is find the appropriate kiosk in the arrival hall. The following companies are based on-site:

• Alamo. The company's rental desk is in the arrivals hall. Alamo is open Monday through Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Alamo car rental Heraklion return takes place in a designated parking lot opposite the airport.
• Auto-Union. The office of the supplier is available from 07:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the arrivals hall. Follow the parking lot to return the rental car.
• Budget. The company is located in the arrivals hall and operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can return the car in the parking lot, within walking distance from the airport.
• Enterprise. The office is open every day from 7.30 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can return the car to the parking lot near.
• Europcar. The desk is located in the arrivals section of the terminal building. The location’s business hours are from 07:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The car must be returned to the Europcar parking lot opposite the building.
• GreenMotion. The kiosk is located in the arrivals hall and is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. 7 days a week. The return location is available in the parking lot opposite the building.
• Hertz. The company operates from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. You can return your car to Hertz's dedicated parking.
• Avis. Operating from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. 7 days a week, Avis Heraklion rent a car location is in the arrival hall of the airport. The company's return point is available in the parking lot near.
• National. The counter is located in the arrivals hall, while the parking lot is within walking distance. The office is open daily from 7.30 a.m. to 10 p.m. With a rating of 7.9/10, the company features the best car rental Crete Airport reviews.
• Payless. The company provides service from 06:30 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. You will find a kiosk in the arrivals hall. The return location is in the parking lot nearby.
• Sixt. The branch is located inside the arrivals hall and is open from 7 a.m. to 11.59 p.m. You can return the car to the parking lot opposite the building.
• Thrifty. Located in the arrivals hall, the office is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Pick-up and drop-off location is available in the parking lot near.

Off-site companies

Some suppliers have offices off-site. As a rule, they provide a shuttle service to their offices or a Meet and Greet service.

• Abbycar. The company is located outside the airport and provides a shuttle service to the office. Working hours are from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., 7 days a week. You can return the car to the company's parking lot.
• Autocandia. The desk is located within the airport. Please exit the arrivals building, then cross the street and turn right to find it. The business hours are from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can return the car to the parking lot near.
• AutoHolidays. Located on the outside, the agency is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can pick up and return the car in the parking lot opposite the building.
• Cargini Rent A Car. The supplier works from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and offers car hire outside. Employees will meet you at the arrivals hall and take you to the office. Please follow the company's parking lot to return the car rental at Heraklion Airport.
• Carwiz. The car hire desk and return point are located inside the airport grounds. Use the company's shuttle bus to reach the facility. The office is open Monday - Sunday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Centauro. The company operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. A representative will meet you at the exit of the arrivals hall and escort you to the shuttle. Vehicles must be returned to the Centauro parking lot.
• Global Rent A Car. The company operates from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and provides a meet-and-greet service. Follow the pre-arranged location to return your vehicle.
• Surprice. The provider is located 0.7 km from the terminal and provides a shuttle service from the arrival hall. Office hours are from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. You must return the car to the parking lot near the company facility.
• Yours Car Rental. The company operates from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and provides a shuttle service running between the office and the airport terminal. The vehicle must be returned to the company's parking lot.

Please note that Crete Heraklion Airport car rental agencies are not open 24 hours but provide 24-hour returns upon request.