Car Rental in Heraklion
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The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 01:56 on 2020-03-30. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Contents
Travel Information
Language
Greek
Currency
EUR
Country code
30
Average car rental length
8 days
Economy car rental price
$13.85 / per day
Traffic direction
Right-hand
Speed limit out of town
90 km/h
56 mi/h
Speed limit within town
50 km/h
31 mi/h
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Why rent a car in Heraklion?
Heraklion is a great place for renting a car. The capital and largest city of Crete offers everything from fascinating historic sites to great beaches, fun nightlife, and extraordinary local cuisine. The city also serves as a great base for exploring the rest of the island, especially its central parts and the northeast.
One-Way Car Rentals in Heraklion
The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Heraklion and drop off in another city include:
- From Heraklion to Chania - 351 offers from 15.55 USD per day
- From Heraklion to Rethymno - 18 offers from 14.36 USD per day
Top ways to enter Heraklion
- Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis Airport. Named after a Greek writer who hailed from the island, Heraklion Airport is the second busiest in Greece. In 2018, for the first time in its history it served more than eight million passengers. The most popular destinations from Heraklion are London, Paris, and Moscow, but the airport is served by more than 50 different airlines and offers flights to most European countries. Heraklion Airport is just 5 km (3.1 mi) east of the city center.
- Chania Airport. Crete’s other international airport, serving its second city, is about 150 km (93 mi) west of Heraklion. The two hour drive takes you along the island’s northern coast, offering some amazing views along the way.
- Santorini Airport. Serving the beautiful island of the same name, the small and cozy Santorini Airport is especially busy during the summer months. It is connected to Crete by a frequent ferry service.
- By sea. Heraklion boasts one of the busiest ports in Greece and, indeed, the Mediterranean. There are ferry services to a lot of nearby Greek islands as well as to the mainland and the capital, Athens. If you’re arriving in Heraklion by ferry, you can conveniently pick up your rental car at Heraklion Port.
Useful city facts
- With a typical Mediterranean climate, Heraklion has enjoyable weather throughout the year. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 30 °C (86 °F) which means that is rarely scorching hot in the city. Precipitation is nearly non-existent from June to August. Winters are mild and pleasant, but generally more humid.
- With a population of about 173,000, Heraklion is the fifth largest city in Greece and the largest that’s not on the Greek mainland. Nearly every third inhabitant of Crete lives in the city or its near proximity.
- There have been permanent human settlements near the present-day location of Heraklion for around 9000 years. In the 3rd and 2nd millennium BC, the area was home to the Minoan Civilization, considered by most historians to be the first human civilization in Europe.
Top destinations and activities
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum. A museum of archeology might not be the first thing on your mind when visiting a Mediterranean island, but this one will get you excited even if history is not your thing. With many fine examples of Minoan, Hellenic, and Roman art objects, weapons, and other artifacts like the Snake Goddess or the Bull-Leaping Fresco, this museum tells the fascinating and ancient story of the island. Come here first, then drive to the nearby Palace of Knossos where the capital of the Minoan civilization once stood. Its ruins are said to have once made up the mythical labyrinth that guarded the Minotaur.
- Amoudara. Located just west of the city center, this blue flag beach that stretches for about 3 km (1.6 mi) is the most famous coastal area of Heraklion. Spend a fine and leisurely day in the golden sands, have a delicious meal at the beach taverna, or, if you’re up for something more exciting, go surfing or kitesurfing for which there are many opportunities. Should you ever grow tired of this hip and busy area, just jump in your rental car and drive up or down the coast and you’ll find many other, more private beaches near Heraklion.
- Lychnostatis Open-Air Museum. While many other of the Heraklion museums deal with the more epic and belligerent chapters of the island’s history, in Lychnostatis you can experience what the rural, bucolic life of Crete was (and still is). See the wine and olive presses at work, take a look inside the folk art gallery, or even try your hand at a weaving workshop.
Traffic and parking tips
- There are no highways on Crete (nor on any other Greek islands).
- Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 90 km/h (55.9 mph) on roads outside populated areas and 50 km/h (31 mph) in populated and built-up areas.
- Many gas stations might be closed during the weekends and public holidays.
- It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving.
- The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.02% for novice drivers. Exceeding these limits can lead to steep fines and a licence ban. Exceeding the limit of 0.08% is a criminal offence and can lead to up to two years of imprisonment.
- The insurance and car documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
- If you’re the driver, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
- The general emergency number, like elsewhere in the EU, is 112. The police number is 100, the ambulance number is 166, and the fire brigade number is 199.
Toll roads
There are no toll roads in Crete. There are a number of toll roads, tunnels, and bridges on the mainland of Greece. Many travelers find them very hard to navigate and some choose to avoid using the toll roads altogether because of the very complex toll road system that is in place. Different toll roads are administered by different private companies and so there is not a single, nationwide (or even region-wide) toll road system in place.
For most toll roads, the payment can be either made with cash at a toll gate, by credit card, or with coins at an automatic toll machine. For some roads, an electronic transponder might be used to pay for using the toll road. Some rental cars might be equipped with such an electronic transponder. However, because of the aforementioned different toll road systems that are in place, this payment method might work for some toll roads but not for others. Determine your route in advance and ask your car rental provider about the best way to pay for the toll roads that you plan to use.
Ideas for a day-trip
- Rethymno. This cute little town about 80 km (50 mi) from Heraklion has some of the best architectural examples of the times when the island was ruled by Venetians. In addition to history (and a good number of interesting museums), it also has beautiful stony beaches and a lighthouse.
- Psychro. The village of Psychro that’s about 1 hour’s drive inland from Heraklion might be a sleepy and idyllic place, but its main attraction, the Psychro Cave or Dikteon Cave, has often been mentioned as the birthplace of Zeus, the king of the ancient Greek gods. Even if you don’t believe this amazing legend, the cave is worth visiting thanks to its otherworldly stalagmite structures. Do keep in mind that although the Latishi plateau where the cave is located is close to the coast, the elevation rises quite rapidly as you drive inland and the cave is at a height of more than 1,000 meters (3,280 ft).
- Agios Nikolaos. A calm and relaxed town about an hour’s drive east of Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos is in many ways a serene alternative to the busyness of the big city. From here, you can also go on a boat trip to Spinalonga Island that at different times in history has been a Venetian fortress and a leper colony.
Most popular rental types and cars
The most popular rental in Heraklion is the Citroen C3, although travelers also love the Fiat Panda, and the Citroen C1. The most popular rental car types are economy, mini, and compact. The larger and more central streets of Heraklion are wide and in good shape, but streets in some neighborhoods, as well as in many nearby towns and villages, can be quite narrow, so getting a smaller rental car can be a good idea.
Further destinations
Note: While you can bring a vehicle on some ferries, be sure to ask your car rental provider, in advance, if they permit it and whether you can later drop off the car in another location or if you need to return to Crete. Alternatively, you could always travel to another destination and rent another car there.
- Chania. Mixing the Greek, Italian, and Turkish influences of its past, Crete’s second largest city is a charming and atmospheric place to visit. Visit Chania’s Municipal Agora, its main historic market and its beautiful ancient churches. Also, don’t miss out on Samariá National Park and its many impressive gorges that’s just south of the city.
- Santorini. With its white Cycladic buildings, the black pebble beach of Kamari, scuba diving opportunities, and many traditional wineries and restaurants, Santorini is perhaps even more idyllic than all other small Greek islands. There is a frequent ferry service between Heraklion in Santorini.
- Athens. The birthplace of modern democracy, home to many important Hellenic sites, and also a modern, vibrant metropolis, the Greek capital is as diverse and interesting as you’d expect it to be. There are frequent ferry service between Heraklion and Athens as well as daily flights.
Car Rental Prices in Heraklion
- Convertibles - from $32 per day
- Station wagons - from $107 per day
- Large cars - from $71 per day
- Medium cars - from $39 per day
- People Carriers/Vans - from $71 per day
- Small cars - from $24 per day
- SUVs - from $47 per day
How can I save money on my rental car?
These are the tricks that can help you land a good car rental deal in Heraklion:
- Compare rates of different rental car providers
- Book your rental car well in advance
- Plan your route before you go
- Know your fuel and mileage requirements
- Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Heraklion is the cheapest in March when renting a car is about 62% cheaper than the yearly average and an entire 80% cheaper than renting a car in August.
Top 20 Cities near Heraklion
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Athens Car Rentals from $2.41 per day309.1 km / 192.0 miles away
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Thessaloniki Car Rentals from $4.03 per day607.7 km / 377.6 miles away
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Santorini Car Rentals from $7.61 per day120.8 km / 75.1 miles away
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Rhodes Car Rentals from $4.63 per day287.4 km / 178.6 miles away
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Corfu Car Rentals from $5.29 per day663.7 km / 412.4 miles away
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Chania Car Rentals from $3.98 per day95.8 km / 59.5 miles away
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Mykonos Car Rentals from $7.33 per day233.5 km / 145.1 miles away
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Naxos Car Rentals from $7.61 per day194.3 km / 120.7 miles away
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Kefalonia Car Rentals from $7.46 per day519.0 km / 322.5 miles away
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Zakynthos Car Rentals from $4.78 per day468.1 km / 290.8 miles away
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Samos Car Rentals from $7.61 per day303.7 km / 188.7 miles away
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Kos Car Rentals from $7.61 per day235.9 km / 146.6 miles away
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Kalamata Car Rentals from $7.60 per day342.1 km / 212.6 miles away
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Preveza Car Rentals from $5.74 per day558.6 km / 347.1 miles away
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Chios Car Rentals from $7.61 per day344.7 km / 214.2 miles away
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Paros Car Rentals from $6.15 per day185.8 km / 115.5 miles away
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Skiathos Car Rentals from $7.33 per day451.7 km / 280.7 miles away
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Milos Car Rentals from $14.39 per day163.5 km / 101.6 miles away
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Karpathos Car Rentals from $7.61 per day178.4 km / 110.9 miles away
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Lesvos Car Rentals from $7.61 per day432.0 km / 268.4 miles away
Top 20 Locations near Heraklion
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Heraklion Airport Car Rentals from $3.98 per day
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Heraklion, Downtown Car Rentals from $3.98 per day
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Heraklion Port Car Rentals from $3.98 per day
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Sitia Public Airport Car Rentals from $7.61 per day84.7 km / 52.6 miles away
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Chania Airport Car Rentals from $3.98 per day95.8 km / 59.5 miles away
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Santorini Airport Car Rentals from $7.61 per day120.8 km / 75.1 miles away
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Milos Airport Car Rentals from $14.39 per day163.5 km / 101.6 miles away
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Karpathos Airport Car Rentals from $7.61 per day178.4 km / 110.9 miles away
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Paros Airport Car Rentals from $6.15 per day185.8 km / 115.5 miles away
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Naxos Airport Car Rentals from $7.61 per day194.3 km / 120.7 miles away
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Kythira Airport Car Rentals from $16.55 per day221.0 km / 137.3 miles away
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Syros Airport Car Rentals from $16.55 per day232.5 km / 144.5 miles away
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Mykonos Airport Car Rentals from $7.33 per day233.5 km / 145.1 miles away
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Kos Airport Car Rentals from $7.61 per day235.9 km / 146.6 miles away
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Rhodes Airport Car Rentals from $4.63 per day287.4 km / 178.6 miles away
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Samos Airport Car Rentals from $7.61 per day303.7 km / 188.7 miles away
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Athens Airport Car Rentals from $2.41 per day309.1 km / 192.0 miles away
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Kalamata Airport Car Rentals from $7.60 per day342.1 km / 212.6 miles away
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Chios Airport Car Rentals from $7.61 per day344.7 km / 214.2 miles away
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Skyros Island National Airport Car Rentals from $24.37 per day407.9 km / 253.4 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
Which is the cheapest month to rent a car in Heraklion?
Car rental prices in Heraklion vary a lot according to the time of year. This graph compares month-to-month price changes to help you find the best offer.
Average Rental Price in Heraklion
The best month to rent a car in Heraklion is January (when prices for an Economy class start from $14.48). This is 53% cheaper than the yearly average and 70% cheaper than renting in August (when rental prices start at $48.63 for a Compact class). Knowing this can help you find the best price.
What’s the usual rental length in Heraklion?
Travel lengths vary from month to month: in June, travelers rent a car for an average of 10 days in March, the average rental period is 4 days.
Average Rental Length in Heraklion
What's the most popular month to rent a car in Heraklion?
While travelers visit Heraklion year-round, the most popular month for renting a car is March, and the least popular is September.
Popularity of Car Rental in Heraklion by Monthly Searches
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centauro | Fiat 500 | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| RightCars | Vauxhall Corsa | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Surprice | Hyundai i20 | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Surprice | Toyota Aygo | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| RightCars | Fiat Panda | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Surprice | Toyota Aygo | 3 | 2 | Small cars |
| Surprice | Citroen C1 | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Surprice | Peugeot 308 | 5 | 3 | Large cars |
| Centauro | Ford Focus | 5 | 3 | Medium cars |
| Centauro | Ford Fiesta | 4 | 3 | Small cars |
Our Customers Reviews
FW
United Kingdom
Fiat Panda
October 8, 2019
Car adds great benefit to a holiday in Crete (its a big island) and Heraklion Airport has many car hire companies conveniently on site
AW
United Kingdom
Toyota Aygo
September 28, 2019
Really enjoyed our stay, good food and we found some nice beaches. The people are very friendly as the Greeks usually are.
YS
Israel
Ford Focus
September 4, 2019
crete is a lovely place with many sea shores and small bays, it is a waste to stay ther whole time in one place
AP
United Kingdom
Peugeot 308
September 3, 2019
very tight village streets and in the mountains as you go to restaurents there are many 'roads' with no tarmc and no street lights to navigate down steep windy hills... not for the faint hearted but the restarents are fabulous if you go for it... google maps essential but even that lost the plot in a fw valleys....
GB
France
Suzuki Baleno
July 30, 2019
Belle ville , quiétude et café agréable . Le musée archéologique est magnifique
MK
Ireland
Peugeot 308
July 19, 2019
Rethymno was superb and has great restaurants. We enjoyed a day trip to Chania and spent a week in Aghios Nikolaos which we really liked. If you are reasonably fit, a day trip/hike through the Gorge of Samaria is a fantastic experience, despite the 6am start and a challenging walk in the heat of mid-summer
AA
United Kingdom
Opel Corsa
November 9, 2018
Definitely needs to rent a car to visit Crete, it it the best way to enjoy this beautiful and amazing island !
PM
United Kingdom
Renault Clio
November 2, 2018
Drive defensively, check country specific signage
JS
Israel
VW Polo
October 16, 2018
You'll need a car to access the gorgeous Cretan countryside.
PB
Australia
Fiat Punto
October 14, 2018
The freedom of having a car is great on an island with many sights to see.
MR
Romania
Peugeot 108
August 17, 2018
Crete is an amazing island...however plans need to be laid out carefully as the distances are quite large. Despite this slight inconvenience a few towns and beaches are compulsory: Chania, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos, Malia & the beaches: Elafonissi, Prevelli, Istro, Matala, Balos etc. Have fun and keep your eyes on the road!
PM
Canada
Peugeot Traveller Maxi
August 17, 2018
Easy to rent a car at airport and drop it at the port to take a ship to other island!
AP
United Kingdom
Skoda Citigo
August 2, 2018
Crete is amazing for exploring and walking, especially the remote beaches and Gorges / Canyons such as Richti and Sarakinada. You definitely need a car to get the most out of your holiday.
MF
Israel
Hyundai Tucson 4WD
July 7, 2018
The car was as promised, in good condition. However, it broke down late one evening and I was told that it could only be serviced or replaced the next morning at 9 am. As we had an early afternoon flight about 1.5 hours from our location I requested they arrive as early as possible. In the end they came a bit earlier than originally promised, and when they found out that the car could not be serviced immediately replaced it.
All in all very satisfactory service.
GP
United States of America (USA)
Kia Ceed
June 25, 2018
If you are not an experienced driver, do not rent a car in Heraklion. It is very difficult to drive in the city and hard to park. If you are driving to other cities on the highway, then renting a car is highly recommended. The highway driving was very easy.
Top 19 Suppliers in Heraklion in 2020
Carwiz
+306972263348
Heraklion Airport N. Kazantzakis 716 01, Herkalion
National
+302810226002
Heraklion International Airport, Nea Alikarnassos 716 01
Optimo Rent
+306944024738
Nea Alikarnassos - Airport Nikos Kazantzakis
Enterprise
+302810226002
HERAKLION NIKOS KAZANTZAKIS, AIRPORT
SIXT
+302810280915
Kazantzakis Airport
Europcar
+302810225150
Crete - Heraklion Airport
Keddy
+302810225150
MEETING POINT
Economy rent a car
Autounion
+302815302310
Heraklion Airport N. Kazantzakis, Iraklio 716 01
Avis
+302810390373
Heraklion 716 01
Centauro
+306936112203 / +34966360360
Leof. Ikarou 87 N, Nea Alikarnassos 716 01
Alamo
+302810226002
Heraklion Airport, Nea Alikarnassos 71601, Heraklion
GreenMotion
+302810344279
Kazantzakis Airport, Iraklio 715 00
Ace Rent a car
+302811810265 / +18778223872
89 Ikarou Avenue 71601 Nea Allikarnassos, Heraclión
Goldcar
+34965233425 / +34965233425
89 Ikarou Avenue 71601 Nea Allikarnassos, Heraclión, Nea Allikarnassos 716 01, Greece
Rhodium
+302811810265
89 Ikarou Avenue 71601 Nea Allikarnassos, Heraclión, Nea Allikarnassos 716 01
RightCars
+302112340244 / +302813015014
Heraklion Airport"Kazantzakis" Nea Alikarnassos, Iraklio 716 01
Goldcar
+302811810265
89 Ikarou Avenue 71601 Nea Allikarnassos, Heraclión, Nea Allikarnassos 716 01
Surprice
+306984631835
Heraklion International Airport N. Kazantzakis 71601 Heraklion Crete
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