Car rental in Heraklion, Greece

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There are 75 car rental providers in Heraklion. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pickup spot.

Driving in Heraklion: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need
A full license and passport are required.
To rent a car in Heraklion, bring your driver’s license, passport, and a credit card. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or was issued outside the EU.
Navigating city driving
Some roads are narrow, and signage isn’t always clear.
Driving in Heraklion means navigating older streets, one-way systems, and occasional tight corners. Signage isn’t always clear, so use a navigation app to stay on route and avoid restricted areas.
Tolls, emissions zones, and charges
No tolls or emissions zones on the island.
There are no toll roads in Heraklion or anywhere in Crete. Driving around the island is free of congestion charges and low-emission restrictions.
Parking your car in Heraklion
Street parking is limited in busy areas.
Parking in Heraklion can be tight near the center. Paid zones and time limits apply in some parts. Hotel parking and small private car parks are more reliable options.
Finding fuel or charging points
Gas is easy, but EV charging is limited.
Gas stations are widely available around Heraklion. EV charging stations are harder to find so use apps like Electromaps or check if your hotel provides a charger.
Local driving style and tips
Traffic flows quickly, especially in busier areas.
Local driving rules in Heraklion are often ignored. Expect overtaking on bends, limited signaling, and variable speed limits. Stay alert and give way when in doubt.
Find Heraklion car rental deals

The most popular car rental companies in Heraklion

Renting a car in Heraklion: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car rental companyRight Cars
Most popular carIntermediate/Standard, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceAED 900
Best time to bookLess than 1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Heraklion

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car rental rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Heraklion car rental search.

How to find a cheap car rental deal in Heraklion

  • Whether you need a compact for zipping through the city streets or an SUV built for road trips, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Heraklion. Choose from options averaging AED 901 a day and get on the road for less.

  • The cheapest daily rental price in Heraklion is AED 39.

  • Planning an extended stay and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? AED 150 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.

  • Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Heraklion car hire. Try booking around three weeks before you go.

  • Browse the offers available with Surprice, Carwiz and Car & Go. They're among the top-rated providers in the city.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Heraklion car rental policy, whether with Surprice or a different supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.

  • Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a good deal if the provider needs to move cars between branches. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Spend less on fuel by choosing a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.

  • Hit the highway without watching the miles and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you roam without limits.

Best value car rental options right now

  • You get the best value with this company, with average prices at AED 104 a day.

  • Not far behind, this provider offers daily rates of around AED 80.

  • The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly AED 161 a day with this supplier.

  • The Intermediate rental category is a dependable choice if you're not sure which ride is right for you. It's also the vehicle type that's rented the most in Heraklion.

Flying to Heraklion? Think about an airport pick-up

  • If you're flying into Heraklion, get moving sooner by picking up a car rental at Crete Heraklion Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city center is around 5 kilometers and takes about 15 minutes.

Compare car rental types in Heraklion

  • Small: Whether you're darting along city streets or taking a quick trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to easy handling and great mileage.

  • Medium: A smart pick when you need something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg room compared to smaller cars.

  • Large: Offering greater driving comfort and enhanced tech features, this Heraklion car hire category includes full-size cars. With bigger back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: SUVs are ready whenever wanderlust hits. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and scenic backroads alike.

  • Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Heraklion takes heavy loads and larger groups in its stride. They're tough, dependable, and ready for whatever task you throw at it.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but it's worth considering. If your ride is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a hefty excess fee. Different Heraklion car rental providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.

  • Travel smarter when you rent a car in Heraklion by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.

Good to know

  • Rental age requirements generally aren't a one-size-fits-all. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could be hit with extra charges or rules. Check the specific rules for each supplier before booking your rental in Greece.

  • Kids coming with you? Car seat laws differ from place to place, and the correct setup may depend on their age, weight and height. Check if you need to add one to your Heraklion car rental booking.

  • You'll be asked for some documents when you get to the rental counter. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's license, a credit card with enough funds for the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and additional photo ID. Your booking will confirm exactly what's required.

  • If you're new to driving in Greece, don't forget that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.

  • Keep within local speed limits of about 45kph in built-up areas and around 125kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.

  • A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Greece. The only sure way to stay legal to drive is to skip the drinks.

  • Around 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.

  • You'll be using the euro (EUR) for everyday expenses throughout your trip. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cash and cards to cover you in every situation.

Best hotels in Heraklion for drivers

  • Spend less time circling for a parking space and more time enjoying the comfort of Vanisko Hotel. Around 5 kilometers from central Heraklion, it comes with parking, air conditioning and ATMs.

  • Plānis Str Urban Suites by Semavί makes travel simpler with parking and features like a laundry and Wi-Fi. It's roughly 0.97 kilometers from the city center.

  • Need more ideas? Browse the full lineup of hotels in Heraklion. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If your car's electric, you can select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter too.

  • Once you've found a car rental deal in Heraklion and your hotel, the only thing left to decide is where to explore first. Begin your sightseeing at top attractions like Knossos Palace, Heraklion Archaeological Museum and Old Venetian Harbor of Heraklion.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Heraklion

  • Navigate your way to Rethymno. Around 64 kilometers west of central Heraklion, it's home to must-do sights like Rethymnon beach and Venetian Harbour.

  • You'll be well taken care of at Atlantis Beach Hotel and Minos Hotel, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in Rethymno.

  • Add Ierapetra to your travel plans. Grab your cheap car rental in Heraklion and drive roughly 64 kilometers southeast to explore major attractions such as Myrtos Beach and Beach St. Andrew.

  • Ierapetra has some good places to stay such as El Greco Hotel and Astron Hotel. Both give you somewhere to leave your car during your stay.

  • Keep things moving and road-trip it to Kalymnos, about 241 kilometers northeast of Heraklion. Kick things off at Agios Savvas Monastery, then take your time exploring Gefira Beach.

  • Book a room at Spongia Apartments and Suites Kalymnos or Panorama Hotel. They make it a breeze to experience everything Kalymnos has to offer. They also come with parking.

Frequently asked questions

On average, renting a car in Heraklion will set you back around AED 901 per day or AED 2,881 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Heraklion is a full-size sports car. The most popular is Intermediate/Standard, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car rental companies in Heraklion are currently OK RENT A CAR and Final Rentals.
Scoring the best car rental deal depends on when you book – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. However, according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Heraklion is currently June.
On average, around AED 2,881. But the best price we found for a car rental for a week in Heraklion is AED 150.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to rent a car in Heraklion for a whole month is AED 24,623. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Heraklion, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car rental deals with a "full to full" fuel policy as opposed to a "half-full to full" one.

We also clearly highlight car and van rental options in Heraklion that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car rental companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select "Return car to a different location" when you search with us.
Public transportation can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, and for as long as you want. You'll also be able to discover more outside of Heraklion.
Most places – Heraklion included – allow people under the age of 25 to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance deductible for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is AED 42 per day. The average price per day is around AED 415.
Of course. Most major car rental companies like Right Cars, King's Cars and Surprice offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travelers rated Right Cars as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van rental is available in Heraklion.