Renting a Car at Heraklion Airport

Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (HER) is Crete's main airport, just 5 km from the island's capital. Crete is Greece's largest island and most diverse — Minoan palaces, dramatic gorges, pristine beaches, and mountain villages. A rental car is almost essential here: public transport is inadequate for most tourist routes.

Prices from €18/day — competitive due to the large number of providers. Roads in the north of the island are good; mountain and south coast roads can be narrow and steep. Book well ahead for summer.

Which Car Rental Companies Operate at HER?

  • Europcar
  • Sixt
  • Hertz
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Autohellas

Additional options are available through DiscoverCars and RentalCars.com, which aggregate independent local operators alongside the major brands — often at the lowest rates.

How to Pick Up Your Car at Heraklion Airport

1
Collect Your Luggage

Follow signs to baggage reclaim in the arrivals hall.

2
Find the Car Rental Desks

Rental desks are in the arrivals hall — follow 'Car Rental / Auto a Noleggio / Autonoleggio' signs after customs.

3
Present Your Documents

You need: booking confirmation, valid driving licence (≥1 year), passport or ID card, and the credit card used to book.

4
Inspect the Car

Walk around the car with the agent before signing. Photograph any existing damage.

5
Drive Away

Follow airport exit signs toward the city. Your sat-nav or phone maps will guide you from there.

What Documents Do You Need?

  • Valid driving licence — held for at least 1 year. EU licences accepted without translation throughout the EU/EEA.
  • Passport or national identity card.
  • Credit card in the primary driver's name for the security deposit (debit cards rarely accepted).
  • Non-EU licence holders may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if the licence is not in Latin script.

Young Driver Rules at Heraklion Airport

Drivers aged 18–24 can rent from most providers but typically pay a Young Driver Surcharge of €10–€25/day. The minimum rental age is usually 18, though some providers require 21 or 25 for premium vehicle categories.

Tips for Renting at HER

  • Knossos is 5 min from the airport — consider visiting en route to your accommodation.
  • Mountain roads (White Mountains, Lasithi Plateau) are often one-lane — use passing places and honk on blind corners.
  • Elafonissi road is long and winding — start early and allow 3 hours each way.
  • Many Cretan petrol stations close at 8pm; fill up before evening drives in rural areas.
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Getting from Heraklion Airport to Heraklion City Centre

With a rental car, driving from Heraklion Airport to Heraklion city centre takes approximately 10 min (5 km). Follow the airport exit signs toward the city — sat-nav or Google Maps will route you from there. Parking in the centre varies; check our tips above for the best options.

Driving in Greece

Greece uses right-hand traffic. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, 130 km/h on motorways. Blood alcohol limit: 0.05%. Motorway tolls on most mainland routes. Island roads can be narrow and unpaved. Currency: Euro (€).

Nearby Destinations Worth Driving To

  • Knossos — 5 km, 10 min. Europe's oldest city — the Minoan palace complex that inspired the myth of the Minotaur.
  • Samaria Gorge — 75 km, 1.5 hr. Europe's longest gorge — a dramatic 16 km hike through the White Mountains to the Libyan Sea.
  • Rethymno — 80 km, 1 hr. A Venetian harbour, a 16th-century fortress, and the most atmospheric old town in Crete.
  • Elafonissi — 150 km, 2.5 hr. Pink sand lagoon on the southwestern tip of Crete — worth every kilometre of mountain road.

For more planning help, read our car rental tips guide and find out which fees to watch for when you collect your vehicle.