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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals in Crete. Compare prices and book in one place. Pick up your rental car at Heraklion or Chania Airport or in city locations, including off-airport providers that can mean lower rates. One-way rentals between Heraklion and Chania are often available and there are no toll roads on the island.
Crete offers several car rental locations, each with different advantages:
| Location Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Airport On-site (Heraklion and Chania) |
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| Airport Off-site |
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| City Center |
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On average, car rentals in Crete cost around €59 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €17 per day.
Compare pickup spots: At HER and CHQ, on-airport is convenient but often pricier due to terminal fees. Off-airport shuttles and city branches can be cheaper. Factor any taxi/bus into the total.
Book by season, not blindly early: For Crete, lock in 2-3 months ahead for July-August. In May-June or Sept-Oct, a few weeks is fine. Off-peak, monitor and re-check prices before you go.
Go small and manual to save: Compact cars are cheaper and easier for Crete’s tight streets. Automatics cost more and sell out faster. At CHQ, about 77% of renters choose small cars.
Check HER⇄CHQ one-way combos: One-ways between Heraklion and Chania are often available without extra fees. Compare pickup/return airport options and dates.
Rent only for the days you need: If you’re staying in Chania or Heraklion first, grab the car later from a city branch to avoid paying for idle days.
Trim add-on costs: Limit extra drivers, skip paid GPS and use offline maps, refuel in larger towns where fuel is cheaper, and return full. For parking, look for white lines (free) and avoid blue zones unless you’re OK with paid parking.
| Town | Parking Options | Local Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heraklion |
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Street spaces are tight in the center, especially weekdays. Don't park on yellow lines or in front of garages. |
| Chania |
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Hourly rates apply in paid lots. In summer evenings, lots can fill up early. |
| Rethymno |
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Old town streets are mostly pedestrian or one-way. Best to park by port or fortress and walk in. |
| Tourist Resorts |
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Usually not metered but check for any reserved or no-parking signs. |
Color Line System for Parking:
Good news: There are no toll roads on Crete. All highways and roads on the island are free to use.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Crete?
You will need an International Driving Permit if your license isn't in the Roman alphabet or if your country's license isn't accepted on its own. Greece accepts EU/EEA, UK and U.S. licenses for visitors without an IDP. However, some rental companies might still ask you for one, so it's a good idea to check with your rental company beforehand.
Can I take my rental car on a ferry to other islands?
You usually can't, unless you get clear permission from the rental company first. To take a car off Crete, you need the company's written permission and you may have to pay large extra fees. Your standard insurance won't cover the car on a ferry.
What's the minimum rental age in Crete?
You usually need to be at least 21 years old and have been driving for 1 year. If you are under 23-25, companies often charge a 'young driver' fee of about €10 extra per day. They might also stop you from renting certain types of cars.
Are automatic transmission cars available?
Yes, but rental companies have fewer automatic cars than manual ones, especially the smaller models. If you need an automatic, you should book it early and expect to pay more for it.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Crete?
You will need a valid driver's license, your passport and a credit card in the main driver's name to cover the security deposit. You must also bring an International Driving Permit if it's required for your license. Some companies let you use a debit card, but they often require you to buy their full insurance package.
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