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Finding a car rental at Heraklion Airport (HER) is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers across Europe with no booking fees. Pick up at the terminal or from nearby shuttle providers and be on the E75 in minutes for easy drives to Heraklion city, Knossos and Agios Nikolaos, with one-way car hire to Chania Airport available. In summer, book ahead and try to avoid the 3 to 4 pm rush to cut wait times.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Key Car Rental Locations and Options
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| On-site Terminal |
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| Off-site Near Airport |
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| Heraklion City |
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Several international brands have counters in the Heraklion Airport arrivals terminal, including Budget, Sixt, National/Enterprise, Thrifty/Hertz and Avis. The rental car park is directly across from the terminal, making pickup convenient.
Car Rental Prices
How to save?
- Compare pickup spots: On-airport is convenient but can include terminal fees. Off-site near HER is often cheaper, and Heraklion city branches can be lower too. If you’re heading into town first, factor the 20 min bus fare vs the savings.
- Book by season, not blindly early: For Crete’s peak (Jul–Aug), book 2–3 months ahead. In May–Jun and Sep–Oct there are promos, and Nov–Apr is usually cheapest, with December often the lowest.
- Pick a smaller car: Economy/compact classes usually have the best price, fuel use, and are easier to park in Crete’s towns.
- Test different trip lengths: Daily rates often drop on longer rentals, especially around 10+ days.
- Avoid age surcharges: If possible, list a 25+ driver as the main driver to dodge young driver fees of about €10 per day.
- Compare one-way vs return: HER to Chania (CHQ) drops are commonly offered without an extra fee depending on dates, which can be cheaper than driving back.
Car hire prices at Heraklion Airport 2025/2026
Parking and Driving
Airport Parking
- Short-term spaces are available in front of the terminal
- For rental returns, follow the rental return signs to the designated area across from the terminal
Driving Regulations
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Legal blood-alcohol limit is 0.05%
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, up to 100 km/h on major highways in Crete
- All occupants must wear seat belts
- Mobile phones allowed only using hands-free systems
- No toll roads on Crete
Why rent a car in Heraklion Airport
Get a car to get to:
- Knossos Archaeological Site
- Hersonissos
- Agios Nikolaos – Elounda
- Rethymno
- Chania
- Matala
FAQs
How early should I arrive at Heraklion Airport for rental car return?
You should get to the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. You should allow about 30 minutes to return the car.
Can I pick up a car at Heraklion Airport and drop it off in Chania?
Yes, many companies let you pick up a car at Heraklion Airport and drop it off in Chania. They often add a one-way drop fee, and the amount changes depending on the company and the season.
Do I need a credit card to rent from Heraklion Airport?
Most companies ask for a credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit. Some local firms accept debit cards or cash, but you usually have to buy their full insurance package as well.
What's the minimum rental age at Heraklion Airport?
You usually need to be at least 21 and have one year of driving experience. Companies often charge drivers under 23-25 a 'young driver' fee, which is about €10 extra per day. They may also stop you from renting certain types of cars.
Is there a petrol station near Heraklion Airport for refuelling before return?
Yes, you can find several petrol stations on the main road between the airport and city, just a 5-10 minute drive away. We suggest filling the tank before you return the car, so you can avoid the rental company's higher petrol charges.
