Car Rental in Chania, Crete

Where to drive

• Drive to Elafonisi Beach: A stunning pink sand beach on the southwest coast, approximately 75 km (1.5-2 hours drive) from Chania.
• Explore Samaria Gorge: Park at the Omalos Plateau entrance (around 45 km, 1 hour drive) for one of Europe's longest gorges, then arrange transport back.
• Visit Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island: Drive to Kissamos (≈40 km, 45 minutes) then take a ferry to these iconic spots.
• Discover the Traditional Villages of Apokoronas: Explore picturesque villages like Vamos, Gavalochori, and Kournas Lake, all within 20-40 km (30-50 minutes) east of Chania.
• Journey to the Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete: Located approximately 17 km (30 minutes) from Chania, offering a beautiful natural escape.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Greece, you will generally need a valid driving license from your home country, a passport or national ID card, and a major credit card in the main driver's name. If your driving license is not from an EU country and is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is usually required. The minimum age to rent is typically 21 years old, with some companies requiring drivers to be 23 or 25, especially for larger car categories. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge, and most companies require at least one year of driving experience.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Chania vary significantly by season and car class. Economy cars might start from around 20-30 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs and premium vehicles can range from 50 EUR to well over 100 EUR per day during peak summer. Expect prices to be highest from June to September, dropping considerably in the shoulder and off-seasons. The lowest daily price can be around 0 EUR for very specific, often long-term, off-season rentals.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Greece, driving is on the right side of the road. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on open roads, and 110-130 km/h on highways, though these can vary and are always signposted. The legal blood alcohol limit is strict, approximately 0.05%. Headlights are not required during the day but are mandatory in tunnels and during poor visibility. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants. Child safety seats are required for children up to 12 years old or 135 cm tall.

Parking

Parking in Chania can be challenging, especially in the Old Town area. Street parking is often limited and paid, marked by blue lines, requiring payment at a nearby machine or via a mobile app. White lines indicate free parking, and yellow lines signify no parking. There are several private parking lots and garages in and around the city center, offering more reliable options for a fee. Outside the main tourist areas, particularly in smaller villages or near beaches, parking is generally easier to find and often free.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available throughout Chania and the rest of Crete. Most stations offer unleaded petrol (95 or 100 octane) and diesel. LPG is less common but can be found. Fuel prices are regulated nationally and are generally comparable across the island, typically around 1.80-2.00 EUR per liter for unleaded petrol (as of 2026). Most stations accept credit cards, but it's always wise to have some cash, especially in more remote areas or for smaller, independent stations.

Which car to choose

For driving in Chania and exploring Crete, a compact or economy car is often the most practical choice. These cars are easier to navigate through narrow village streets and to park in busy towns. If you plan to explore more rugged, unpaved roads leading to certain beaches or mountain areas, an SUV with higher ground clearance could be beneficial. Manual transmission cars are very common in Greece, but automatics are readily available if preferred. For larger groups or families, a minivan offers comfortable space for passengers and luggage.

Frequently asked questions