Car Rental in Heraklion

Where to drive

• Explore Knossos Palace: Just a 15-minute drive (≈ 5 km) south of Heraklion, the ancient Minoan palace offers a fascinating glimpse into Crete's past.
• Visit the charming fishing village of Agia Pelagia: A scenic 30-minute drive (≈ 25 km) west of Heraklion, perfect for swimming and dining by the sea.
• Discover the Lassithi Plateau and Psychro Cave: A beautiful drive of about 1 hour and 15 minutes (≈ 50 km) east, leading to traditional windmills and the birthplace of Zeus.
• Journey to Matala Beach: Famous for its carved caves and hippie history, located on the south coast, approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes (≈ 70 km) drive from Heraklion.
• Road trip to Rethymno: A picturesque city with a Venetian harbor and old town, about 1 hour and 15 minutes (≈ 80 km) west of Heraklion.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Greece, you typically need a valid national driving license held for at least one year, a passport or national ID card, and a major credit card in the main driver's name. If your driving license is not in English or does not use the Latin alphabet, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is legally required. The minimum age for rental is usually 21, though some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25 for certain car categories, often with a young driver surcharge for those under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Heraklion vary significantly by season and car class. Economy cars can start from around 10-15 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs and premium models might range from 40 EUR to over 100 EUR daily. Expect prices to peak dramatically during the high summer months, with some rentals increasing by 200-300% compared to winter rates.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Greece, driving is on the right-hand side. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on open roads, and 110-130 km/h on motorways, though signage should always be followed. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, which is very strict. Headlights must be used in tunnels and during poor visibility. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and child seats are required for children under 12 years old or shorter than 135 cm.

Parking

Parking in Heraklion city center can be challenging. There are several paid parking lots available, often underground, which are the most convenient option. On-street parking is generally paid via parking meters or scratch cards available at kiosks, marked by blue lines. Yellow lines indicate no parking, and white lines are for residents. Outside the city center, free parking might be easier to find, especially near attractions or beaches.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available across Crete, including Heraklion and along major routes. Most stations offer unleaded (95 RON and 100 RON) and diesel. Prices are generally comparable to the European average, fluctuating daily. As of early 2026, expect approximate prices for unleaded petrol to be around 1.80-2.00 EUR per liter. Payment is usually accepted by cash or major credit/debit cards.

Which car to choose

For exploring Heraklion and the surrounding areas of Crete, a compact or economy car is often the most practical choice. These cars are easy to maneuver through narrow village streets and park in busy towns. If you plan to venture into the more mountainous regions or explore unpaved roads to secluded beaches, an SUV with higher ground clearance might be beneficial. Manual transmission cars are common, but automatics are readily available if preferred, especially for those less accustomed to manual.

Frequently asked questions