Car Rental at Heraklion Airport (Nikos Kazantzakis)

Where to drive

• Drive to the Palace of Knossos, approximately 20 minutes (7 km) from the airport, to explore the heart of Minoan civilization.
• Head west to Rethymno, about 1 hour 15 minutes (80 km), to wander through its Venetian old town and enjoy its long sandy beaches.
• Journey south to Matala Beach, roughly 1 hour 10 minutes (70 km), famous for its caves and bohemian history.
• Explore the Lassithi Plateau, an hour's drive (50 km) east, known for its traditional windmills and Diktaean Cave, the mythical birthplace of Zeus.
• Visit the charming fishing village of Elounda and the island of Spinalonga, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes (70 km) northeast.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Greece, you'll generally need a valid driving license held for at least one year. If your license is not from an EU country, a UK country, or does not feature an English translation, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is usually required alongside your national license. You must also present your passport or national ID card and a credit card in the main driver's name. The minimum age for rental is typically 21, though some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25 for certain car categories, often with a young driver surcharge.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices at Heraklion Airport vary significantly by season and car class. Economy cars might start from around 15-20 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs and premium models can easily exceed 80-100 EUR daily during peak summer. Expect prices to be considerably higher from June to September.

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 motorways, though these can vary and are always signposted. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and children under 10 years old or under 135 cm must use an appropriate child restraint system. Headlights are not required during the day.

Parking

In Heraklion, finding parking can be challenging, especially in the city center. There are paid parking lots and street parking zones. Look for blue lines for paid parking (usually paid via parking meters or sometimes through apps), and white lines for free parking. Yellow lines indicate no parking. Outside of the main city areas and popular tourist spots, parking is generally easier to find and often free.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available across Crete, including around Heraklion Airport and along major routes. You'll find unleaded petrol (95 and 100 octane) and diesel. Fuel prices are comparable to other European countries and can fluctuate, but expect to pay approximately 1.80 to 2.10 EUR per liter for petrol. Most stations accept credit cards, but it's always wise to have some cash for smaller, more remote stations.

Which car to choose

For exploring Crete's diverse terrain, a compact or economy car is often ideal for navigating narrow village streets and fitting into smaller parking spaces. If you plan to venture into more mountainous regions or off-the-beaten-path destinations with unpaved roads, an SUV or a car with higher ground clearance would be more comfortable and suitable. A manual transmission is very common in Greece, but automatics are available, though often at a higher price and are booked quickly.

Frequently asked questions