Route idea
Heraklion and Knossos
Combine time in Heraklion with a visit to the archaeological site of Knossos. Check current visitor information and decide whether you need the car for the city portion of your stay.
Greece · Heraklion Airport
Car rental at Heraklion Airport
Compare car rental at Heraklion Airport (HER), with guidance on collection, vehicle choice and planning journeys around Crete.
HERGreece
Heraklion Airport
Hiring a car in Heraklion
Hiring a car at Heraklion Airport
Heraklion Airport (HER) is a starting point for journeys on Crete. A car can help combine accommodation, coastal stops and inland visits when your trip goes beyond Heraklion itself.
Crete is Greece’s largest island. Choose which areas you want to explore before fixing your base: attempting both ends of the island from one hotel can create substantial driving days.
Confirm your supplier’s actual pickup point, opening hours and delay procedure. Airport offers can involve different desk, outdoor or meeting arrangements.
From Heraklion
Where can you go from Heraklion Airport?
Use these route ideas to shape an itinerary, then check current access and visitor information before travelling.
Route idea
The north coast
Build a route around the coastal area where you are staying rather than trying to see the whole island in one day. Allow time for parking and stops.
Route idea
Inland Crete
Mountain scenery can add another side to a coastal holiday. Plan for winding sections and daylight, and choose paved routes permitted by your rental agreement.
Route idea
Agios Nikolaos and eastern Crete
Agios Nikolaos and the Mirabello Bay area are options for an eastern itinerary. Decide which stops fit your base and available driving time.
Route idea
South-coast visits
Compare the actual route over or around the mountains before scheduling a southern beach visit. Leave time for the return journey and avoid unsuitable access tracks.
One-way option
A different return point
If your trip ends near Chania, check whether your chosen supplier offers a different return location and compare the fee with driving back.
Plan your collection
When should you collect your car?
Match rental days to when you will actually use the vehicle.
Onward travel
Match collection to your first base
Collect at HER if the car is needed for the onward journey; confirm where the vehicle is handed over.
Island distances
Choose a region before a hotel
Build a manageable itinerary around eastern, central or western Crete, allowing for slower inland roads.
Different finish
Check a different drop-off
A return elsewhere on Crete depends on supplier availability and fees. Confirm the actual location before booking.
Look beyond the headline
What to check before booking
Compare the complete price, deposit, excess and collection conditions alongside the vehicle. Check ferry permission if your journey continues beyond this travel area.
Don't compare rentals on headline price alone.
01
Total price
Compare the final price, including airport charges, extra drivers, child seats, late collection and any one-way fee. Check cancellation terms as well as the daily rate.
02
Deposit and payment card
Confirm the deposit amount, accepted card types and whether the payment card must be in the main driver’s name. Check how and when the deposit is released.
03
Insurance and excess
Compare the damage and theft excess and exclusions for glass, tyres and the underbody. Check how any separate reimbursement cover works.
04
Collection method
Read the booking-specific instructions: a terminal desk, an outdoor collection point and a shuttle or meeting service can involve different arrangements.
05
Vehicle and transmission
Check luggage capacity and passenger space. Select automatic transmission explicitly if needed; an example model does not guarantee the exact vehicle.
06
Fuel and mileage
Confirm the fuel level required on return, refuelling charges and whether mileage is limited.
07
Licence and drivers
Bring your original valid driving licence and the identification required by your supplier. Requirements depend on the licence’s country of issue; verify whether an International Driving Permit or translation is needed for Greece and confirm the supplier’s age and licence-holding conditions before booking.
08
Ferries and one-way rentals
Do not assume a rental car can travel on a ferry. Ask the supplier about permission, any written approval, ferry cover and charges before booking. Compare separate rentals on each island with transporting one vehicle. Check whether a different return location is offered and compare the full fee.
Crete by car
Plan a manageable driving itinerary
Crete’s coast and inland roads call for different pacing. Review the complete driving route before combining several beach or mountain stops in a day.
On winding sections, allow a comfortable margin for bends and passing places. If you arrive tired or after dark, consider whether a shorter first drive fits your plans better.
Greece drives on the right. If you normally drive on the left, take extra care when leaving the airport, a car park or a fuel station and when joining the road after a stop.
Wear seat belts, arrange suitable child restraints and set navigation before moving. Follow posted signs and current road rules; leave extra time for unfamiliar roads and stop safely before using a phone.
At Heraklion Airport
Confirm your collection instructions
Use the supplier’s booking instructions for the collection point at Heraklion Airport. For example, Hertz describes its location as outdoors near the terminals; this is one supplier’s arrangement and should not be treated as the process for every offer.
Meeting point
Read the voucher for the exact desk or meeting place, supplier contact number and any shuttle procedure.
Flight and opening hours
Provide the flight number if requested. Check desk hours, delay procedures, late-collection fees and what to do if arrival is after closing.
Before driving away
Record existing damage with dated photos and the handover report. Check the fuel level, controls, child seats and emergency contact details.
Return arrangements
Confirm the return address, fuel requirement, inspection process and procedure outside staffed hours.
Choosing your car
What kind of car do you need from Heraklion Airport?
Balance a manageable vehicle size with luggage space and the comfort needed for longer island drives. An automatic can be worth comparing if you prefer it on winding roads.
A beach destination does not guarantee a paved access road. Check the route and rental restrictions before setting off, and use an authorised parking area where the final approach is unsuitable.
Before you drive away
Check the rental conditions
Confirm the terms for the specific supplier and vehicle before booking.
Licence and documents
Bring your original valid driving licence and the identification required by your supplier. Requirements depend on the licence’s country of issue; verify whether an International Driving Permit or translation is needed for Greece and confirm the supplier’s age and licence-holding conditions before booking.
Unpaved roads
Check exclusions for tracks, unpaved access and underbody damage. Vehicle height or a 4×4 category does not itself authorise these roads.
Ferry transport
Do not assume a rental car can travel on a ferry. Ask the supplier about permission, any written approval, ferry cover and charges before booking. Compare separate rentals on each island with transporting one vehicle.
Return location
A return at Chania or another location must be agreed with the supplier. Confirm the fee, opening hours and address.
Before you book
Car rental at Heraklion Airport FAQs
Is Heraklion Airport a useful place to collect a car?
It can suit a Crete trip involving several stops beyond Heraklion. Compare your first destination with the supplier’s collection arrangements and flight arrival time.
Can I see all of Crete from one base?
Crete is Greece’s largest island. Compare actual driving routes before choosing a single base; staying in more than one area may reduce repeated long journeys.
Does every supplier have a terminal desk?
Collection arrangements differ. Read the voucher for the exact desk, outdoor pickup, meeting point or shuttle instructions.
Can I return a HER rental elsewhere on Crete?
Only if the supplier offers and confirms that return point. Compare the one-way charge, hours and return address before booking.
What driving licence do I need?
Bring your original valid driving licence and the identification required by your supplier. Requirements depend on the licence’s country of issue; verify whether an International Driving Permit or translation is needed for Greece and confirm the supplier’s age and licence-holding conditions before booking.
How do I book an automatic?
Select automatic transmission when comparing offers and confirm it in the booked vehicle category. Check passenger and luggage capacity as well.
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