Car hire in Heraklion, Greece

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Choose from 82 pick-up spots

When's the cheapest time to hire a car in Heraklion?

Our data shows that December is the cheapest month to rent a car in Heraklion. It’s around Rs9,358 per day in December, compared to the yearly average of Rs14,178 per day.
Cheapest month avgDecember • Rs9,358
Yearly avg priceRs14,178

Select your Heraklion pick-up location

There are 82 car hire providers in Heraklion. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

Car hire pick-up spots in Heraklion

Compare car hire prices at airports, train stations and in different neighbourhoods across Heraklion. You might find a better price, or the perfect pick-up point nearby. Start your journey where it suits you.
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These are estimated prices to help you choose from a large number of options. Each is an average based on the lowest car rental prices found for each destination over the last 15 days.

Driving in Heraklion: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need
A full licence and passport are required.
To rent a car in Heraklion, bring your driving licence, passport and a credit card. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your licence is not in English or issued outside the EU.
Navigating city driving
Some roads are narrow and signage isn’t always clear.
Driving in Heraklion means navigating older streets, one-way systems and occasional tight corners. Signage isn’t always clear, so use a navigation app to stay on route and avoid restricted areas.
Tolls, emissions zones and charges
No tolls or emissions zones on the island.
There are no toll roads in Heraklion or anywhere in Crete. Driving around the island is free of congestion charges or low-emission restrictions.
Parking your car in Heraklion
Street parking is limited in busy areas.
Parking in Heraklion can be tight near the centre. Paid zones and time limits apply in some parts. Hotel parking and small private car parks are more reliable options.
Finding fuel or charging points
Petrol is easy, but EV charging is limited.
Petrol stations are widely available around Heraklion. EV charging stations are harder to find so use apps like Electromaps or check if your hotel provides a charger.
Local driving style and tips
Traffic flows quickly, especially in busier areas.
Local driving rules in Heraklion are often ignored. Expect overtaking on bends, limited signalling and variable speed limits. Stay alert and give way when in doubt.
Find Heraklion car hire deals

The most popular car rental companies in Heraklion

What's the most popular car to hire in Heraklion?

Based on recent Skyscanner data, the Toyota Aygo is the most popular car to hire in Heraklion, with prices starting from Rs9,484 per day. The Fiat Panda and similar models are also popular drives in Heraklion.
Toyota Aygo
Toyota Aygo13% chose this
Fiat Panda
Fiat Panda9% chose this
Fiat 500
Fiat 5008% chose this
Hyundai i10
Hyundai i106% chose this
Most popular carToyota Aygo
Why?Small, practical, easy to park

Heraklion's cheapest car hire providers

Centauro has the cheapest car hire in Heraklion right now, with prices from Rs9,484 per day. You'll save an average of Rs4,866 per day when you book with them.
Centaurofrom Rs9,484 per day
Surpricefrom Rs12,570 per day
acarentfrom Rs14,881 per day
minoasfrom Rs15,598 per day
Cheapest providerCentauro
Book with them to save aroundRs4,866 per day

Hiring a car in Heraklion: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyAstralis
Most popular carIntermediate/Standard, Crossover
Average daily priceRs57,223
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Heraklion

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Heraklion car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Heraklion

  • Whether you need a compact for zipping through the city streets or an SUV built for road trips, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Heraklion. Choose from options averaging Rs57,223 a day and get on the road for less.

  • The cheapest daily rental price in Heraklion is Rs9,484.

  • Planning an extended stay and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? Rs66,388 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.

  • Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Heraklion car hire. Try booking around three weeks before you go.

  • Browse the offers available with Surprice, Carwiz and Car & Go. They're among the top-rated providers in the city.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Heraklion car hire policy, whether with Surprice or a different supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.

  • Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a good deal if the provider needs to move cars between branches. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Spend less on fuel by choosing a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.

  • Hit the highway without watching the miles and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you roam without limits.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You get the best value with this company, with average prices at Rs24,372 a day.

  • Not far behind, [this provider]([this provider) offers daily rates of around Rs33,543.

  • The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly Rs58,953 a day with this supplier.

  • The Intermediate rental category is a dependable choice if you're not sure which ride is right for you. It's also the vehicle type that's rented the most in Heraklion.

Flying to Heraklion? Think about an airport pick-up

  • If you're flying into Heraklion, get moving sooner by picking up a car hire at Crete Heraklion Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 5 kilometres and takes about 15 minutes.

Compare car hire types in Heraklion

  • Small: Whether you're darting along city streets or taking a quick trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to easy handling and great mileage.

  • Medium: A smart pick when you need something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg room compared to smaller cars.

  • Large: Offering greater driving comfort and enhanced tech features, this Heraklion car hire category includes full-size cars. With bigger back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: SUVs are ready whenever wanderlust hits. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and scenic backroads alike.

  • Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Heraklion takes heavy loads and larger groups in its stride. They're tough, dependable, and ready for whatever task you throw at it.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but it's worth considering. If your ride is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a hefty excess fee. Different Heraklion car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.

  • Travel smarter when you rent a car in Heraklion by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.

Good to know

  • Rental age requirements aren't always the same everywhere. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could be hit with extra charges or rules. Check the exact rules for each supplier before booking your rental in Greece.

  • Add a car seat to your Heraklion car rental booking if you're planning to travel with the kids. Rules change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, weight and age is always the safest way to travel.

  • You'll be asked for some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking will confirm exactly what's required.

  • If you haven't driven before in Greece, don't forget that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.

  • Follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 45kph in urban areas and 125kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Greece is 0.05%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, the surest choice is to avoid drinks so you remain legal to drive.

  • Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.

  • The euro (EUR) is the currency you'll be using for everyday expenses and activities. Pay with a card when it's convenient, and keep some cash handy when electronic payments aren't accepted.

Best hotels in Heraklion for drivers

  • Spend less time circling for a parking space and more time enjoying the comfort of Vanisko Hotel. Around 5 kilometres from central Heraklion, it comes with parking, air conditioning and ATMs.

  • Plānis Str Urban Suites by Semavί makes travel simpler with parking and features like a laundry and Wi-Fi. It's roughly 0.97 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Need more ideas? Browse the full lineup of hotels in Heraklion. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If your car's electric, you can select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter too.

  • Once you've found a car hire deal in Heraklion and your hotel, the only thing left to decide is where to explore first. Begin your sightseeing at top attractions like Knossos Palace, Heraklion Archaeological Museum and Old Venetian Harbour of Heraklion.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Heraklion

  • Navigate your way to Rethymno. Around 64 kilometres west of central Heraklion, it's home to must-do sights like Rethymnon beach and Venetian Harbour.

  • You'll be well taken care of at Atlantis Beach Hotel and Minos Hotel, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in Rethymno.

  • Add Ierapetra to your travel plans. Grab your cheap car hire in Heraklion and drive roughly 64 kilometres southeast to explore major attractions such as Myrtos Beach and Beach St. Andrew.

  • Ierapetra has some good places to stay such as El Greco Hotel and Astron Hotel. Both give you somewhere to leave your car during your stay.

  • Keep things moving and road-trip it to Kalymnos, about 241 kilometres northeast of Heraklion. Kick things off at Agios Savvas Monastery, then take your time exploring Gefira Beach.

  • Book a room at Spongia Apartments and Suites Kalymnos or Panorama Hotel. They make it a breeze to experience everything Kalymnos has to offer. They also come with parking.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Heraklion will set you back around Rs57,223 per day or Rs212,130 per week. 

The cheapest car to rent in Heraklion is a compact SUV. The most popular is Intermediate/Standard, Crossover.

The cheapest car hire companies in Heraklion are currently Final Rentals and minoas.

Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Heraklion is currently December.

On average, around Rs212,130. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Heraklion is Rs66,388.

Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Heraklion for a whole month is Rs1,078,132. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!

If you're looking for freedom to explore Heraklion, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Heraklion that have free cancellation

Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.

Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Heraklion.

Most places – Heraklion included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 

The cheapest price we found for an economy car is Rs9,646 per day. The average price per day is around Rs32,998.

Of course. Most major car hire companies like Astralis, Festos Rentals and Surprice offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.

Other travellers rated Astralis as the best overall in terms of experience.

Yes – van hire is available in Heraklion.