Heraklion Car Rentals

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Top destinations to rent a car in Heraklion

A coastal town with a marina, boats, and buildings along the waterfront.
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Hersonissos

Hersonissos

What you need to know for your Heraklion car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in Heraklion

Renting a car in Heraklion is a practical choice for tourists wanting the freedom to explore at their own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit key attractions such as Stalis Beach, known for its beautiful shoreline, or the historic Palace of Knossos, which offers rich cultural experiences. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is another must-see for those interested in archaeology and anthropology. The convenience of a car allows for easy luggage management and flexible travel plans, making it suitable for beachgoers, outdoor enthusiasts, and culture seekers alike.

Additionally, a rental car makes it simple to explore nearby destinations like Hersonissos, featuring Malia Beach and the Crete Golf Club, or Malevizi, home to Agia Pelagia Beach and the Historical Museum of Crete. With so many attractions within easy reach, renting a car ensures you can maximize your time in Heraklion, whether you're soaking up the sun or delving into the island's rich history. Overall, having a rental car enhances your travel experience by offering the flexibility to create your own itinerary.

Most popular car rentals in Heraklion

  • Economy: The Economy car is a popular choice for travelers in Heraklion, accommodating up to 5 passengers with space for 2 medium suitcases. This option is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small families looking for an affordable and efficient way to explore the area. Its compact size makes it easy to navigate through city streets and find parking, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free experience while managing your luggage.
  • Midsize SUV: If you're traveling with a larger group or need more space for your belongings, the Midsize SUV is an excellent option. This vehicle can comfortably seat 5 travelers and has room for up to 3 large suitcases. Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, the Midsize SUV provides a higher driving position and additional cargo capacity, making it suitable for longer trips or days out exploring the beautiful landscapes of Crete.
  • Compact: The Compact car is another favored choice among travelers in Heraklion, accommodating up to 5 passengers and allowing for up to 3 medium suitcases. This option strikes a balance between size and efficiency, making it a great fit for solo travelers, couples, or families. Its smaller footprint makes parking and navigating through busy areas easier, giving you the flexibility to explore Heraklion at your own pace.

Where to stay in Heraklion

  • Heraklion: Heraklion is a vibrant city known for its rich culture and historical significance. Travelers can explore the magnificent Palace of Knossos, an essential archaeological site, located close by. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum also offers deep insights into the region's ancient history. With its marina and nearby beaches, this city provides a balanced mix of culture and outdoor activities. Dining options include local restaurants and wineries, making it a great spot for food enthusiasts.
  • Hersonissos: Hersonissos is a lively city popular for its beautiful beaches and family-friendly activities. Notable attractions include Malia Beach and Stalis Beach, both perfect for a beach vacation. The Crete Golf Club adds an exciting element for golf lovers. The city is also home to a water park, making it a fun destination for families. With various food and drink options like wineries and pubs, Hersonissos offers a mix of relaxation and enjoyment.
  • Malevizi: Malevizi provides a blend of cultural experiences and beach leisure. Visitors can unwind at Agia Pelagia Beach or Ammoudara Beach, both ideal for sunbathing and swimming. The Historical Museum of Crete is a must-visit for history buffs, showcasing the region's rich past. With options for outdoor activities, including golf and water parks, Malevizi caters to diverse interests. Enjoy the local wineries and pubs for a taste of the area's culinary offerings.

10 tips to save on your car rental in Heraklion

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car to save money, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re more likely to lock in lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come at a lower rental cost and are easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rental companies require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you'll need to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is usually the best option. Other companies may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which are acceptable as well, but ensure you return the vehicle empty in that case.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
  7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen events during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is a straightforward process.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to take long road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent extra charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in Heraklion

The best time to rent a car in Heraklion is January and February, when prices are moderately low and demand is at its lowest. March offers a slight increase in demand but remains a fair choice with moderately low prices. As spring approaches, April and May see average prices and demand levels. Conversely, July tends to be the most expensive month with high demand, while August also has moderately high prices but average demand. September continues this trend with moderately high prices and high demand.

Find Heraklion Car Rentals

Expedia.com makes it easy for you to book your next Heraklion car rental. We work with the best car rental companies in Heraklion, bringing you discount car rental rates and a wide variety of car rental classes including economy, compact, midsize, full-size, convertible, van, luxury and SUV rentals. Our partner car rental companies in Heraklion offer different pick-up and drop-off options. If you are ready to book your Heraklion car rental, follow the links on this page to view more information and details on your next short or long term car rental.

Expedia.com offers a wide selection of rental cars in Heraklion to meet nearly every need. If you need any special equipment, like a child seat or ski rack, let us know and we will forward your request on to the rental car company. And what's more, when you choose to rent a car from one of our Heraklion airport car rental partners you'll be dealing with a rental car company that has made a special commitment to provide Expedia customers with great customer service, a wide choice of top quality cars, and competitive total pricing.

Expedia.com offers many Heraklion rental cars pick up locations

Find the best place to get your Heraklion airport rental cars by searching tons of pickup locations with Expedia.com

Frequently asked questions

What are the cheapest car rentals in Heraklion?
You can find cheap car rentals in Heraklion from $11 a day with Carwiz's mini 4-5 door cars. Car rentals for exploring Heraklion are picked up at the region's main gateway, Heraklion Airport (HER). From there it's an easy drive to towns like Hersonissos and Malevizi, where you can find rates starting from $11 a day. Suppliers such as Greenmotion, SurPrice Car Rentals, and Carwiz operate across the region, offering competitive rates. Rates shift by vehicle type and dates, so compare a few pickup points and dates on Expedia to find a rate that suits your trip. For more options, explore Economy Car Rentals in Heraklion.
What are the best car rentals in Heraklion?
Car rentals across Heraklion offer a full range of vehicle types from providers like Greenmotion, Enterprise, and SurPrice Car Rentals, broadly available in the region's main cities – Hersonissos, Malevizi, and Heraklion. The most common car classes include:
  • Economy 4-5 door
  • Mini 2 or 4 door
  • Mini 4-5 door
  • Economy elite 4-5 door
  • Compact 4-5 door
Choose based on passenger count, luggage, and whether you're driving in the city or exploring the wider region. For more options, explore Minivan Car Rentals in Heraklion.

What are the best car rental companies in Heraklion?
For car rentals across Heraklion, well-rated providers like Greenmotion, Enterprise, and SurPrice Car Rentals offer a strong mix of vehicles and competitive rates, with wide availability in the region's main cities – Hersonissos, Malevizi, and Heraklion. Compare suppliers and pickup points on Expedia to find a great rate and the right vehicle for your trip.
Can I rent a car from Heraklion Airport (HER) for exploring Heraklion?
Yes – you can pick up a rental car right at Heraklion Airport (HER) for exploring Heraklion. Providers including Greenmotion, Enterprise, and SurPrice Car Rentals operate at the airport, with rates from around $13 a day. Heraklion Airport is the region's main gateway and a convenient base for reaching cities across the area, from Hersonissos to Malevizi.
Can I rent a car one-way in Heraklion?
Yes, one-way car rentals work well across Heraklion – pick up in one city, such as Hersonissos, and drop-off in another, like Malevizi, which is ideal for regional road trips, with prices starting from around $12 a day. Providers like Greenmotion and Enterprise offer flexible one-way options. A one-way drop-off fee may apply, so confirm it when booking on Expedia.
Are there electric or hybrid car rental companies in Heraklion?
Electric and hybrid car rentals are available across Heraklion, including in Hersonissos and Malevizi. Greenmotion offers electric vehicles from $11 a day and hybrid options from $22 a day. EVs help keep fuel costs low, and charging is becoming more widely available along major routes. Book a few weeks ahead as demand can be high, and plan charging stops for longer regional drives.
What are the best luxury car rental companies in Heraklion?
For luxury car rentals across Heraklion, Greenmotion offers luxury passenger van cars from $85 a day (and midsize elite convertible from $50), while Carwiz also provides luxury passenger vans from $77 a day. These high-end vehicles offer extra comfort and space for exploring the region in style. You'll find them in the region's main cities like Hersonissos and Malevizi. Use Expedia's car-class filters to browse premium options and compare rates before you book. For more options, explore Luxury Car Rentals in Heraklion.
What are the best car rentals in Heraklion for families or groups?
For families or groups exploring Heraklion, SUVs and minivans give you room for passengers, car seats, strollers, and luggage – available across the region's cities, from Hersonissos to Malevizi:
  • Enterprise: midsize SUV from $16 a day – seats up to 5 with room for 3 large suitcases
  • Alamo Rent A Car: fullsize SUV from $35 a day – seats up to 6 with room for 3 large or 5 medium suitcases
  • SurPrice Car Rentals: standard SUV from $43 a day – seats up to 5 with room for 4 large suitcases
These keep everyone comfortable for both city driving and longer trips into the surrounding area. Book a few weeks ahead, as the larger vehicles can have lower availability during busy periods. For more options, explore SUV Car Rentals in Heraklion.

What are the best car rentals in Heraklion for solo travelers?
The best car rentals in Heraklion for solo travelers are economy and mini classes – small, easy to park, and cheap to run for one person exploring the region at their own pace, available across cities like Hersonissos and Malevizi:
  • Economy car, from $13 a day – fits up to 2 medium suitcases, nimble on tight city streets
  • Mini car, from $13 a day – fits up to 4 people with room for 2 small suitcases, offering a compact option
Both comfortably fit a solo traveler plus a bag or two. Compare suppliers on Expedia to find the right car for getting around the region. For more options, explore Compact Car Rentals in Heraklion.

What are the best car rentals in Heraklion for couples?
The best car rentals in Heraklion for couples balance comfort and easy handling for two, available across the region's cities like Hersonissos and Malevizi:
  • Midsize car, from $14 a day (Carwiz) – fits up to 5 people with room for 3 large suitcases, offering smooth cruising for two
  • Compact SUV, from $11 a day (Carwiz) – fits up to 5 people with room for 3 medium suitcases, with a higher ride for regional day trips
Both give a couple comfortable seating and trunk space without being hard to park. For a special trip, consider a compact convertible from Greenmotion, starting from $39 a day, which fits up to 4 people with room for 2 large suitcases, for scenic drives around Heraklion. For more options, explore Midsize Car Rentals in Heraklion.

What are the closest airports to Heraklion for car rental pick-up?
Heraklion Airport (HER) is the primary airport in the region offering car rental pick-up, giving you flexible options close to your arrival point:
  • Heraklion Airport (HER)
Compare rental rates at the airport on Expedia to find a rate that fits your trip.

What are the best road trip destinations from Heraklion by rental car?
From Heraklion, a rental car opens up plenty of nearby sights and road trips. Easy drives from the Hersonissos hub include:
  • Nea Chora Beach, Chania, Crete, Greece, approximately 1 mile away
  • Old Venetian Harbor, Crete, Greece, approximately 1 mile away
  • Kamari Beach, Santorini, South Aegean, Greece, approximately 3 miles away
You can also add activities such as the Santorini Classic Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Transfers. With cities like Malevizi also within reach, having your own car makes exploring the wider region simple and flexible. For more options, explore Fullsize Car Rentals in Heraklion.

Which side of the road do you drive on in Heraklion?
In Heraklion, you drive on the right-hand side of the road. Keep to local speed limits and traffic laws for a safe, easy drive while exploring the region's cities and the roads between them. If you're used to driving on the other side, give yourself a little time to adjust – take extra care at intersections and roundabouts, which flow in the opposite direction.
Are there any hidden fees when renting a car on Expedia?
Expedia aims to show the key price and important rental details clearly during booking, so you know what to expect before you reserve. In some cases, car rental companies may apply additional charges at pick-up or during the rental, such as security deposits, tolls, fuel charges, extra driver fees, or local requirements, so it's worth checking the supplier's rental terms before you book.
Are there any long-term car rentals in Heraklion?
Yes, there are several long-term car rental options available in Heraklion. Whether you're planning an extended holiday with the family, relocating temporarily, or simply need a vehicle for several weeks or months, many car rental providers offer flexible long-term rental plans tailored to your needs. Click on our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip information and then book a ride that suits.
Do you need insurance to rent a car in Heraklion?
No, you don't need personal auto insurance to rent a car in most cases. You will, however, be required to purchase some insurance to cover the duration of the rental. Rental companies will offer this insurance when you rent the car. Certain personal car insurance policies can also be applied to rental cars, and travelers can even use non-owner car insurance if they rent cars often but don't have a car of their own. Additionally, some car rentals simply include rental car insurance within the price of the rental.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Heraklion?
Budget car rental in Heraklion can be easy to find, with prices based on rates seen within the past seven days . To find some of the cheapest options, sort your search results by price and use filters to match your budget and travel needs. For added flexibility, it's also worth exploring one-way car rentals.
What are the top car rental deals in Heraklion?
No matter what kind of vehicle you're looking for, Expedia makes it easy to find a great car rental deal in Heraklion. The easiest way to get a good deal on a rental car is to use our filters. At the top of the filter list, you'll find a section featuring our best car rental offers. Check the filter for "Great Deal," and your search results will be filled with specials. Compare offers from trusted rental providers, choose the option that fits your trip, and book with confidence. For even more value, bundle your Heraklion car rental with a hotel or flight to unlock additional savings.
What do I need to rent a car in Heraklion?
To rent a car in Heraklion, a current driver's license and a credit card in the same name are essential. If you're opting out of the company's insurance plan, then you may also need proof of other coverage. Rules may differ between rental companies, so read through your policy.
What happens if I need to cancel my Heraklion car rental?
If you need to cancel your Heraklion car rental, read over the policy to be sure, but almost all prepaid rentals are eligible for a complete refund if you notify us at least six hours prior to the pickup time, though there may be some exclusions so check your itinerary for more information, or just click through to our Customer Service Portal.

Car Rental Information

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SUV, Full Size, Economy
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