Car Hire at Heraklion Airport
Heraklion airport car hire is a common practice, and there are various reasons justifying that fact. Verily, HER passengers seem to highly value the independence and flexibility guaranteed by renting a car. That’s the reason why Nikos Kazantzakis Airport houses several Crete car rental agencies -both local companies and international providers- which are known for the quality of their services and their competitive prices. The city of Heraklion naturally houses a wider range of car hire companies. Still, some Heraklion airport car rental agencies are also to be found within close distance from HER, providing courtesy shuttle rides from and to the Crete airport’s terminal.
Heraklion is a major urban hub. As a result, traffic jams are common, and parking in the city center can be challenging, especially during the peak tourist season. Nevertheless, Heraklion airport car hire is the ideal transit option for travelers who seek independence during their journeys and/or are planning on exploring other Crete destinations as well. In detail, car rental at Crete Heraklion Airport should be one of the top transit options for your journey in Crete as they provide the following advantages:
Independence
Unless you want to be dependent on the Crete taxis or the routes and itineraries of the public buses, you should rent a car in Heraklion Airport. In that way, you’ll get to plan your everyday schedule at your own pace, whether staying within Heraklion city limits or visiting other Crete destinations. You are the one deciding when and where you are going to travel as well as how much time to spend in each location. Overall, if you are a DIY traveler, don’t overthink it. A Heraklion airport car rental would be the ideal choice for your airport journey and the upcoming transits during your stay in Crete.
Flexibility
Crete’s attractions are countless, while Crete is a vast island where destinations are often located within a long distance from each other. Thus, Heraklion airport car hire allows you to explore far more sites than any other transit option. Even if you don’t want to drive more than a couple of hours from Heraklion, you can still visit close-to-Heraklion destinations such as Hersonissos, Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, and Matala, enjoying amazing day trips from your “base”, Heraklion.
Tailored Services
Heraklion airport car rental companies provide all sorts of services and amenities. Thus, you can personalize your transit experience in Crete by choosing the right vehicle depending on your needs (small, medium, family cars, convertibles, SUVs, luxury models, even minivans), along with additional products, such as luggage racks, child seats, GPS, etc.
Our Tip: Most HER passengers opt for a small Heraklion airport rental car, especially if they plan to stay in Heraklion, where parking is limited, and roads in the old town are often narrow. On the other hand, families and travelers wanting to explore Crete settle on SUVs. Small convertibles are also popular during the summer. Finally, two-wheel vehicles are also recommended, yet only to experienced drivers. Verily, the rural road network in Crete may be challenging in some places.
They Can Save you Time
You may think that renting a car at Heraklion Airport is an expensive option. However, if you opt for the admittedly cheaper public bus, you’ll have to waste a significant amount of your journey’s time waiting at the bus stops, traveling via crowded buses that make numerous stops on their way, and walking from the disembarking locations to your destinations. On the other hand, it comes without a doubt that a Heraklion airport car rental will save you time and hassle.
They Can Save you Money
Even though Heraklion airport taxis are fast and efficient, using a taxi for all the journeys during your stay in Heraklion will definitely add a considerable amount of money to your traveling budget. Conversely, if you search and compare the car hire options at Heraklion Airport, you’ll most probably find the ideal rental car for you at a competitive price.
Heraklion Airport Car Rental Companies
If you want to rent a car at Heraklion Airport, you’ll find several options. Verily, numerous car rental companies are present at Nikos Kazantzakis Airport. Thus, travelers can choose from a wide range of vehicles and services provided by international providers or local agencies. The car rental desks at HER Airport are to be found in the Arrivals hall. Hence, you’ll run into them once you collect your luggage. The HER car rental parking lot lies inside the airport complex as well, within walking distance from the terminal’s doors.
Explicitly, the car hire companies that operate at Heraklion International Airport are:
- Avis
- Budget
- Eurodollar
- Europcar
- Holiday Auto
- Hertz Autohellas
- Tourent
- National
- Sixt
Our Tip: Please note that apart from the Heraklion airport car rental companies with desks inside the airport, there are other providers with off-site desks close to the airport, which provide complimentary shuttle rides from and to HER terminal.
How to Find the Best Car Rental at Heraklion Airport
- The sooner you make your reservation, the better. Verily, in that way, you’ll find more available rental cars at Heraklion Airport at lower prices.
- Previous customers’ reviews can give you an idea about the quality of each company’s provided services.
- The average cost of a small Heraklion airport car rental is 45€/49$.
- A comprehensive insurance package is recommended to be fully covered in the unfortunate case of damage or accident.
- One-way car rental is also an option. Still, you may be charged an extra fee.
- If you want to travel around Crete with your Heraklion airport car rental, you should check if the car hire company offers unlimited mileage.
- Additional products (GPS, child seat, additional driver, etc.) raise the final fee.
- You’ll have to hand over your ID/passport, your at least one-year driver’s license, and a credit card. All documents must be in the main driver’s name. Moreover, if the driver’s license is written in non-Roman characters, you’ll have to issue an International Driving Permit.
- The minimum age limit to rent a car at Heraklion Airport is 21. Nevertheless, you may have to be older to rent a luxurious vehicle. In any case, drivers between 21 and 23 years of age usually pay an extra fee.
- Before setting off from Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, take pics of the vehicle to capture existing damages.
- You should refill the Heraklion airport rental car before returning it (choose the fuel-to-fuel policy), as car rental companies usually charge too much for fuel.
- You should plan your drop-off time frame wisely to avoid extra charges. Please keep in mind that HER car rental companies charge per 24 hours.
- Drivers in Crete drive on the right side of the road.
- Fortunately, all the traffic signs are written in English as well.
- You should respect the local traffic regulations.
- The speed limit in urban areas is 50km/h (31mph), 90km/h (56mph) in rural regions, and on expressways and motorways is 110km/h (68mph)-130km/h (81mph).
- For the time being, there are no toll roads in Heraklion and in Crete in general.
- You should keep the car’s documents inside the vehicle at all times.
- All passengers are obligated to wear seatbelts.
- You can’t use your phone and drive unless with a hands-free device.
- Children must be seated in designated children’s seats.
- The alcohol limit is 0.05%.
- Europe’s Emergency Number is 112.
FAQs
What is the best car hire at Heraklion Airport?
All the car rental companies at Heraklion Airport provide top-rated services. Thus, you should check the options, compare the prices and the provided services and amenities, take a look at occasional deals and offers, and come up with the top value-for-money rental car according to your preferences and budget.
Is it cheaper to rent a car from an airport or a local location?
Generally speaking, off-airport agencies provide somewhat lower fares than Heraklion airport car rental companies. Still, if you pick up your rental car from an off-airport site, you’ll have to get to the pick-up point once you arrive at HER Airport, spending money for your transit and wasting time.
What documents do I need to hire a car in Crete?
The chosen Heraklion airport car rental company will ask you to hand over your ID or passport, your driver’s license, and a credit card in your name. Additionally, if your driver’s license isn’t written in Roman characters, you’ll have to issue an International Driving Permit.