Heraklion Car Rental
Heraklion is a big city, the largest in Crete. Moreover, Crete is Greece’s biggest island, full of worth-visiting destinations located within a long distance from each other. On the other hand, the only public transit option in Crete (and Heraklion specifically) is the public bus. Thus, car hire in Crete Heraklion is widely preferred by the island’s visitors, who want to make their way around Crete in comfort and at their own pace.
Do you Need a Car in Heraklion Crete?
If your accommodation isn’t located downtown, you may have to use a car to reach the city center. Nevertheless, the old town is a city’s bustling part of the city, filled with pedestrians and two-wheel vehicles, with narrow streets and limited parking. On the other hand, Crete houses countless sites and attractions. Many of them lie within a long distance from Heraklion. As a result, if you intend to stay within the city limits, the utility of a Heraklion car rental depends on your preferences. Conversely, if you are planning to visit other Crete destinations as well, car hire in Heraklion is undoubtedly the way to go!
Is it Easy to Get Around Heraklion?
Heraklion is a modern urban center. Expectantly, the road network around the city is well-maintained and efficient. Still, narrow streets and one-way roads can make rides quite challenging, especially in the city center. Moreover, motorists should always watch for pedestrians and two-wheel vehicles, which may not fully respect the traffic laws. However, in general terms, driving around Heraklion shouldn’t pose major problems for those renting cars.
How to Hire a Car in Crete?
Crete -and especially Heraklion, its capital city- houses many car hire providers, from international agencies to local Heraklion car rental companies. Thus, the most significant part of the booking process is the search procedure. Verily, you should check all the options and compare prices as well as extra amenities, insurance packages, kilometer limits, etc. Once you come up with the ideal car hire provider in Heraklion for you, all you’ll have to do is fill out the booking form providing the necessary info. When you finish the reservation, you’ll receive a confirmation email, which may also be the voucher for your Heraklion car rental.
Is it Easy to Rent a Car in Heraklion?
Although you won’t get troubled during the booking process of your Heraklion rental car, some tips guarantee a lower-priced and more seamless car hire experience. Thus, if you follow the next pieces of advice, your rental car will be a value-for-money choice.
- You should book your Heraklion car rental as soon as possible. Early reservations come with lower fares and a wider selection of available car types.
- You should always check previous customers’ reviews before settling on the Heraklion car hire company and the car model.
- It is advisable to take some pics of the vehicle before picking it up. In that way, you’ll have firm evidence of any existing damage.
- The drop-off time frame is crucial so as not to be charged extra. Verily, car rental companies in Heraklion charge per 24 hours.
- You should refill the car before returning it (fuel-to-fuel policy), as the car hire agency may overcharge fuel.
- Should you want to add extra products (additional driver, GPS, child seats, etc.), you should be prepared to pay extra fees as well.
- One-way car rental in Heraklion is an option that usually comes with an extra fee. Still, if you are planning to visit other Crete destinations situated at a considerable distance from the capital, such as Chania or Rethymnon, it would be the most cost-effective alternative.
What Documents do I Need to Hire a Car in Crete?
If you want to rent a car in Heraklion, you’ll have to hand over your ID or passport along with your driver’s license, which should have been issued at least one year before the renting time. Furthermore, the car hire agency will ask for a credit card (debit cards aren’t accepted by all companies). All documents must show the same name (the main driver’s name).
Do I Need an International Driving Permit to Hire a Car in Crete?
If your driver’s license isn’t written in Roman characters, you’ll have to issue an International Driving Permit. Some car rental companies may not request it. Still, having an International Driving Permit in your possession is highly advisable. This ensures you are on the safe side concerning your car hire reservation and potential police inspections.
Is There an Age Limit for Car Hire in Heraklion?
Although Greek drivers are allowed to drive once they reach 18 years of age, the minimum car rental age is 21 years old. As a matter of fact, there are higher age limits for some vehicle types (luxury cars, etc.). In any case, young drivers (21 to 23 years of age) have to pay an extra fee to rent a car in Heraklion.
What Type of Car Should you Rent in Heraklion?
Although compact and mini cars are the most popular Heraklion car rentals (mainly thanks to their price and flexibility around narrow streets), larger vehicles and SUVs are also preferred. Verily, families or small groups of travelers need space, hence a roomier vehicle, while those planning to explore Crete value the efficiency and performance of SUVs, especially in montane routes. On the other hand, small convertibles are also favored during the summer months.
Our Tip: Toyota Aygo, Citroen C1 and C3, Fiat Panda, and Fiat 500 are some of the most popular Heraklion car rental options.
How Much does it Cost to Rent a Car in Heraklion?
The cost of a Heraklion car rental depends on various factors. Hence, the time of the year, the rental duration, the type of vehicle, and any chosen add-ons affect the final price. Overall, a small car rental in Heraklion costs around 25€/27.20$ per day.
Is Crete Left or Right Hand Drive?
Drivers in Crete drive on the right-hand side of the road. Similarly, the steering wheel is to be found on the left side of the car. Hence, unless you are from a left-hand drive country like the UK, you won’t face any difficulties in driving around Heraklion and other Crete regions.
What is the Speed Limit in Crete?
You should always respect the local traffic laws so as to avoid getting fined. As far as the speed limits are concerned, you aren’t allowed to drive faster than 50km/h (31mph) in urban areas and 90km/h (56mph) in rural areas. On the other hand, on expressways and motorways, the speed limit ranges from 110km/h (68mph) to 130km/h (81mph).
Do Rental Cars Need Insurance?
All Heraklion car rentals include a minimum level of insurance. Still, if you want to reduce your liability and be on the safe side no matter what happens during your stay in Crete, you should opt for the full insurance package, including various types of coverage (insurance without excess, personal accident insurance, theft insurance, third party insurance, etc.). Please make sure that tires and glasses are also covered, as they aren’t most of the time included in the insurance packages.
Is Parking Easy in Heraklion?
Overall, there are various parking lots (both municipal and private) scattered around the city, whereas street parking is an option, sometimes even for free! In any case, yellow lines indicate that the parking space is reserved for special vehicles. Expectantly, parking in downtown Heraklion can be more challenging than in the surrounding areas. Moreover, it gets trickier during weekends and public holidays. Still, you can try to park your car on the street (please make sure to check if the parking zone is paid or free), head to one of the affordable municipal car parks, or leave your car at the costlier parking lots that are conveniently located in the city’s central areas. As far as parking in the port is concerned, you’ll find three parking lots, which remain closed during the night, though.
Useful Tips about Car Hire in Crete Heraklion
- If you intend to travel around Crete, please make sure that your Heraklion rental car comes with unlimited mileage.
- You can also rent a two-wheel vehicle. However, it is an advisable option only if you have the necessary experience, as the road network outside Heraklion and other major Crete cities (in rural areas) can be challenging.
- Renting a car from an off-airport location is considered a smart move, as airport car rentals are usually slightly costlier. In any case, several Heraklion car rental companies provide airport and port rides, even if the pick-up or drop-off locations aren’t the port or the airport.
- During rush hours, roads tend to get congested.
- All traffic signs are written in English as well.
- Toll roads don’t exist in Crete for the moment.
- The vehicle’s documents must be inside the car at all times.
- The use of a mobile phone while driving is forbidden (unless you use a hands-free device).
- All passengers must wear seat belts at all times.
- Children must be seated in children’s seats.
- The blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l.
- The European Emergency Number is 112.