Car Rental At Heraklion Airport Crete

Heraklion Airport - The 2nd Busiest Airport in Crete

Heraklion International Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis" serves as the primary gateway to Crete, Greece, and ranks as the second busiest airport in the country, following Athens International Airport.  Located about 4 km from the center of Heraklion, the airport serves over 8 million travelers annually, making it the primary gateway for international tourists visiting Crete Island. With a steady influx of visitors each year, the airport facilitates convenient transportation options, including buses, rental cars, and taxis, enabling travelers to easily reach their destinations across the island. This accessibility contributes to the popularity of Crete as a sought-after travel destination.

Why Choose Car Rental at Heraklion Airport

Car rental at Heraklion Airport (HER) in Crete are easily accessible, offering a range of vehicles such as economy and small cars. Renting a car is an excellent choice for those looking to explore the beautiful sights of the island at their own pace. While many rental counters are conveniently located inside the arrivals terminal, travelers should be aware that finding them can sometimes be tricky, especially in busy times. To avoid any hassle, having a clear plan upon arrival is helpful.

To make the most of your experience, it’s wise to book your rental car in advance, particularly during the high tourist season. There are numerous car rental options available at the airport, including both well-known international companies and local agencies. Some of these companies provide a meet-and-greet service, which can make the process even smoother. By securing your vehicle ahead of time, you can ensure both a wider selection and better pricing, allowing for a more enjoyable time exploring Crete.

Tips to Rent a Car at Heraklion Airport

To bring a relax and smoothness in your traveling, you should consider some general concepts to rent a car at Heraklion Airport.

  To secure better prices and greater availability for rental cars, it is advisable to book at least one to four weeks in advance. This proactive approach can  help travelers avoid the surge in rates that typically occurs during peak summer months.

  Comparison sites: Search for reputed car rental agencies and compare their services, offers, prices and reviews. Finally choose the best one according to your needs.

  Local service providers can be more helpful to give you the right service due to their awareness on the local places and traffic rules.

  Crete features a diverse driving landscape, combining modern highways with picturesque yet challenging mountainous terrains. While the main roads are well-maintained, the narrow, winding country roads offer stunning views but require extra caution. Drive carefully and be aware of your surroundings.

  In Heraklion, paid parking zones are designated by blue lines, indicating where parking fees apply and yellow lines, which indicate no parking areas. It's important to check local regulations to ensure compliance with parking rules and avoid fines.

  Opting for a smaller, fuel-efficient car is typically the most practical solution as the roads in Heraklion particularly in the older towns are often narrow and winding and limited parking space.

  Choose the companies who offer full coverage with no excess or deposit, which is a good option for peace of mind during your travel.

  Before taking the car to drive, check it thoroughly by exterior and interior to document any existing damage. This can help to prevent any disputes when you return the vehicle.

  Check the fuel policy, rental terms and conditions, return policy of the company before going for the drive.

Approximate Distance From Heraklion Airport to Major Locations in Crete by Car

Here are some approximate driving distances and times by car (or car rental) from Heraklion Airport (HER) to a number of major or popular destinations on Crete. These are fetched from Google and may be varied according to the vehicle type, vehicle condition, road condition and speed of the vehicle.

Car Rental - Heraklion Airport To Heraklion Port - 3.4 km - 12 min

Car Rental - Heraklion Airport To Knossos Palace - 7.1 km - 17 min

Car Rental - Heraklion Airport To Hersonissos -    21.8 km - 18 min

Car Rental - Heraklion Airport To Malia -   31.8 km - 27 min  

Car Rental - Heraklion Airport To Agios Nikolaos -  59.8 km - 55 min   

Car Rental - Heraklion Airport To Rethymno -  80.4 km - 1 hr 15 min

Car Rental - Heraklion Airport To Matala -     66.0 km - 1 hr 5 min

Car Rental - Heraklion Airport To Sitia -  125.2 km - 2 hr 4 min

Car Rental - Heraklion Airport To Chania -      141.7 km - 2 hr 8 min

Car Rental - Heraklion Airport To Samaria Gorge -   179.7 km  - 2 hr 53 min

Car Rental - Heraklion Airport To Anissaras - 25.7 km - 24 min

Explore the Near by Attractions by Renting A Car at Heraklion Airport

Here are some nice places and attractions near Heraklion International Airport (Nikos Kazantzakis) in Crete that you might enjoy. Just a short drive away, you can explore the ancient ruins of Knossos, the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos, local culture and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum showcases. Some places and attractions are briefly mentioned below which you can easily visit by renting a car at Heraklion Airport.

Palace of Knossos

The major Minoan archaeological site known for big palace complex, ancient frescoes, fascinating ruins. It is very close (~7 km) from the airport.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

The popular that museum has a rich collection of Minoan artefacts.

Koules Fortress (Castello a Mare)

A Venetian fortress at the old port of Heraklion. Nice for views, photography, walking.

Venetian Walls of Heraklion & the Old Town

These are some of the most iconic and historically rich sites in Crete and just about 10–15 minutes by car from Heraklion Airport. Lions Square (Morosini Fountain), St. Titus Church, Loggia (Town Hall), Traditional Street Market are the popular spots to see here.

Thalassokosmos Aquarium / Cretaquarium

A modern public aquarium located near Gournes in Crete, showcasing the rich marine life of the Mediterranean Sea.

Nikos Kazantzakis Museum

A literary museum pays tribute to the important intellectual, author, thinker, philosopher, politician and traveller Nikos Kazantzakis.

Beach Resorts / Coastline Towns

Malia, the lively beach town and the Hersonissos known for beach and water activities.
 

Crete is a stunning island known for its mountains, gorges, and beautiful coastline, alongside traditional villages and ancient ruins. Renting a car from Heraklion Airport is an excellent choice, allowing you to explore at your own pace without relying on public transport. With a rental car, you can discover charming small villages, secluded beaches, scenic mountain roads, and historic monasteries. Travelcar offers a convenient rental experience with quick pickup and drop-off service and full insurance coverage, ensuring a smooth journey as you uncover the island’s beauty.