Car Rental at Heraklion Airport

Heraklion Airport is the second largest airport in Greece, and is located in Crete, just a few kilometers away from the city of Heraklion. Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, visited by thousands of people, as it offers some superb attractions. The city of Heraklion itself is one of the largest on the island, and is the financial hub and capital of Crete. Although very business orientated, Heraklion has a lot to offer in terms of tourist attractions. The city is also referred to locally as Iraklion, or Iraklio, and Heraklion Airport is otherwise known as the Nikos Kazantzakis Airport. The towns of the island demand exploration, and the best way to travel is in your own rented car! There are numerous car hire companies at Heraklion Airport, all ready to offer you the best car rental rates and a variety of services.

The Heraklion Airport car hire companies have their rental counters located in the arrivals area of the terminal, which is most convenient. Passengers can simply head over to the car rental company of their choice to arrange their vehicle, once baggage has been collected, with no need for any further transport required. Heraklion Airport consists of just a single terminal building for all domestic and international arrivals and departures, and is therefore relatively easy to navigate. 

All car rental companies at Heraklion Airport:

• Abbycar: +30 212 213 5282
• Addcar: +30 693 231 1388
• Alamo: +30 281 022 6002
• Autos Holidays: +30 281 024 4002
• Auto-Union: +30 281 530 2310
• Avis: +30 281 039 0373
• Budget: +30 281 022 9402
• Cargini Rent A Car: +30 694 799 8070
• Carwiz: +30 697 226 3348
• Centauro: +30 281 118 0090
• Dollar: +30 281 110 0016
• Drive S.A.: +30 281 028 1338
• Enterprise: +30 281 022 6002
• Europcar: +30 281 022 5150
• Firefly: +30 281 033 0452
• Global Rent A Car: +30 211 187 5552
• Goldcar: +30 281 181 0265
• Green Motion: +30 281 034 4279
• Grentals: +30 281 028 1338
• Hertz: +30 281 033 0452
• Idea Mobility: +30 2111875552
• National: +30 281 022 6002
• Ok Mobility: 0034902360636
• Payless: +30 281 039 0373
• Rhodium: +30 281 181 0265
• Sixt: +30 281 028 0915
• Surprice: +30 698 463 1835
• Thrifty: +30 281 110 0013
• Wheego: +30 2810240222 / +30 2810223781
• Yours Car Rental: +30 2111875552

It is not recommended for passengers to hire a vehicle directly from the rental counters of the various car hire companies at the airport, as you may not get the best price possible for your vehicle. It is better to shop online in advance of your flight to Heraklion, and compare the rates and services of your options. Many companies offer an online booking discount, and perhaps better rates for booking early. Additional items of equipment, such as a baby seat, roof racks or a satellite navigation system should also be booked in advance, as they may not be available if requested on arrival at the airport. During the summer, Heraklion Airport is at its busiest, and car hire is in high demand during this time.

Heraklion Airport one way hires are popular among customers who will only need a car for "single direction" journeys. Choosing a one way rental means that you can collect your vehicle from Heraklion Airport, but return it to another rental location. There may be charges for this service if the car is delivered to another city or town in Crete. Most car hire companies also offer hand controls to assist disabled drivers who suffer from a lower limb deficiency. The hand controls enable the driver to operate the brake and accelerator pedals of the vehicle, which is usually automatic. They don't however control the blinkers, car lights, windshield wipers or other functions of the vehicle, such as cruise control. Hand controls and one way rentals at Heraklion Airport should always be requested in advance.

Customers should think carefully about which type of car they will need to hire, as well as the size of the vehicle required. The size of the vehicle depends on the number of passengers who will be travelling, as well as the amount of luggage that needs to be carried. A smaller car may be more economical, but a too small car creates a very uncomfortable journey, especially if you plan longer drives when exploring the island. Small cars hired in Greece are usually similar to the Chevrolet Matiz, Ford Ka, Fiat Panda or Citroen C1, while slightly larger cars may include the Ford Fusion, Renault Laguna, VW Polo and Mercedes A Class. Premium vehicles are available for business professionals in need of a more elegant vehicle, and larger sized vans are ideal for groups of travelers. Vans can seat up to seven or nine people, and are similar to the Ford Galaxy, Fiat Scudo and Volkswagen Transporter.

The primary Heraklion Crete Airport car hire customer should be at least 21 or 23 years of age, depending on the specific requirements of the car rental company, and have a valid drivers license which has been issued in his/her country of residence for a minimum period of a year. These details may also vary according to the category of vehicle rented. Specialty cars may have a higher age restriction, and more years of driving experience required. In some cases, a foreign driver may need to produce an International Driving Permit. Adequate insurance, such as Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection should be arranged for the hired vehicle, but is usually optional, and a major credit card is required for payment of the rental period.

Driving on the island of Crete is relatively easy, as main roads and highways connect all towns and cities. However, some tourists have reported the Greek signs to be difficult to read, and that the highways are not well marked. Signs are written in English as well, but not posted always where you need them to be. If you are lost in Crete, simply ask one of the locals to help you. They are generally very friendly and more than willing to offer their assistance. The exit road from the airport is Makariou, and this road leads to the National Highway, which follows the north coast of Crete. Fuel stations are available along all major roads, but be aware that they may close at 19:00. Mostly fuel attendants service them. Nearby the airport there are the fuel companies of EKO, BP, Mobil and Shell.

Passengers wishing to hire a vehicle from one of the car hire companies at Heraklion Airport will find a good selection, and will be offered competitive rental rates.