Rental car desks at Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (HER) are Car rental counters are in the arrivals hall, immediately after baggage reclaim. Additional desks and off-site companies are accessible via shuttles from the parking area outside the terminal.. Major companies include Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt. The fastest transfer to Heraklion is by KTEL Bus (20 minutes).
Car rental counters are in the arrivals hall, immediately after baggage reclaim. Additional desks and off-site companies are accessible via shuttles from the parking area outside the terminal.
Book your rental car at HER at least 2-3 weeks ahead for the best prices, especially during summer.
Compare prices from all companies at HER to find the best deal:
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| Transport | Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTEL Bus | 20 minutes | EUR 1.50 | To Heraklion main bus station; connections to Rethymno and Chania |
| Taxi | 15 minutes | EUR 15-20 | Metered fare to Heraklion center; fixed rates to resorts |
| Hotel Shuttle | 20-90 minutes | Free-EUR 20 | Many all-inclusive resorts provide airport transfers |
| Private Transfer | 15-90 minutes | EUR 20-80 | Pre-booked to any destination on Crete |
Heraklion Airport is Crete's main airport and the second-busiest in Greece, handling over 8 million passengers annually. Located just 5 km east of Heraklion city center, it serves as the gateway to Greece's largest island — a destination rich in history, dramatic landscapes, and outstanding beaches.
A rental car is practically essential for exploring Crete properly. The island stretches 260 km from east to west and is split by a mountain spine rising to 2,456 metres at Mount Ida. The Minoan Palace of Knossos is just 5 km from the airport, while the Samaria Gorge (Europe's longest), the Venetian harbour of Chania, and the pink sand beach of Elafonisi are all within a half-day's drive.
The north coast highway provides fast connections between the main cities, but the real charm of Crete lies in its southern coast and mountain villages, accessible via winding roads that reward patient drivers with jaw-dropping scenery. Renting a car gives you the freedom to discover hidden tavernas, secluded coves, and ancient sites that package tourists never see.
No, a standard car handles all paved roads including mountain passes. A 4WD is only useful for specific dirt tracks to remote beaches, and most rental companies discourage off-road use.
From Heraklion to the western tip (Kissamos) is about 2.5 hours via the north coast highway. The south coast route takes significantly longer due to winding mountain roads.
Outside Heraklion and Chania, parking is generally easy and often free. In the cities, use designated car parks — street parking in the centers is difficult.
Ferries connect Heraklion to Santorini but rental companies almost universally prohibit taking cars on inter-island ferries.
The gorge hike is one-way (16 km downhill). You cannot drive to the exit; most visitors take a bus to the start at Omalos and a ferry from Agia Roumeli at the bottom back to Chora Sfakion, where a bus returns to your car.
Country-by-country driving requirements, packing list, and emergency contacts — all in one PDF.
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