€25–45/day
Economy cars
Compact, low-fuel city cars — perfect for couples exploring whitewashed villages and cove-like beaches.
- Automatic or manual
- 4 passengers
- A/C + Bluetooth
- Cheapest daily rate
Heraklion · Rent a car · 2026
Rent a car in Heraklion — Knossos, Matala & east Crete
HER airport and Heraklion port delivery from verified local fleets. Ideal for Knossos mornings and south-coast day trips.
Heraklion is Crete’s transport hub. A rental turns a city overnight into Knossos, Matala caves, wine country and Agios Nikolaos day trips. The north-coast highway is fast; south-coast roads are slower but paved. Partners deliver to HER airport and the ferry port.
From €20/day0+ vehiclesFull CDW insuranceFree port delivery
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Heraklion at a glance
- Peak price (Aug)
- €50–95/day
- Low season price
- €20–35/day
- Island drive time
- 1–3 hours
- Minimum age
- 21 years
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Verified partners
Verified local partners
Every agency is vetted on the ground by the Discover Crete team.
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Ratings aggregated from Google, TripAdvisor and direct guest feedback.
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We never take a cut. You pay the partner what the partner quotes.
Rent by vehicle type in Heraklion
From economy cars and family SUVs to ATVs, buggies and scooters — pick the right ride for your plan.
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Every ride type
Cars, ATVs, buggies and scooters in Heraklion
Not every trip needs an SUV. Buggies, ATVs and scooters are often cheaper, more fun and better at reaching hidden beaches.
€55–95/day
SUVs & Jeeps
Higher ground clearance for unpaved beach paths and hilltop villages. Families love the extra room.
- 5 passengers
- Large boot
- Perfect for dirt tracks
- Optional roof rack
€30–60/day
ATVs & Quads
The adventurer's pick. Take dirt trails to secluded beaches that cars can't reach.
- No special license (≤50cc)
- Helmets included
- Great for beach roads
- Easy parking anywhere
€50–90/day
Buggies
Open-air fun for 2–4 people. The Instagram favourite — canopy on, wind in your hair.
- Seats 2–4
- Car license required
- Canopy for shade
- Storage for beach gear
€15–35/day
Scooters
The cheapest way to hop between villages and swim spots. Solo travellers' best friend.
- 50cc: no moto license
- Helmet included
- Tiny parking footprint
- Short-distance runner
€70–130/day
Minivans
7–9 seaters for groups, extended families and friend getaways. Still parks in tight village spots.
- 7–9 passengers
- Huge luggage room
- A/C + USB
- Automatic available
Why rent a car in Heraklion
- Knossos is close, but Matala, Zaros and the wine hills need a car.
- Open-jaw flights (HER in, CHQ out) with a one-way rental save backtracking.
- City parking is the hard part — use hotel parking or park-and-ride outside the centre.
- Book automatics early for peak season family arrivals.
Save 10% · ferry + car
Bundle your ferry to Heraklion with the car waiting at the port
Touristas AI plans the ferry, books the rental and coordinates pickup in a single WhatsApp thread — so you step off the boat and drive.
10% off
When you book both through Touristas AI.
Port delivery
Car waiting with the keys as you disembark.
Flexible cancel
Free cancellation on most ferries + cars.
One contact
Your AI concierge covers both legs.
Insurance & deposits
Highway driving is fine on economy cars. Confirm gravel-road cover if heading to remote south coves.
Local tips from the Discover Crete team
- 💡Visit Knossos at opening time, then drive south before heat builds.
- 💡Toll-free national road links Heraklion–Rethymno–Chania.
- 💡Ask about one-way fees to Chania Airport if flying open-jaw.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions about renting in Heraklion
Everything you need to know before renting a car in Heraklion.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Heraklion?
Economy rentals in Heraklion start from €20/day in shoulder seasons and €35–€55/day in peak summer. ATVs start around €25/day and scooters around €15/day. Longer rentals (7+ days) typically unlock a 10–20% discount.
Can the rental be delivered to Heraklion Port port or the airport?
Yes — every Discover Crete partner in Heraklion delivers free of charge to Heraklion Port port and to the airport terminal. Share your ferry or flight arrival time in the availability form and the keys are handed over on arrival.
Do I need a 4x4 or SUV in Heraklion?
Main roads in Heraklion are fully paved, so a compact car is fine for 80% of trips. If you plan to reach remote beaches via dirt tracks or drive up mountain villages, a small SUV or a 4x4 gives more ground clearance and comfort.
How many rent-a-car partners does Discover Crete list in Heraklion?
We work with 1 verified local partner in Heraklion. Every partner is vetted for fleet condition, insurance policy, delivery options and response time — we only list companies our travellers rate 4.5 stars or higher.
What is the best way to book a rental in Heraklion?
Browse the partners below, open the one that fits your trip, then either click "Book now" to go to their site or hit "Ask availability" to have Discover Crete email and WhatsApp the partner on your behalf. You get a reply within a few hours during business days.
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