Main Car Rental Locations around Heraklion
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Heraklion Airport (HER)
Choose this option if you want your car ready as soon as you land in Crete and plan to drive straight to resorts on the north coast or toward central Crete.
From Heraklion Airport you reach Heraklion City at about 5 km in 15 to 20 minutes, Hersonisos at about 25 km in 25 to 35 minutes, and Malia at about 35 km in around 35 to 45 minutes.
Price guide: Small cars start at €18 in low season and reach around €40 in high season, SUVs start at €30 in low season and reach around €58 in high season, Vans start at €50 in low season and reach around €90 in high season
Heraklion City
Pick up in the city if you spend the first days visiting the center, the Venetian walls and Knossos and only start driving when you leave Heraklion for the rest of your trip.
From Heraklion City you reach the airport at about 5 km in 15 to 20 minutes, Hersonisos at about 25 km in 25 to 35 minutes, and Rethymno at about 80 km in around 1 to 1.5 hours.
Price guide: Small cars start at €17 in low season and reach around €38 in high season, SUVs start at €29 in low season and reach around €56 in high season, Vans start at €48 in low season and reach around €88 in high season
Heraklion Port
Heraklion Port is ideal if you arrive by ferry from mainland Greece or the islands and want a car waiting close to the ship to continue your journey by road.
From the port you reach Heraklion City center in about 5 to 10 minutes, the airport in about 15 to 20 minutes, and Agios Nikolaos at about 65 km in around 1 to 1.25 hours.
Price guide: Small cars start at €18 in low season and reach around €39 in high season, SUVs start at €29 in low season and reach around €57 in high season, Vans start at €49 in low season and reach around €89 in high season
Chania Airport
Chania Airport serves the western side of Crete and is a good starting point if you plan to stay near Chania, Kissamos, Falassarna or Elafonisi and explore the west of the island by car.
From Chania Airport you reach Chania City in about 20 to 30 minutes, Rethymno in around 1 to 1.25 hours, and Heraklion in about 2 to 2.5 hours.
Malia
Malia is a lively resort on the north coast. A car makes it easy to move between beaches, visit nearby archaeological sites and plan day trips toward Heraklion or Agios Nikolaos.
From Malia you reach Heraklion in about 35 to 45 minutes, Hersonisos in about 15 to 20 minutes, and Agios Nikolaos in around 40 to 50 minutes.
Hersonisos
Hersonisos is one of the main holiday areas east of Heraklion, with many hotels, beaches and nightlife. With a rental car you can explore inland villages and the coastline at your own pace.
From Hersonisos you reach Heraklion in about 25 to 35 minutes, Malia in about 15 to 20 minutes, and the Lassithi Plateau in around 1 to 1.25 hours.
Stalida
Stalida sits between Hersonisos and Malia and is a good base if you want a quieter stay with easy access to both resorts and to the main road along the north coast.
From Stalida you reach Heraklion in about 30 to 40 minutes, Hersonisos in about 10 to 15 minutes, and Malia in around 10 minutes.
Rethymno
Rethymno is a charming town between Heraklion and Chania, with an old harbor, long beach and easy road access to both north and south coast of Crete.
From Rethymno you reach Heraklion in about 1 to 1.5 hours, Chania in about 1 to 1.25 hours, and Plakias on the south coast in around 45 to 60 minutes.
Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos is the main town in eastern Crete and a good base for visiting Elounda, Spinalonga and the beaches along Mirabello Bay with a rental car.
From Agios Nikolaos you reach Heraklion in about 1 to 1.25 hours, Elounda in about 15 to 20 minutes, and Ierapetra on the south coast in around 50 to 60 minutes.