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Hertz car rental in Crete
Crete is full of coastal roads, mountain villages, historic sites, and beach resorts that are best explored at your own pace. With a rental car, you can move from airport arrivals or ferry ports to different parts of the island without depending on fixed transport schedules.
With Hertz car rental in Crete, you can choose a pickup point that matches your arrival, whether you land at the airport, arrive by ferry, or stay near a town location.
If you plan to rent a car in Crete, booking ahead helps you compare vehicle sizes, return points, and options for longer island drives.
Pickup locations in Crete
- Heraklion Airport
- Crete- Heraklion - 34- 25th August Street
- Crete- Aghios Nikolaos - 15 I. Koundourou Street
- Chania Airport
- Crete- Rethymnon - 46 El. Venizelou Str
- Crete- Heraklion - Viomichaniki Periohi
- Crete- Chersonissos - 25 Dimokratias Street
- Sitia Airport
- Crete- Chania - Chania Garage
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Benefits from day one.
- Up to 10% off the base rate on rentals in select countries
Up to 10% discount applies to base rates in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Benelux. 5% applies for the rest of the world. The discount applies to the base rate quoted (excluding taxes and any other charges). It does not apply to affiliated rates or rates that are already discounted.
- Add your spouse as a second driver without an extra fee
- Earn points redeemable toward free rental days and upgrades
Points are earned on per day time and mileage charges only. Free rental days cover base rate (time and mileage) only. Taxes, optional extras and any other fees are excluded. One-car-class upgrade applies to Compact, Intermediate, Standard & Full-size rentals with a maximum upgrade to a Premium. Additional terms and exclusions apply
- Skip the counter and go straight to your car
You can skip the counter once your membership is activated after your first rental. Available at select locations only.
Driving guide: Car rental in Crete
Parking information
- Plastira Robotic Parking, Heraklion: Plastira Robotic Parking has around 600 parking slots in central Heraklion.
- Chania Airport Parking: Chania Airport’s official parking area has nearly 250 parking spaces with direct airport access.
- Rethymno Old Town Parking Areas: Rethymno has 4 free parking lots and 8 paid parking areas near or in the old town, with a total capacity of around 1,570 car parking spaces.
Key roads in Crete
- VOAK / A90 / E75 is the main northern road axis of Crete and links the island’s key northern towns.
- EO99 is a route that connects Heraklion with Knossos, making it useful if you are staying in or around the capital.
- The road toward Elafonisi takes you into the south-western side of Crete, where routes become more rural and winding.
Electric car hire
Electric car hire in Crete can be a comfortable, lower-emission option for airport runs, city stays, hotel-based trips, and planned coastal drives. With more travellers choosing cleaner mobility, an EV can help you enjoy a quieter drive while reducing fuel stops
Hertz supports this greener way to travel with a growing range of electric vehicles, giving you more choice when matching your car to your plans. If you want to hire a car in Crete with Hertz, check EV availability while booking.
Charging points
Crete is home to around 7 charging points in the city and many additional ones as you make your way through other neighbouring cities on your journey.
Congestion charges
Crete does not have a congestion charge for visitors. The main driving limits are town-specific: narrow old-town streets, pedestrian areas, port traffic, beach congestion, and limited central parking in Heraklion, Chania, and Rethymno.
Getting from Heraklion to Knossos
Knossos is one of the easiest cultural trips to make with your car hire in Crete, especially if you are staying in Heraklion.
- Start from Heraklion and follow the signs toward Knossos.
- Use the EO99 / Knossos Avenue route out of the city.
- Park near the archaeological site where available.
Getting from Chania to Elafonisi
Elafonisi is one of the must-visit places when exploring Crete.
- Leave Chania early and head toward the south-west of the island.
- Follow the signed route toward Elafonisi and Chrysoskalitissa.
- Expect narrower sections as you move away from the north coast.
- Keep extra time for bends, village traffic, and photo stops.
- Park in the designated beach parking area and continue on foot.
Why Hertz?
Reserve direct for our best rate guarantee
Found a lower rent? We’ll match it and give 10% off of that base rate.
Easily modify or cancel reservations
Plans change. Cancel for free up to 2 days before pick-up.
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A quick guide to Crete
Domes Zeen Chania
Apteron Road, Parigoria, Chania, Crete 73100
A stylish resort near Chania with beach access, modern design, family-friendly spaces, and a relaxed coastal setting.
GDM Megaron Hotel
9 D. Beaufort, Heraklion, Crete 71202
A central Heraklion hotel overlooking the old harbour, with elegant rooms and easy access to the city’s historic core.
Minos Palace Resort
Thessi Nissi, Agios Nikolaos, Lasithi, Crete 72100
A quiet coastal resort in Agios Nikolaos with sea views, wellness spaces, and a calm adults-only setting.
Peskesi
Kapetan Charalampi 6-8, Heraklion, Crete 71202
Peskesi is known for Cretan cooking, local ingredients, and a traditional courtyard-style setting in Heraklion.
Tamam Restaurant
Zampeliou 49, Chania, Crete
Tamam Restaurant is a long-running Chania spot serving Greek and Cretan dishes in the Old Port area.
Avli
Rethymno Old Town, Crete
Avli is a well-known Rethymno restaurant offering Cretan and Mediterranean food in a historic old-town setting.
Knossos Palace
Knossos Palace Archaeological Site, Heraklion
Knossos Palace is Crete’s best-known Minoan archaeological site, with restored ruins, courtyards, frescoes, and palace remains.
Samaria Gorge National Park
South-western Crete
Samaria Gorge National Park is a major natural landmark with a long canyon route through the White Mountains.
Elafonisi Beach
South-western Crete
Elafonisi Beach is known for its shallow lagoon, pale pink-toned sand, clear water, and protected natural setting.
FAQs about car hire
Do I need to make a reservation in advance for a Hertz car rental in Crete?
Yes, booking ahead is best in Crete, especially in summer when Heraklion Airport, Chania Airport, and port locations get busy.
Do I need a driving permit to hire a car in Crete?
Yes, you need a valid driving licence. In addition, some non-EU drivers may also need an International Driving Permit.
Can I pick up a rental car in Crete and return it to a different city in Greece?
Yes, one-way rentals may be possible with Hertz, depending on the pickup branch, return location, vehicle type, and travel dates.
What is the best time to book a Crete car for hire?
Book early for summer, Easter, and school holiday travel, as popular vehicle types can sell out quickly.
Are there any restrictions on taking a rental car outside Crete?
Driving within Crete is usually covered, but ferry travel, mainland returns, or cross-border routes may need prior approval from Hertz.