Car Hire Heraklion International Airport (HER)

You’ll find our Avis counter at Heraklion Airport in the arrivals hall close to the exit to the terminal building. The Avis rental car park is easy to find and is just a short walk across the road from the terminal entrance.

Heraklion International Airport (HER), or Nikos Kazantzakis Airport in honour of the famous Cretan-born author, is the second largest airport in Greece after Athens Airport. Heraklion International Airport welcomes around 8 million passengers a year and has a single terminal for both domestic and international flights including chartered flights from across Europe in peak summer months.

There are several flights a day connecting the island with the Greek capital. The airport began life as a military airstrip in the 1930s and is due for replacement in 2027 when a new international airport is scheduled to open at Kasteli south east of Heraklion.

The current airport is just 4km east of Heraklion town and centrally located with good access across the island.

Hiring a car is an easy way to explore the island of Crete. We’d recommend using GPS to navigate the island’s road network. Links are excellent from the east to the west of the island but be aware that mountain roads and beach routes can be narrow and winding. As in mainland Europe, you’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road as you leave the airport. If you have not driven in this part of the world before, we’d advise checking the road rules for driving in Greece before you set off.

What are the age requirements for renting a car in Crete

To rent a car in Crete, Greece, you must be at least 21 years old (age may vary by car category) and you must have held your licence for at least 1 year.

Age restrictions also vary by vehicle and some selected car groups are not available to drivers under the age of 25.

There is currently no maximum age for hiring a rental car, so long as you have had a full, valid, licence for at least 1 year. Some additional steps may be required for those who are over the age of 75 on the date of the scheduled return. When you book, you’ll be told if there are any maximum age restrictions for the vehicle you request. If you’re not sure, please check your booking confirmation email – or call the reservations team. 

What documents do I need to hire a car in Crete?

To hire a car in Crete, you just need to bring your:

• Driving licence
• Credit card (if it's a high value vehicle two payment cards must be provided, one of which needs to be a credit card),
• Proof of any discount (such as a frequent flyer or Avis Preferred card),
• Photo ID for international rentals (such as a passport or driving licence)

Can I pick up my rental car in Zakynthos and return it to another location?

One-way car rental with Avis makes it easy to go from A to B without driving full circle. That means you can collect your Avis hire car from Zakynthos Airport and then return it to another Avis office whether that’s in Greece or even another country in Europe. Many of our Avis locations offer a 24-hour drop-off facility, which makes a one-way car hire hassle-free and very user-friendly. Simply check out our many available one-way journeys and start planning your route. When you are ready to book, just specify your destination in the booking panel and we will arrange it for you.

Is it worth hiring a car in Crete?

The lovely island of Crete is well worth exploring but public transport is limited to buses so if don’t want to miss out on any of the island’s scenic attractions, hiring a car is highly recommended.

The Avis team at Heraklion International Airport are experts on the island and ready to advise you on the best places to go and help make your trip a smooth one from the moment you touch down.

What is parking like in Crete?

Parking in towns around Crete can be tricky in the peak summer months and we recommend checking local parking apps for the best options in towns like Heraklion. Parking in beach areas tends to be centred around hotels and tavernas. Our top tip is to opt for designated roadside parking areas which open under the shade of the olive groves if you are visiting in the height of summer.

From the Avis car park at Heraklion Airport, Heraklion town is just a 10min drive of less than a 5km via Ikarou Road.

The port city of Heraklion (also known as Iraklion) is a booming metropolis with a long and compelling history. Evidence of its past invasions and colourful past under the control of the Byzantines, Moors, Venetians and Ottomans can still be seen today. Positioned on the north coast, it is the largest city on the island and offers much to see and do. A Bronze Age city built by the Minoan civilisation, the extensive Archaeological museum and Historical Museum are all good starting points for understanding its rich cultural past.

Heraklion also boasts a Venetian harbour which is guarded by the Koules fortress and was built to defend the city, much like the Venetian walls that surround the city. With its stunning ceiling frescoes, you should make time to see the Agios Minos Cathedral, one of the largest religious monuments in Greece. When you’re ready for a break in your explorations, take a dip in the sparkling blue sea at Amoudara Beach or head to the old town for a leisurely lunch.

Heraklion Airport is conveniently located in central Crete making it an ideal starting point to explore this stunning island. To travel to any of the other major cities like Rethymnon and Chania to the west and Malia and Agios Nikolaos to the east you can bypass Heraklion by following signs for the National Road E75/EO90.

Samaria Gorge and Agios Nikolaos

After exploring Heraklion, hop into your rental car and discover road trips to take you beyond the city on a tour of Samaria Gorge (three hours west of Heraklion via Chania), or to the gorgeous town of Agio Nikolaos. The route between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos is particularly beautiful, and make sure you stop on the way at the charming city of Elounda, which boasts a lively scene and some of the island’s top beaches.

Southern Crete

The region south of Heraklion is also superb, offering an altogether different adventure, with rugged terrain speckled with vineyards, enchanting stone villages and beautiful bays. Drive 70km south of Heraklion airport and you’ll reach the ancient caves of Matala with tombs that date back to the Greek and Roman times.