Car hire in Crete

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Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Crete car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Crete car hire at a glance

Most popular providerunited rent a car
Most popular carPremium/Luxury, 4-5 doors
Pick-up points
Cheapest price found
Cheapest month to rentNovember
Best time to book1 week before
To give you an idea of how much renting a car in Crete could cost, we've pulled prices from Akrotiri.

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Find the cheapest time to hire a car in Crete

The cheapest month to rent a car in Crete is November, when the average cost per day is $39. If that doesn’t work for you, the second cheapest month is September, when the average cost per day is $48. Keep in mind when you’re looking to book, that the most expensive month to rent a car in Crete is October.
To give you an idea of how much renting a car in Crete could cost, we've pulled prices from Akrotiri.

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Car hire in Crete: FAQs

You will need insurance to rent a car in Crete, but you wont necessarily need ‘extra’ insurance. Different car hire companies offer different insurance policies, so make sure you look at the details when you pick a deal.
To rent a car with most companies in Crete you need to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have extra fees to pay if you are under 25 years old, so make sure you check before you book.
The types of documents you’ll need to rent a car in Crete depend on the car rental company you go with. But in general, you will need a valid drivers license, ID and passport. Once you’ve booked car hire in Crete, you can easily get in touch with your chosen provider to find out.
It’s easy to hire a car in Crete. First, you need to decide where in Crete you want to pick up your car from.

Once you’ve decided where you want to go, simply enter your dates and search for the best deal for you. Once you’ve found your deal, you’ll be redirected to the provider to book with no extra fees.
You can rent a car for as long as you like, depending on availability. If you know what dates you’re needing wheels for, start searching with Skyscanner today.
You may need a credit card to rent a car in Crete. It all depends on which car hire company you choose.
It depends where in Crete you want to visit. The most popular place to go is Heraklion. On average, it costs $102 per day to rent a car there. The cheapest price we could find is $22 per day.

Getting the cheapest car rental in Crete

Here are some tips to help you bag the best prices, and hit the road for less.

Where can I hire a car in Crete?

You can hire a car in Crete from major cities and airports, including Heraklion, Chania (Haniá), Rethymno, and Agios Nikolaos.

Chania is the most popular spot, with 28 car hire locations across the city and airport. For convenience, choose pick-up points at the airport or near ferry terminals. These locations offer flexible hours and easy access to main roads.

Compare providers by checking reviews and rates. Book early if visiting in summer or during holidays to secure the best deals and availability. Check your rental includes insurance and unlimited mileage for peace of mind.

Which car do people usually rent in Crete?

Most people in Crete opt for economy cars when hiring a vehicle. These compact models are fuel-efficient and easy to park, making them perfect for narrow village roads or busy city centres like Heraklion.

They suit solo explorers, couples, or small families planning to tour archaeological sites or head to secluded beaches. The lower cost also appeals to budget-conscious visitors.

If you compare price and features, you can find the best deal for your needs. Compact cars also handle winding mountain roads with ease, giving you freedom to discover the whole island.

When is the best time to book a rental car in Crete?

Book your rental car in Crete at least one week before your trip for the best rates. December is off season, so prices are usually lower, especially in resort areas like Hersonissos.

During summer, demand rises and prices can go up. Booking early gives you more choice and locks in a good deal.

Top tips for driving in Crete

In Crete, Greece, always drive on the right-hand side of the road. Watch for changing speed limits: 120 km/h on highways, 90 km/h on expressways and country roads, and 50 km/h within cities.

Heraklion, Chania and Rethymno are well-connected cities. Each offers unique sights, from Heraklion’s ancient Palace of Knossos to Chania’s Venetian harbour and Rethymno’s historic fortress.

Watch out for pedestrians and livestock, especially near villages and schools, and local signage can be confusing, so rely on GPS. Carry your driving licence and rental documents at all times. Stay vigilant on winding mountain roads.

What are the most popular car hire providers in Crete?

In Crete, popular car hire options include Right Cars, Surprice, Car & Go, acarent, Street Rent a Car, and United Rent a Car.

Availability and popularity may vary by location across the island. These providers offer a range of vehicles, from compact cars to larger models. Check for the best rates and vehicle availability in cities such as Heraklion (Iraklio), Chania, and Rethymno.

Booking ahead helps secure your preferred provider and model.