Car rental in Heraklion, Crete: Your guide to exploring central and eastern Crete

For most visitors, collecting a rental car immediately after landing is simply the easiest option.
 

Instead of waiting for airport buses, arranging transfers or paying for expensive taxis, you can leave the terminal and head directly towards your hotel or your first destination.
 

One of the biggest advantages of car rental at Heraklion airport is flexibility. Whether your accommodation is in Hersonissos, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda or a small village inland, you travel according to your own schedule from the very first minute.
 

Abbycar operates directly at Heraklion Airport, making the pick-up process quick and straightforward.
 

If you prefer an alternative collection point, there are two additional stations nearby:
 

• Heraklion Downtown: It is a convenient option if you are spending your first days exploring the city before heading out on a road trip. 
   
• Gazi: It is ideal for visitors staying along the western coast of Heraklion or in nearby seaside resorts, offering quick access to the north coast road.

One of the biggest advantages of choosing car hire in Heraklion, Crete is the number of incredible day trips available within one to one and a half hours.
 

Knossos Palace (15 minutes)
 

Only about 5 km from Heraklion Airport, Knossos is one of the easiest archaeological sites to visit anywhere in Europe. In fact, you can literally be exploring a Minoan palace within twenty minutes of landing.
 

Many visitors arrive there with organized tours during the morning, making the site particularly busy. Having your own car allows you to visit it early or later in the afternoon, when the crowds are much smaller.
 

After exploring Knossos, you can continue to nearby wineries or traditional villages, like Archanes, Peza and Dafnes, instead of returning immediately to the city.
 

Elounda and Spinalonga (1.5 hours)
 

The drive east along Crete's northern coast is one of the island's most enjoyable routes.
 

Elounda is famous for its elegant waterfront, relaxed atmosphere and crystal-clear waters. From the harbor, regular boats depart for Spinalonga, one of Greece's most fascinating historic islands.
 

Having your own vehicle also allows you to explore quieter beaches and viewpoints around the Mirabello Gulf, like Ammoudi, Alymros, Voulisma, Kolokytha and Plaka, before returning to Heraklion.
 

Lasithi Plateau (1.5 hours)
 

If you want to experience a completely different side of Crete, drive towards the Lasithi Plateau.
 

Surrounded by mountains, this fertile highland is filled with traditional villages, local tavernas, monasteries and panoramic roads. The drive itself is part of the experience, with spectacular scenery throughout the ascent.
 

The plateau is also home to the famous Dikteon Cave, traditionally associated with the birthplace of Zeus.
 

Matala Beach (1.5 hours)
 

Located on Crete's southern coast, Matala combines beautiful sandy beaches with one of the island's most unique histories.
 

The caves carved into the cliffs became famous during the 1960s when they attracted artists and hippies from around the world.
 

Today, Matala offers a relaxed atmosphere, excellent seafood restaurants and one of Crete's most beautiful sunset spots.
 

Rethymno (1 hour)
 

Driving west along the north coast motorway brings you to Rethymno, one of Crete's most picturesque towns.
 

Its Venetian harbor, narrow streets, colorful buildings and lively cafés make it perfect for a full-day excursion.
 

The motorway makes the journey easy, while your rental car allows you to stop at beaches or villages along the way.
 

Agios Nikolaos (1.5 hours)
 

Built around the picturesque Lake Voulismeni, Agios Nikolaos offers a more elegant and relaxed atmosphere than many other coastal towns.
 

The waterfront cafés, marina and boutique shops make it one of eastern Crete's most enjoyable destinations.
 

Its location also makes it an excellent base for exploring nearby beaches and coastal villages.
 

Phaistos Palace (1.5 hours)
 

Although Knossos receives most of the attention, Phaistos is equally fascinating for visitors interested in Minoan history.
 

Located on a hill overlooking the Messara Plain, the archaeological site offers beautiful views together with impressive ancient ruins.
 

Unlike Knossos, it is usually much quieter, allowing visitors to explore at a more relaxed pace.

Many visitors wonder whether driving in Crete is difficult.
 

The good news is that most journeys from Heraklion are straightforward, especially along the island's northern coast.
 

The E75/E90 motorway
 

The main road connecting Heraklion with Chania, Rethymno and Agios Nikolaos is the E75/E90 motorway.
 

Unlike many mainland Greek motorways, there are no toll roads anywhere in Crete, making road trips considerably more affordable.
 

The motorway is divided for much of its route, well signposted and easy to follow, making it suitable even for drivers visiting Greece for the first time.
 

Mountain roads
 

Roads leading to destinations such as the Lasithi Plateau or traditional inland villages become narrower and more winding.
 

The scenery is spectacular, but take your time, particularly around blind bends.
 

There is no need to rush. Local drivers are familiar with these roads, while visitors will enjoy the journey much more by driving calmly.
 

Southern Crete
 

Routes towards Matala or Phaistos involve winding mountain sections before reaching the southern coast.
 

The roads are generally in good condition, but journeys often take longer than the distance suggests.
 

Driving in Heraklion city
 

Driving inside Heraklion is probably the most demanding part of your trip.
 

Traffic becomes busy during weekday mornings and late afternoons, while parking near the historic center can require some patience.
 

Our advice is that whenever possible, avoid entering the city during rush hour.
 

Parking at Knossos
 

Parking near Knossos is relatively easy.
 

Several designated parking areas operate close to the archaeological site, while street parking is also available nearby during less busy periods.
 

Navigation
 

Google Maps works reliably across Crete and is sufficient for almost all journeys.
 

Mobile coverage is excellent throughout most tourist areas, making navigation simple even on longer road trips.
 

For more detailed advice about local driving conditions, read our complete Driving in Crete Guide.

If you wonder how much is the cost to rent a car at Heraklion Airport, remember that car rental prices vary depending on the season, vehicle category and booking period.
 

As a general guide, take into account the following prices:
 

• Low season (October-April): approximately €25–40 per day 
   
• Peak summer (May – September): approximately €40–60 per day 
   

Booking several months in advance usually provides the best availability and prices, especially during July and August.
 

Travelers looking for slightly lower prices should also consider the station in Gazi, where rates are often around €5–10 per day cheaper than airport collections.
 

Regarding the fuel prices in Crete, they are generally around €1.85 – 2.00 per liter, although they may vary slightly throughout the season.
 

One significant advantage compared with mainland Greece is that Crete has no motorway tolls, helping you to keep overall travel costs lower.
 

Regarding the insurance cost, please remember that when choosing your rental package, full insurance with zero excess is highly recommended. While the main roads are in very good condition, mountain roads and rural routes can occasionally have rougher surfaces or loose gravel. Plus, the behavior of Cretan driving may be aggressive, so if you want to travel care-free, zero deductible and deposit is the best option.

Heraklion is much more than Crete's main airport.
 

It is the gateway to some of the island's most spectacular archaeological sites, mountain landscapes, beaches and coastal towns. Without a car, many of these places become difficult to reach. By your own vehicle, they are all comfortably accessible in only a few hours.
 

Whether you want to visit Knossos just minutes after landing, drive to Elounda and Spinalonga, discover the Lasithi Plateau or spend the day on the beaches of southern Crete, renting a car gives you the freedom to experience the island properly.
 

Wherever your journey begins, Abbycar makes exploring Crete simple with three strategically located stations in the Heraklion area: Heraklion Airport, Heraklion Downtown and Gazi. Choose the pick-up point that best fits your itinerary and enjoy transparent pricing, a modern fleet and the freedom to discover Central and Eastern Crete on your own schedule.