# Car Rental in Crete

> A practical guide to car hire in Crete: whether you need a car, where to pick one up at the airport and port, what it costs and how driving on the island works.

| | |
|---|---|
| Airport | Heraklion (HER) and Chania (CHQ) |
| Need a car? | Yes |
| Drive on the | Right |
| Min age | 21 |

Hiring a car is the best way to get around on Crete. You can pick one up at Heraklion (HER) airport and in the main town, and the same core rules apply as everywhere in Greece: a full licence held for a year, a credit card in the driver's name and a minimum age of 21. This guide covers whether you need a car, where to collect it and what driving on Crete is like.

## Do you need a car in Crete?

**Yes, a car is the best way to see Crete.** Crete is Greece's largest island, and its beaches, gorges and villages spread across four regions that buses barely reach beyond the north coast. Buses link the main towns, but they run to their own timetable and skip the quiet corners.

The island itself is worth reading up on before you drive it. Our [Crete guide](https://fly2greece.net/crete.html) covers its beaches, villages and where to base yourself.

## Where to pick up a car in Crete

You can collect a car at Heraklion (HER) and Chania (CHQ) and at the Heraklion and Souda ports. On Crete, established local agencies such as Rental Center Crete, Crete-Car-Rental.com and CreteLocals.com handle airport and port pickups, often with local knowledge and cover the international chains do not match.

Whichever supplier you choose, check the excess and what the insurance covers before you pay, and photograph the car all round at pickup. Our [car hire requirements guide](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/greece-requirements.html) sets out the documents, deposit and insurance in full.

## Driving in Crete

Crete driving is on the right, like the rest of Greece, and the island roads are narrow and winding rather than fast. Main roads run smoothly along the north coast, while the roads south into the mountains and the Lasithi Plateau are slower and more scenic. A smaller car is the easier choice for tight village streets and steep gradients.

For the rules, road signs, fuel and parking that apply across the country, see our [driving in Greece guide](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/driving-in-greece.html).

Car hire on other islands

[Rhodes](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/rhodes.html) [Corfu](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/corfu.html) [Zakynthos](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/zakynthos.html) [Kefalonia](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/kefalonia.html) [Santorini](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/santorini.html) [Naxos](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/naxos.html) [Paros](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/paros.html) [Mykonos](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/mykonos.html) [Kos](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/kos.html)

## Frequently asked questions

**Do you need a car in Crete?**

Yes, a car is the best way to see Crete. Crete is Greece's largest island, and its beaches, gorges and villages spread across four regions that buses barely reach beyond the north coast.

**Where do you pick up a hire car in Crete?**

At Heraklion (HER) and Chania (CHQ) and the Heraklion and Souda ports, and often by hotel delivery. Book ahead in July and August.

**What do you need to hire a car in Crete?**

A full driving licence held for at least a year, a credit card in the main driver's name and a passport or ID. The minimum age is 21, with a surcharge for younger drivers.

**Which side of the road does Crete drive on?**

Greece, and so Crete, drives on the right.

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Source: [Car Rental in Crete: Airport Pickup, Driving and Where to Rent](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/crete.html) — fly2greece.net, an independent guide to Greece written and photographed by Hans Huisman since 2000.

Reviewed July 2026.