The complete guide to car hire at Heraklion airport

Every year, thousands of visitors from all around the world arrive at Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” to discover one of the Mediterranean’s most captivating islands. For many travellers, car hire at Heraklion Airport is the ideal way to start their holiday immediately upon arrival and explore Crete at their own pace. Crete is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, its breathtaking pink and red-sand beaches, its world-famous culinary heritage, and its rich historical legacy shaped by ancient civilizations. Above all, the island is celebrated for its authentic hospitality, deeply rooted in Greek culture and tradition.

Hiring a car is undoubtedly the most convenient and rewarding way to explore Crete safely, comfortably, and independently, allowing you to immerse yourself in the island’s unique landscapes, hidden gems, and local lifestyle.

Choosing car hire at Heraklion Airport by Intercars car rental allows visitors to avoid unnecessary transfers, save valuable holiday time, and enjoy direct access to all regions of Crete from the moment they land.

Why Local Knowledge Matters When Choosing Car Hire at Heraklion Airport

Renting a vehicle is not simply about collecting a car and driving away. Crete is Greece’s largest island and features a diverse road network that ranges from modern highways to narrow mountain roads and remote coastal routes.

As a family-owned Cretan business operating since 1985, Intercars has developed extensive local knowledge that goes far beyond the rental process itself. Our team assists visitors every day with route planning, road condition updates, parking advice, and recommendations tailored to their travel style.

Whether you are planning to visit popular destinations such as Elafonissi, Balos Lagoon, Knossos Palace, or lesser-known villages in Southern Crete, our local expertise helps ensure a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.

Many of our customers choose Intercars car rental specifically because they value direct communication with local professionals who understand the island and can provide practical advice throughout their stay.

Vehicle Collection & Return Procedure

Meeting Point | Meet & Greet Service

Upon landing at Heraklion Airport and after collecting your luggage, please proceed to the airport exit and head towards Desk 29.

One of our professional representatives will be waiting for you there, holding a discreet “Intercars” sign, ready to escort you to the vehicle collection area.

Vehicle Collection Location

Our vehicles are parked directly opposite the terminal building, approximately a 4-minute walk away, within a privately operated parking facility.

This convenient location makes car hire at Heraklion Airport quick and efficient, enabling customers to collect their vehicle within minutes of leaving the arrivals area.

At the entrance, you will find clear signage indicating the “Rental Car Area”, which remains accessible 24 hours a day.

A member of our team will warmly welcome you, complete the rental agreement electronically, and hand over your vehicle so you can begin your unforgettable journey across Crete.

Vehicle Return

Vehicles must be returned to the same parking area where collection originally took place.

Customers who have selected the Full Coverage Insurance Package benefit from access to a specially designed key-drop box for out-of-hours returns.

For customers without full coverage, an Intercars representative will be present during out-of-hours returns in order to inspect the vehicle according to the vehicle condition report completed on the first day of rental.

Rental Rates & Insurance Packages

Pricing Policy

All prices displayed on our online booking platform are calculated on a daily basis and may vary depending on rental duration and seasonal demand.

We strive to offer some of the most competitive car hire at Heraklion Airport rates throughout the year, with flexible options for every travel budget.

For example:

May 2026: economy vehicles start from €27–€29 per day

July / August 2026: rates begin from approximately €31–€34 per day

All retail prices include applicable taxes and are accompanied by an official service receipt.

If a customer requests an invoice issued under company details, an additional 24% VAT will apply in accordance with Greek tax legislation.

Early Booking Advantage

Completing your reservation at least two weeks in advance significantly increases the likelihood of securing the most competitive rates across all vehicle categories.

During selected periods, discounts may reach up to 35% on SUVs and mid-size vehicle groups.

Advance booking is strongly recommended.

Last-Minute Reservations

Last-minute reservations can easily be completed directly through our online booking system.

For immediate assistance, our customer support team is available 24/7 at:

+30 694 226 2655

Available via:

WhatsApp
Viber
Signal
Telegram

Insurance Packages

We offer two carefully designed insurance packages, allowing you to choose the level of protection that best suits your personal travel requirements.

Every car hire at Heraklion Airport booking includes clear insurance options designed to provide transparency and peace of mind during your stay in Crete.

Mega Insurance | Full Protection Package

The Mega Insurance package offers:

Full coverage with zero excess liability
No credit card requirement
Maximum peace of mind throughout your stay
Premium benefits and enhanced customer privileges

This package is specifically designed for travelers who wish to enjoy a completely stress-free rental experience.

Relax Insurance | Standard Coverage Package

The Relax Insurance package includes:
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
A €500 excess liability in case of collision or vehicle damage

Flexible payment of the excess either by credit card or cash

For more information read the Intercars car rental FAQs page

Fleet Maintenance & Safety Standards

Vehicle safety is one of the most important factors when selecting car hire at Heraklion Airport.

Every vehicle in the Intercars fleet undergoes regular inspections and preventative maintenance according to manufacturer specifications and Greek road safety regulations.

Before each rental, our team performs a detailed vehicle preparation process that includes tyre condition checks, brake inspections, fluid level verification, air-conditioning functionality testing, and interior sanitisation.

Our objective is not only to provide reliable transportation but also to ensure that every customer can travel across Crete with confidence, knowing that their vehicle has been prepared according to high operational standards.

Required Documents & Payment Information

To ensure a smooth car hire at Heraklion Airport experience, customers should verify that all required documents are available before arrival.

Customers are required to present:

A valid driving licence
Passport or national ID card
Visitors from countries outside the European Union must also provide an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Exceptions apply for:

United Kingdom
Serbia

Payment Methods & Security Deposit

Regardless of the insurance package selected, our company does not require a mandatory credit card guarantee deposit.

Intercars proudly offers car rental services without compulsory credit card usage.

Accepted payment methods include:

Cash payments (upon prior arrangement)
Credit cards
Debit cards
Bank transfer
PayPal

Customers may:

pay a 5% deposit via PayPal,
pay a 10% deposit directly through the online booking platform,

or settle the remaining balance either upon arrival or electronically before vehicle collection.

Essential Driving Rules in Crete

Understanding local traffic regulations is an important part of enjoying a safe car hire at Heraklion Airport experience while travelling across Crete.

Driving Side

In Greece, vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road.

Speed Limits

30 km/h in residential areas
50 km/h on provincial roads
70–110 km/h on the Northern Road Axis of Crete (BOAK)

Important Road Regulations & Local Driving Tips

Emergency Lane Usage

Driving within the emergency lane is strictly prohibited.

The emergency lane is reserved exclusively for emergency response vehicles such as:

ambulances,
fire brigade vehicles,
police vehicles.

The only exception applies in the event of a vehicle breakdown.

In such circumstances, drivers must:

activate hazard warning lights,
place a warning triangle:
at least 100 metres away on highways,
50 metres away on rural roads,
20 metres away within urban areas.

If the vehicle has stopped after a curve, the warning triangle should be positioned before the bend in order to provide sufficient visibility to approaching drivers.

Roundabouts

Where STOP signs or yield signs are present, priority is given to vehicles already circulating within the roundabout.
In the absence of road signage, the standard “priority from the right” rule applies.

Alcohol Regulations

The legal blood alcohol limit in Greece is 0.05%, while stricter regulations apply to inexperienced and newly licensed drivers.

Top Destinations to Visit After Collecting Your Car at Heraklion Airport

One of the greatest advantages of choosing car hire at Heraklion Airport is the freedom to discover every corner of Crete.

Popular destinations include:

- Knossos Palace (For more, read our article about Knossos Palace)
- Elafonissi Beach (For more, read our article about Elafonissi)
- Balos Lagoon (For more, read our article about Balos)
- Matala
- Agios Nikolaos (For more, read our article about Agios Nikolaos)
- Elounda
- Spinalonga Island
- Rethymno Old Town (For more, read our article about Rethymno)

Many of these locations are difficult to access comfortably by public transportation, making a rental car the preferred option for visitors wishing to maximize their time on the island.

Why Choose Intercars Car Rental?

Outstanding Customer Reputation

Intercars maintains excellent ratings across platforms such as Google Maps thanks to its professionalism, transparency, and consistently high-quality customer service.

Transparent Pricing Policy

There are absolutely no hidden charges beyond the agreed rental price.

Our customers frequently highlight:

transparent rental terms,
honest pricing,
and the absence of unexpected additional fees.

Hassle-Free Booking Experience | Win-Win Philosophy

We proudly offer:

car hire without mandatory credit card usage,
no compulsory security deposit,
free cancellation up to 7 days before collection,
no additional charges for delayed flights.

Modern & Well-Maintained Fleet

All our vehicles are:

meticulously maintained,
regularly inspected by certified automotive technicians,
prepared according to high standards of safety, cleanliness, and reliability.

We provide a wide selection of vehicle categories tailored to every budget and travel requirement.

Personalized Customer Service

Intercars is a family-owned business with extensive experience dating back to 1985.

Our guests particularly appreciate:

the friendliness of our staff,
the valuable local travel recommendations,
the personalized assistance and immediate customer support.

Real Customer Experience

Over the years, Intercars has welcomed thousands of visitors from Europe, North America, Australia, and Asia.

Many of our customers return to Crete and choose our services repeatedly because they appreciate transparent pricing, personal service, and the convenience of collecting a vehicle immediately after arriving at Heraklion Airport.

Customer feedback consistently highlights:

- straightforward rental conditions,
- responsive customer support,
- efficient vehicle delivery procedures,
- and the flexibility offered by our no-credit-card-required rental options.

These long-term customer relationships have contributed significantly to our reputation as a trusted local provider of car hire at Heraklion Airport.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Hire at Heraklion Airport

Do I need a credit card for car hire at Heraklion Airport?

No. Intercars offers rental options without mandatory credit card requirements.

Can I collect my rental car late at night?

Yes. Vehicle collection is available 24 hours a day through our meet-and-greet service.

Is driving in Crete difficult for tourists?

Most visitors find driving in Crete straightforward. However, drivers should pay particular attention when travelling on mountain roads and rural routes.

Which insurance package should I choose?

Travellers seeking maximum peace of mind generally prefer Mega Insurance, while Relax Insurance is suitable for customers comfortable with a €500 excess.

Can I return my vehicle outside office hours?

Yes. Out-of-hours returns are available according to the insurance package selected.

Car Hire at Heraklion Airport – Start Your Crete Adventure with Confidence

Whether you are visiting Crete for a relaxing beach holiday, a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a business trip, choosing car hire at Heraklion Airport gives you the freedom to discover the island on your own schedule.

With transparent pricing, flexible insurance packages, no mandatory credit card requirements, and professional customer support available throughout your stay, Intercars makes car hire at Heraklion Airport simple, safe, and stress-free.

Book by Intercars car rental early to secure the best rates and begin exploring Crete from the moment you arrive.

Our mission is to ensure a seamless, safe, and memorable car rental experience while helping you discover the authentic beauty of Crete with total freedom and confidence.