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. 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.
1. 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.
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.
2. 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.
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:
- 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.
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
3. Required Documents & Payment Information
- Required Documents
- 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.
4. Essential Driving Rules in 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.
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.
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.