Car rental in Heraklion
Heraklion is Crete's largest city and a practical base for day trips to Knossos, the Lasithi plateau, Elounda and Spinalonga, or Rethymno. The airport is about 5 km away (10 to 15 minutes, up to 30 in August), Knossos about 5.5 km (15 to 20 minutes), Hersonissos about 25 km and Malia about 34 km.
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Picking up your car in Heraklion
The local agency can usually deliver the car to your hotel or apartment in Heraklion; the exact meeting point is confirmed with the offer. You pay the agency at the handover, with no online prepayment through Crete Direct.
Choose a small car
The historic centre has one-way streets, narrow lanes and scarce parking. A compact car makes the city part of your stay much easier.
Park near the port
The port car parks cost around 3 to 4 euros per day and are a 5 to 10 minute walk from the centre. Yellow lines mean no parking; when in doubt, use an enclosed car park.
Heraklion car rental FAQ
Where can I park in Heraklion?
The port car parks charge around 3 to 4 euros per day, about 5 to 10 minutes on foot from the centre, and there are also covered car parks in the centre itself. Avoid yellow lines, which mean no parking, and prefer an enclosed car park if the street rules are unclear.
How long is the drive to Knossos?
Knossos is about 5.5 km from the centre, usually 15 to 20 minutes by car.
How far is Rethymno from Heraklion?
About 78 to 80 km by the national road, usually 1 hour to 1 hour 30. It is a national road rather than a continental-style motorway: local drivers often ride the hard shoulder to let others overtake, and the shoulder can end abruptly.