Pick up your car at Heraklion Airport and explore Crete without deposit worries. Best price guaranteed with Speed Rent a Car.
Your gateway to exploring Crete starts here — at Heraklion International Airport
Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport (HER) — named after Crete's famous writer — is the island's main gateway, serving millions of travellers each year. Located just 5 km east of Heraklion city centre, this modern airport connects Crete with destinations across Europe and beyond. When you arrive at Nikos Kazantzakis, renting a car gives you immediate freedom to explore Crete's stunning beaches, ancient ruins, mountain villages, and vibrant cities at your own pace.
Speed Rent a Car acts as an intermediary platform connecting you with trusted local car hire companies operating at Heraklion Airport. We analyse hundreds of offers to bring you competitive rates, transparent terms, and options that suit different travel styles — including no deposit car rental for those who prefer flexibility. All rental agreements are concluded directly with the car hire company, and full payment terms are outlined in your booking voucher.
Find car hire at Nikos Kazantzakis Airport with no deposit required — book cash-friendly vehicles through Speed Rent a Car.
Plans change — cancel your booking free of charge up to 24 hours before pickup at the airport.
We compare rates from multiple local companies to ensure you get the best deal for your Crete car rental.
Collect your vehicle directly at Nikos Kazantzakis terminal — start your journey the moment you land.
Booking a car at Heraklion Airport is straightforward with Speed Rent a Car. Follow these simple steps to secure your vehicle before arrival.
Enter your arrival details at Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, browse available vehicles, and filter by features like no deposit or cash payment.
Choose your preferred car, review rental terms in the booking summary, and complete your online reservation. Advance payment is made securely by card on the Speed Rent a Car platform.
After landing at Nikos Kazantzakis, head to the car rental desk in the arrivals hall. Present your voucher, driving licence, and any documents requested — then collect your keys and drive off.
Before collecting your car at Heraklion Airport, ensure you have the necessary documentation. Requirements are standard across Greece but may vary slightly depending on the specific rental company and vehicle type.
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Driving Licence | Valid national driving licence (EU) or International Driving Permit (non-EU recommended). Minimum 1 year validity. |
| Passport or ID Card | Valid passport or EU national ID for identity verification. |
| Credit/Debit Card | Payment card for deposit (if applicable) or remaining balance. Some no deposit options accept cash — check your voucher. |
| Booking Voucher | Confirmation voucher from Speed Rent a Car (digital or printed). |
| Age Requirement | Minimum age 21+ (some vehicles 25+). Young driver surcharges may apply. |
Speed Rent a Car offers car hire options at Heraklion Airport with no deposit required. This means you can collect your vehicle without blocking a large sum on your credit card — ideal for travellers who prefer cash payments or have limited card credit.
How is this possible? The rental agreement is concluded directly with the local car hire company, which sets the deposit policy. Some companies offer no-deposit vehicles through specific insurance packages or operational agreements. Full terms — including payment methods and any applicable excess — are detailed in your booking voucher.
Key Point: "No deposit" does not mean "no liability". Standard excess and damage waivers still apply according to the rental company's terms. Always inspect the vehicle carefully at pickup and note any pre-existing damage in the rental agreement.
For travellers without a credit card, no deposit options provide flexibility when exploring Crete by car. Check the "No Deposit" filter on our search page to browse available vehicles at Nikos Kazantzakis Airport.
Once you collect your car at Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, you're ready to explore Crete. Here's what you need to know about driving on the island.
Crete's main coastal highway — the BOAK (North Road) — runs from Kissamos in the west to Sitia in the east, linking Heraklion, Chania, Rethymnon, and Agios Nikolaos. This well-maintained route is the fastest way to travel between major cities. However, many of Crete's most beautiful spots — such as Balos Lagoon, Samaria Gorge, or mountain villages like Anogia — require driving on winding, narrow roads. A compact car is fine for most destinations, but consider a 4x4 rental if you plan to explore remote areas or dirt tracks leading to secluded beaches.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport Code | HER (Heraklion International / Nikos Kazantzakis) |
| Distance to Heraklion Centre | 5 km (10 minutes by car) |
| Distance to Chania | 140 km (1h 40min via E75 highway) |
| Distance to Rethymnon | 80 km (1 hour via E75) |
| Distance to Agios Nikolaos | 65 km (50 minutes via E75) |
| Other Airports in Crete | Chania International Airport (CHQ) — 145 km west |
Heraklion Airport is the perfect starting point for a Crete road trip. With your rental car, you can reach iconic archaeological sites, pristine beaches, and charming villages across the island. Here are some must-visit destinations within easy driving distance.
Just 15 minutes south of the airport, Knossos is Europe's oldest city and the legendary home of the Minotaur. Explore the Minoan ruins and frescoes dating back 4,000 years.
Distance: 10 km | Drive time: 15 minutes
Crete's capital blends Venetian fortifications, Ottoman mosques, and modern Greek life. Visit the Archaeological Museum, walk the harbour promenade, and dine at traditional tavernas.
Distance: 5 km | Drive time: 10 minutes
Famous for its pink sand and turquoise lagoon, Elafonissi is one of Greece's most beautiful beaches. The drive crosses western Crete's dramatic mountain scenery.
Distance: 210 km | Drive time: 3 hours via Chania
Accessible via a scenic dirt road (or boat), Balos offers stunning views from the peninsula overlooking the lagoon. A 4x4 is recommended for the final 8 km of rough track.
Distance: 200 km | Drive time: 3h 30min (Chania + Gramvousa Peninsula)
Europe's longest gorge (16 km hiking trail). Drive to Omalos Plateau, hike down to Agia Roumeli on the coast, then return by boat and bus — or arrange a one-way car rental.
Distance: 145 km to trailhead | Drive time: 2h 30min via Chania
The lakeside town of Agios Nikolaos is a charming base to explore eastern Crete. Take a boat trip to Spinalonga Island, a former leper colony with Venetian fortress ruins.
Distance: 65 km | Drive time: 50 minutes
Famous for its caves carved into sandstone cliffs (once inhabited by 1960s hippies), Matala is a laid-back beach town with excellent tavernas and swimming.
Distance: 75 km | Drive time: 1h 10min via Festos
A perfectly preserved Venetian-Ottoman town with narrow alleys, Fortezza fortress, and a lively harbour. Great for a leisurely stroll and fresh seafood lunch.
Distance: 80 km | Drive time: 1 hour
Speed Rent a Car offers a wide range of vehicles to suit different travel needs and budgets. Whether you're travelling solo, with family, or planning an adventure across Crete's rugged terrain, you'll find the right car at Heraklion Airport.
Small, fuel-efficient cars ideal for city driving and short trips around Heraklion. Perfect for couples or solo travellers.
View Economy Cars →Higher ground clearance and off-road capability for exploring Crete's mountain roads, dirt tracks, and secluded beaches.
View 4x4 Rentals →Spacious vehicles for families or groups. Ample luggage space and comfortable seating for longer journeys across the island.
View Minivans →High-end models for travellers who want style and comfort. Perfect for special occasions or touring Crete in elegance.
View Luxury Cars →All vehicles come with standard insurance (CDW/TP). Optional extras — such as GPS, child seats, additional drivers, and full coverage — can be added during booking. Check your voucher for details on what's included and any additional charges.
"Picked up our car at Heraklion Airport with no issues. The no deposit option was perfect for us — we paid cash for the balance and drove off within 20 minutes. Great service!"
"Used Speed Rent a Car for our Crete holiday. Booking was simple, prices were competitive, and the car was clean and reliable. Highly recommend for anyone flying into Nikos Kazantzakis."
"We needed a 7-seater for our family trip. The booking process was smooth, and the minivan was spacious and comfortable. Exploring Crete by car was the best decision we made!"
Fuel in Crete is priced similarly to mainland Greece. Expect to pay around €1.70–€1.90 per litre for unleaded petrol (95 octane) and €1.60–€1.80 for diesel. Prices can be slightly higher at remote petrol stations or on smaller islands. Most rental cars are returned with a full tank — check your rental agreement for the fuel policy.
There are NO toll roads on Crete itself. However, if you drive from mainland Greece (via ferry or bridge), be aware that the Athens–Thessaloniki motorway (Egnatia Odos) and other major highways charge tolls. Payment is typically made at booths in cash or by card.
In Heraklion city centre, look for blue-zone parking (paid during working hours) or private lots. Many hotels offer free parking for guests. At popular beaches and archaeological sites (e.g., Knossos, Balos, Elafonissi), parking is usually free but can fill up quickly in summer — arrive early to secure a spot. Old town areas in Chania and Rethymnon have narrow streets; consider parking outside the centre and walking in.