Car rentals at Chania Airport (CHQ)

How to Find Your Hire Car at Chania Airport

• Chania Airport is a single terminal building, which makes collecting your hire car straightforward and stress free. Most car hire desks are located directly inside the Arrivals Hall. After collecting your luggage from baggage claim, simply follow the car hire signs — the desks are positioned within easy walking distance of the exit and clearly signposted throughout the terminal. Some suppliers have their offices located just outside the terminal building. After exiting through the arrivals door, turn left and walk approximately 150 to 200 metres along the pavement — you will find several hire car offices lined up along this stretch, some of them next to the Shell fuel station. These are all within easy walking distance and no shuttle is required to reach them.
• For off-airport suppliers who operate a shuttle service, a representative will meet you at the arrivals exit and transfer you to their nearby office. The journey typically takes no more than five to ten minutes. Always confirm the exact meeting point from your booking voucher before you travel.

Pick-Up, Drop-Off, and Refueling

• Picking up your car at Chania Airport is available around the clock for most major suppliers. Some smaller local operators work within set hours — always check your booking confirmation in advance if you have an early morning or late night arrival.
• Off-Airport Car Hire Companies — Shuttle Pick-Up at Chania Airport Several quality local suppliers at Chania operate from offices a short distance from the terminal and provide a complimentary shuttle transfer to their premises. After landing, collect your luggage and exit through the main arrivals door. Your shuttle representative will either be waiting just outside the exit holding a sign with the company name or your name, or will be stationed near the minivan and transfer vehicle area directly in front of the terminal. The transfer to the off-airport office takes five to ten minutes and the shuttle is completely free of charge. Always check your booking voucher before travelling — the exact meeting point and contact number for your supplier will be clearly stated. If your flight is significantly delayed, a quick call to the supplier is always appreciated and ensures your vehicle is held for you.
• Returning your car is clearly signposted throughout the airport approach road. Follow the rental car return signs as you enter the airport complex. The dedicated return area is located close to the terminal building, making it quick and simple to hand back the vehicle before your departure. For out-of-hours returns, most suppliers provide a secure key drop facility — confirm the exact procedure with your supplier at the time of collection.
• Returning Your Hire Car Outside Opening Hours — Off-Airport Suppliers For off-airport suppliers at Chania, out-of-hours return procedures vary between companies. Some operate around the clock and will arrange a shuttle transfer back to the terminal at any hour. Others work within set hours and require advance arrangement for early morning or late night returns. The most important step is to confirm the return procedure directly with your supplier at collection — not the day before your flight. Ask specifically whether a shuttle back to the terminal is included for out-of-hours returns, and where exactly the vehicle should be left. As a practical rule, always allow an additional 30 minutes in your schedule for an off-airport return compared to an in-terminal one. A two-minute conversation at the desk when you collect the vehicle will give you complete clarity and eliminate any stress on departure day.
• Refuelling before return — the most convenient option at Chania Airport is the Shell fuel station located immediately outside the terminal building, approximately 150 metres from the arrivals exit. This is the closest and most practical place to fill up before returning your vehicle. A useful local tip: fuel stations in Greece are attendant-served rather than self-service. Simply tell the attendant your fuel type — unleaded is amoliwdi and diesel is petreleo — and they will take care of the rest. Also worth noting: fuel stations along rural roads tend to close after 7:00pm, so fill up before leaving any remote area rather than relying on finding a late-night station.

Top Car Hire Agencies at Chania Airport (CHQ)

Chania Airport is well served by both international and local hire companies, giving visitors a genuine range of choice at collection. International brands operating at CHQ include Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Enterprise, Sixt, Alamo, Thrifty, and National — all with desks inside or immediately outside the terminal building. These names offer standardised processes, wide vehicle fleets, and consistent service, with most operating on a 24-hour basis. Alongside the international brands, Chania Airport is also home to a number of well-regarded local operators including Surprise, Monza and Beepit. Several of these offer highly competitive rates combined with a more personal, locally knowledgeable service. Some operate from offices immediately outside the terminal, others a short shuttle ride away. At eCarBookers, whether you book with an international brand or a trusted local operator, every hire comes on our fully inclusive terms — comprehensive insurance already included, zero excess, and no upselling at the desk. The supplier may differ, the experience you are entitled to expect does not.

Getting from Chania Airport to Chania City Centre

Chania Airport is located approximately 14 kilometres east of Chania city centre, a drive of around 20 minutes under normal conditions. From the rental car exit, follow the National Road EO90 which connects the airport directly to the city. The road is well signposted and easy to navigate. For those continuing east towards Rethymno or Heraklion, the E65 highway provides direct access to the rest of the island.