Car rentals at Heraklion Airport (HER)

How to Find Your Hire Car at Heraklion Airport

Heraklion Airport has a single terminal building, making the collection process straightforward for arriving passengers.

• Arrivals Hall Most car hire desks are located inside the Arrivals Hall on the ground floor of the terminal. After collecting your luggage from baggage claim, follow the car hire signs — the desks are clearly positioned within the arrivals area and easy to locate without any need for a shuttle.
• Outside the terminal building Some suppliers have their offices and vehicle parks located just outside the terminal building. These are within easy walking distance — typically 50 to 80 metres from the arrivals exit. A free shuttle bus also operates between the terminal and the rental car park area for passengers with heavy luggage, running between 8:00am and 10:00pm.
• Off-airport suppliers For off-airport suppliers operating a shuttle service, a representative will meet you outside the arrivals exit. Some companies position their representative at a specific kiosk near the terminal entrance — your booking voucher will state the exact meeting point and contact number. The transfer to off-airport offices is typically no more than five minutes by shuttle.

Pick-Up, Drop-Off, and Refueling

• Picking up your car most major suppliers at Heraklion Airport operate between 7:00am and 10:00pm. Some local operators offer extended or 24-hour collection for pre-booked arrivals. Always check your booking confirmation if you have an early morning or late night flight.
• Returning your car follow the rental car return signs as you approach the airport. The dedicated car hire return area is located directly across from the terminal building, a short and easy walk from the departures entrance. For suppliers with off-site offices, return instructions will be clearly stated on your voucher — confirm the procedure at collection.
• Off-Airport Car Hire Companies — Shuttle Pick-Up at Heraklion Airport Several quality suppliers at HER operate from nearby offices and provide a complimentary shuttle transfer from the terminal. After collecting your luggage, exit the arrivals hall and look for your supplier's representative outside the terminal building. Some companies position their staff at a specific numbered kiosk near the arrivals exit — for example, Street Rent a Car positions their representative at kiosk 29. Others will be holding a sign with the company name or your name near the transfer vehicle area. If you cannot locate your representative, call the supplier number on your booking voucher immediately — staff are always nearby. The shuttle transfer to off-airport offices is typically no more than five minutes. Always allow a little extra time if you have an early connection or onward journey immediately after collection.
• Returning Your Hire Car Outside Opening Hours — Off-Airport SuppliersFor off-airport suppliers at Heraklion, out-of-hours return procedures vary. Some operate flexibly and can arrange a shuttle back to the terminal at any hour for pre-booked late or early returns. Others work within set hours. Always confirm the out-of-hours return procedure directly with your supplier at the time of collection — not the evening before your flight. Ask specifically whether a shuttle back to the terminal is included and exactly where the vehicle should be left. Allow at least 30 extra minutes in your schedule for an off-airport return, particularly during the busy summer season. A quick conversation at the desk when you collect the car eliminates all uncertainty on departure day.
• Refuelling before return the closest fuel station to Heraklion Airport is a BP station on Leoforos Ikarou, approximately 750 metres from the terminal — a drive of no more than two minutes. An EKO station on Karterou is equally close at under one kilometre. As you exit the car hire return area you will reach a roundabout — turn left and the fuel station is approximately 400 to 500 metres on your right. A practical reminder: fuel stations in Greece are attendant-served. State your fuel type clearly — unleaded is amoliwdi and diesel is petreleo. Most stations along rural roads close after 7:00pm so always fill up before leaving remote areas.

Top Car Hire Agencies at Heraklion Airport (HER)

Heraklion Airport is one of the busiest airports in Greece and is served by a wide range of both international and local car hire companies. International brands with desks in the terminal building include Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Enterprise, Sixt, Alamo, National, and Thrifty. Most operate between 7:00am and 10:00pm and offer a broad range of vehicles from economy city cars to family SUVs and minivans. Quality local and regional operators at HER include AbbyCar, Centauro, Drive S.A., Carwiz, Goldcar, Green Motion, and Surprice among others. Several of these operate from offices just outside the terminal or via a short shuttle transfer. Local suppliers often offer highly competitive rates combined with flexible, personal service — and many are open on Sundays and public holidays. At eCarBookers, every supplier on our platform — whether an international brand or a trusted local operator — is booked on our fully inclusive terms. Whichever company you choose, the promise is the same: comprehensive insurance included, zero excess, and no upselling at the desk.

Getting from Heraklion Airport to Heraklion City Centre

Heraklion city centre is located approximately 5 kilometres west of the airport — a drive of around 10 minutes under normal conditions. From the rental car exit, follow Leoforos Ikarou westbound along the coastal route into the city. The road is straightforward and well signposted. For travel east towards Agios Nikolaos or west towards Rethymno and Chania, exit the airport onto the Makariou road which leads directly to the E75 national highway running along Crete's northern coast.

Important note for visitors: a new international airport at Kasteli, located approximately 40 kilometres east of Heraklion, is currently under development and expected to eventually replace Heraklion Airport as the island's main hub. At time of writing, all international flights continue to operate from Heraklion Airport HER as normal.