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Car Hire Heraklion International Airport (HER)
Heraklion Airport (HER)
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Address
International Airport, In Termainal, Bus to Car Park, Heraklion (Crete), 71601, GR
Phone
(30) 2810390373
Hours of operation
Sun-Sat
07:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Location Information
AFTER-HOURS RETURNS
Park & lock the car. Place the completed contract & the keys in the key drop box. Remember to take your personal belongings with you.
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Find your perfect hire car at Heraklion International Airport
From vibrant coastal towns, ancient sites and incredibly scenic beaches—with Heraklion International Airport as your starting point you can discover every inch of the Greek island of Crete at your leisure with an Avis hire car.
Crete is a cultural melting pot in southern Greece with influences from Europe, Africa and Asia evident today in its architecture and cuisine which is famously healthy, based on island produce of fresh vegetables, fish and olive oil.
The road network is easy to navigate by car along its 160-mile coastline, connecting white sandy beaches and peaceful fishing villages with the mountainous, rural interior.
Whether you are travelling to Crete for business or leisure, our friendly, efficient Avis team at Heraklion Airport is ready to provide the perfect rental car for your trip. Book direct with Avis and you’ll benefit from flexible booking with free cancellation, a fleet of quality rental vehicles and speedy collection to get you on the road plus we’ve a free loyalty programme with a host of travel benefits you’ll love.
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Where to find us
You’ll find our Avis counter at Heraklion Airport in the arrivals hall close to the exit to the terminal building. The Avis rental car park is easy to find and is just a short walk across the road from the terminal entrance.
About Heraklion International Airport
Heraklion International Airport (HER), or Nikos Kazantzakis Airport in honour of the famous Cretan-born author, is the second largest airport in Greece after Athens Airport. Heraklion International Airport welcomes around 8 million passengers a year and has a single terminal for both domestic and international flights including chartered flights from across Europe in peak summer months.
There are several flights a day connecting the island with the Greek capital. The airport began life as a military airstrip in the 1930s and is due for replacement in 2027 when a new international airport is scheduled to open at Kasteli south east of Heraklion.
The current airport is just 4km east of Heraklion town and centrally located with good access across the island.
Tips for driving in Crete
Hiring a car is an easy way to explore the island of Crete. We’d recommend using GPS to navigate the island’s road network. Links are excellent from the east to the west of the island but be aware that mountain roads and beach routes can be narrow and winding. As in mainland Europe, you’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road as you leave the airport. If you have not driven in this part of the world before, we’d advise checking the road rules for driving in Greece before you set off.
Crete car rental FAQs
To rent a car in Crete, Greece, you must be at least 21 years old (age may vary by car category) and you must have held your licence for at least 1 year.
Age restrictions also vary by vehicle and some selected car groups are not available to drivers under the age of 25.
There is currently no maximum age for hiring a rental car, so long as you have had a full, valid, licence for at least 1 year. Some additional steps may be required for those who are over the age of 75 on the date of the scheduled return. When you book, you’ll be told if there are any maximum age restrictions for the vehicle you request. If you’re not sure, please check your booking confirmation email – or call the reservations team.
To hire a car in Crete, you just need to bring your:
- Driving licence
- Credit card (if it's a high value vehicle two payment cards must be provided, one of which needs to be a credit card),
- Proof of any discount (such as a frequent flyer or Avis Preferred card),
- Photo ID for international rentals (such as a passport or driving licence)
One-way car rental with Avis makes it easy to go from A to B without driving full circle. That means you can collect your Avis hire car from Zakynthos Airport and then return it to another Avis office whether that’s in Greece or even another country in Europe. Many of our Avis locations offer a 24-hour drop-off facility, which makes a one-way car hire hassle-free and very user-friendly. Simply check out our many available one-way journeys and start planning your route. When you are ready to book, just specify your destination in the booking panel and we will arrange it for you.
The lovely island of Crete is well worth exploring but public transport is limited to buses so if don’t want to miss out on any of the island’s scenic attractions, hiring a car is highly recommended.
The Avis team at Heraklion International Airport are experts on the island and ready to advise you on the best places to go and help make your trip a smooth one from the moment you touch down.
Parking in towns around Crete can be tricky in the peak summer months and we recommend checking local parking apps for the best options in towns like Heraklion. Parking in beach areas tends to be centred around hotels and tavernas. Our top tip is to opt for designated roadside parking areas which open under the shade of the olive groves if you are visiting in the height of summer.
How to get from Heraklion Airport to Heraklion
From the Avis car park at Heraklion Airport, Heraklion town is just a 10min drive of less than a 5km via Ikarou Road.
Things to do in Heraklion
The port city of Heraklion (also known as Iraklion) is a booming metropolis with a long and compelling history. Evidence of its past invasions and colourful past under the control of the Byzantines, Moors, Venetians and Ottomans can still be seen today. Positioned on the north coast, it is the largest city on the island and offers much to see and do. A Bronze Age city built by the Minoan civilisation, the extensive Archaeological museum and Historical Museum are all good starting points for understanding its rich cultural past.
Heraklion also boasts a Venetian harbour which is guarded by the Koules fortress and was built to defend the city, much like the Venetian walls that surround the city. With its stunning ceiling frescoes, you should make time to see the Agios Minos Cathedral, one of the largest religious monuments in Greece. When you’re ready for a break in your explorations, take a dip in the sparkling blue sea at Amoudara Beach or head to the old town for a leisurely lunch.
Recommended day trips from Heraklion Airport
Heraklion Airport is conveniently located in central Crete making it an ideal starting point to explore this stunning island. To travel to any of the other major cities like Rethymnon and Chania to the west and Malia and Agios Nikolaos to the east you can bypass Heraklion by following signs for the National Road E75/EO90.
Samaria Gorge and Agios Nikolaos
After exploring Heraklion, hop into your rental car and discover road trips to take you beyond the city on a tour of Samaria Gorge (three hours west of Heraklion via Chania), or to the gorgeous town of Agio Nikolaos. The route between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos is particularly beautiful, and make sure you stop on the way at the charming city of Elounda, which boasts a lively scene and some of the island’s top beaches.
Southern Crete
The region south of Heraklion is also superb, offering an altogether different adventure, with rugged terrain speckled with vineyards, enchanting stone villages and beautiful bays. Drive 70km south of Heraklion airport and you’ll reach the ancient caves of Matala with tombs that date back to the Greek and Roman times.
Discover Avis car rental locations near Iraklion International Airport
Renter Requirements
- Optional Coverages
- Debit Card Policies
- Drivers License
- Public Liability and Property Damage
- Additional Fees
- Additional Information
- Age Requirements
- Collecting and Returning Your Vehicle
- Fuel Policy
- Payment Options
- Travel Into Other Countries
- Waiver and Protection Options
Collision Damage Waiver
(CDW)
In most cases, Damage Waiver is provided with the vehicle as standard. If it is included, it will be stated on your Rental Agreement Form (and in your booking confirmation).
Damage Waiver reduces the amount you pay for each clearly separate incident of damage if the vehicle is damaged (or the amount you pay to replace any keys, accessories or vehicle documents that are lost, stolen or damaged).
The amount you pay for each clearly separate incident of damage will be the lower of a) the applicable cost payable under the Theft, Loss, and Damages Policy; or b) the excess stated on your Rental Agreement Form.
Normally between EUR 12.50 to EUR 22.50 per day (if not included as standard) If you rent the vehicle for more than 14 days, you will only be charged for a maximum of 14 days and get cover for the duration of your rental, up to 30 days.
Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW)
An excess reduction product which reduces your damage waiver excess to zero
Normally between EUR 16.00 to EUR 65.00 per day charged for a max 14 days to cover rental up to 30 days.
Theft Protection (TP)
In most cases, Theft Protection is provided with the vehicle as standard. If it is included, it will be stated on your Rental Agreement Form (and in your booking confirmation).
Theft Protection waiver reduces the amount you pay if the vehicle is stolen during the rental period.
The amount you pay will be the lower of a) the applicable cost payable under the Theft, Loss, and Damages Policy; or b) the excess stated on your Rental Agreement Form.
Normally between EUR 4.50 to EUR 12.00 per day (if not included as standard) charged for a max 14 days to cover rental up to 30 days.
Super Theft Protection (STP)
An excess reduction product which reduces your theft protection excess to zero on cars.
Included in super collision damage waiver
Windscreen protection
This protection reduces the amount you pay to zero if the windscreen is damaged while you're renting the vehicle. Having windscreen protection also means you won't pay a Damage/Loss/Repair Processing Fee.
Included in super collision damage waiver
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
Covers the driver of the vehicle in the event of an accident. Personal Accident Insurance provides the following benefits:
A maximum of EUR 50,000.00 in the event of death and permanent total or partial disability
A maximum of EUR 2,000.00 towards emergency medical expenses related directly to the accident.
Normally EUR 2.50 per day (charged for a max 14 days to cover rental up to 30 days)
Super Personal Accident Insurance (SPAI)
Covers the driver of the vehicle in the event of an accident. Super Personal Accident Insurance provides the following benefits:
- A maximum of EUR 80,000.00 in the event of death
- A maximum of EUR 100,000.00 in the event of permanent total or partial disability
- A maximum of EUR 5,000.00 towards emergency medical expenses related directly to the accident
Normally EUR 3.50 per day (charged for a max 14 days to cover rental up to 30days)
Roadside Assistance Plus
What's covered?
Lockout Service: Budget will assist the driver gain entry when keys are locked inside the vehicle or when he has lost the keys.
Flat Battery: If the vehicle experiences battery failure, Budget will provide a jump start.
Tyre assistance: Replacement of a flat or damaged tyre with the spare, or get the car towed to the nearest service facility.
Damage caused while Budget car was on board ship.
What's not covered? **
Cost for replacement of the keys in case of loss.
Battery damage caused intentionally or by negligence.
Tyre damage caused intentionally, by negligence or by driving in non-permitted areas as of rental agreement's terms and conditions.
Fuel costs and refuelling service fee, in case of fuel delivery.
EUR 3.50 per day (charged for a max 14 days to cover rental up to 30 days)
Protection packages - Complete Protection includes Super Damage Waiver, Super Theft Protection, Windscreen Protection, Super Personal Accident Insurance and Roadside Assistance Plus
Normally between EUR 25.50 and EUR 74.50 per day charged for a max 14 days to cover rental up to 30 days.
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