Heraklion City Car Hire

Heraklion Harbor is a natural starting point for car rental with 17 companies in the area, perfect if you're arriving by ferry from Athens or other Greek islands. The harbor is in the heart of the city, 5 km west of the airport and right next to the Venetian Koules Fortress. Rent a car here and continue your journey without detours.

From the harbor it's just 500 meters to Heraklion's old town and the Morosini Fountain. Knossos Palace is reached in 15 minutes (6 km south) and the highway toward Rethymno and Chania is easily accessible via the harbor's western exit. Ferry lines from Piraeus arrive daily, often early in the morning.

Rental offices are located along the quay and on 25th August Street, about 200–400 meters from the ferry terminal. Book a car in advance if you're arriving by overnight ferry – offices typically open at 8:00 AM. Always have your driver's license and a credit card with sufficient credit limit for the deposit.

Can I rent a car directly when the ferry docks in Heraklion? Yes, several rental companies have offices near the harbor along 25th August Street, but they open no earlier than 8:00 AM so overnight arrivals may require waiting. How long does the ferry from Athens to Heraklion take?

The ferry from Piraeus takes about 8–9 hours and typically arrives early in the morning. Is it easy to park at the harbor when picking up the car? There is short-term parking along the quay, but during high season it's crowded – plan on walking 200–300 meters from the parking to the rental office.

We compare prices from all major providers at Heraklion Port so you can see the total cost upfront — including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.