First Time Renting a Car in Heraklion? Essential Tips Before You Book
Heraklion airport gets busy fast, especially between June and September. If this is your first car rental in Crete, a few small mistakes can cost you time and money. Here is what actually matters before you click “book”.
What You Need Before Pickup
- A valid driving licence, held for at least one year
- A passport or EU ID card
- A payment card in the driver’s name (not always a credit card, see below)
- Proof of your booking, printed or on your phone
Some companies also ask for an International Driving Permit if your licence is not in Latin script. Check this before you fly, not at the counter. Age limits matter too, most desks want drivers over 21, and some add a young driver fee under 25.
Deposit and Credit Card: The Real Sticking Point
Most rental desks in Heraklion hold a deposit on your credit card, often between 300 and 800 euros. This is the part that surprises first time renters the most. If you only have a debit card, some companies will simply refuse you the car.
This is where it pays to compare options rather than book the first result you see. RosCar lets you filter for cars with no deposit and no credit card required, which is useful if you are travelling on a debit card or just prefer to avoid a large hold on your funds.
Comparing Your Options
| Rental type | Deposit | Card required | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large international brand | High, usually held on card | Credit card only | Travellers with a credit card and no card limits |
| Small local company | Varies, sometimes cash | Often flexible | Budget trips, short rentals |
| No deposit option | None or reduced | Debit card accepted | Debit card holders, first time renters |
Insurance: Don’t Skip This Part
Basic insurance is usually included, but it often comes with a high excess. If you scratch the car, you could still owe several hundred euros. Full coverage removes that excess, or lowers it significantly. It costs more per day but it protects you from a bad surprise at drop off.
Ask what the excess is before you sign anything. A cheap daily rate with a huge excess is not actually cheap. Read the fine print on tyres, windscreen and undercarriage damage too, these are often excluded from basic cover.
Driving Around Heraklion
- The old town has narrow one way streets, park outside and walk in
- Fuel is usually cheaper away from the airport and the port
- Mountain roads can be steep with sharp turns, drive slowly on unfamiliar routes
- Parking near the port and Lions Square fills up quickly in high season
Common First Time Mistakes
- Booking the cheapest price without checking the excess amount
- Assuming a debit card will be accepted everywhere
- Not photographing the car before driving off
- Returning the car with less fuel than agreed
- Ignoring the pickup location, some “airport” offices are a shuttle ride away
Renting a car in Heraklion for the first time is straightforward once you know what to check. Compare a few offers, confirm the deposit rules, and read the insurance terms properly. A quick comparison on RosCar can save you from picking an option that looks cheap but isn’t.