Independent guide. Not the official website of Heraklion Airport.

Car rental · easy drive

Automatic car rental at Heraklion Airport: easy driving in Crete

Manual cars are the norm in Greece, so automatics at Heraklion Airport are fewer, cost more and sell out first in summer. If you rarely drive a manual, it is worth it: Crete’s hill starts, hairpins and village traffic are much easier with two pedals.

  • Easier on hills and hairpinsNo clutch
  • Typical extra over manual+20–40%
  • Smaller fleets, sell out in summerBook early
  • No special permit neededNormal licence

Book an automatic car at Heraklion Airport

Search “Heraklion Airport” and your dates, then filter on automatic transmission.

Why automatic

Why an automatic makes Crete easier

  • Mountain roads

    Hill starts in villages and long climbs to the Lasithi plateau or the south coast need no clutch work.

    • Hills
    • Hairpins

  • Town traffic

    Stop-start traffic in Heraklion and on the national road near the airport is far less tiring.

    • City
    • Less fatigue

  • Shared driving

    Easier to share between drivers used to different cars; useful on longer trips.

    • Two drivers

Booking an automatic at Heraklion Airport

  1. 1

    Book early

    In July and August, book automatics months ahead.

  2. 2

    Confirm “guaranteed”

    Some offers say “or similar”; make sure the transmission is guaranteed.

  3. 3

    Take full cover

    Narrow streets and tight parking: a zero excess gives peace of mind.

  4. 4

    Plan the first drive

    Land by day if you can, and drive the national road before the old towns.

Automatic car rental at the airport: what changes

ManualAutomatic
AvailabilityPlentifulLimited; sells out in summer
PriceBase rateTypically 20–40% more
Car sizesAll categoriesFewer minis; more compacts, SUVs and premium cars
LicenceStandardStandard (an automatic-only licence is fine)

Easy driving tips for a first time in Crete

  • Start on the national road. From the airport, the EO90 is straightforward; leave the old towns for later.
  • The hard-shoulder habit. On two-lane stretches, slower cars move half onto the shoulder to let others pass; you can do the same.
  • Add 30% to journey times on mountain roads, and avoid driving them for the first time after dark.
  • Park outside old towns in paid car parks; blue lines mean paid parking, yellow mean no parking.

More in driving in Crete and the main car rental at Heraklion Airport page. If you land at night, consider a transfer and collect the car the next morning.

Sources and official links

Automatic car rental at the airport: questions

Are automatic cars available at Heraklion Airport?

Yes, but fewer than manuals. Book early, especially for July and August, and make sure the transmission is guaranteed.

How much more is an automatic car in Crete?

Typically 20–40% more than the same size manual, depending on season and supplier.

Is it hard to drive in Crete?

Not on the main roads. An automatic makes mountain roads and town traffic noticeably easier.

Do I need a special licence for an automatic car in Greece?

No. Any valid licence works; non-EU licences usually need an International Driving Permit as well.

Rather not drive after the flight?

Take a fixed-price transfer tonight, pick up the car tomorrow.

Book a transferCar rental at Heraklion Airport