Car rental at Heraklion Airport: deposit, insurance and traps
The cheapest Heraklion Airport car rental is rarely the cheapest by the end of the week. What decides the real cost is the deposit blocked on your card, the insurance excess, the fuel rule and the extras at the desk. Here is how to read an offer before you click.
The four numbers that matter at Heraklion Airport
| Item | Typical range | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | €300–1,500 | Blocked on a credit card in the driver’s name; released after return (can take 1–2 weeks). |
| Excess with basic CDW | €500–1,500 | What you pay after damage. Full cover (SCDW/FDW) brings it to €0. |
| Full cover at the desk | often €10–25 / day | Compare with buying full cover when booking; read the exclusions. |
| Fuel | full-to-full | Avoid “full-to-empty”: you pay for a full tank at the firm’s price. |
Ranges seen across suppliers at HER in 2026; your offer prevails.
Credit card or debit card?
Most international brands require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the deposit and refuse debit or prepaid cards. Many local Cretan companies are more flexible: they include full insurance, ask for a small or zero deposit and accept debit cards. That is why local firms are popular for Heraklion Airport rentals; check reviews and the exact terms before booking.
Insurance: what “full” really covers
“Full insurance” in Crete often still excludes tyres, glass, the underside of the car, keys, and damage on unpaved roads. The beach roads to Balos and some southern coves are dirt tracks, and many contracts forbid driving on them. If you plan to, read the clause or choose a firm that allows it. Take photos and video of the car at pick-up, including the wheels and windscreen, and again at return.
Common traps at the desk
- Out-of-hours fees for night arrivals: check if your flight lands outside office hours.
- Young-driver and senior-driver fees, usually under 23–25 or over 70–75.
- Second driver charged per day.
- Child seats at €3–7 per day: for a two-week trip, bringing your own can be cheaper.
- Upgrade pressure: a bigger car means more fuel and harder parking in villages.
Licence and age at Heraklion Airport
EU and UK licences are fine. Licences from outside the EU (US, Canada, Australia…) usually need an International Driving Permit in Greece. Minimum age is typically 21, with a year of driving experience. More on the road itself in driving in Crete, and the pick-up options at the airport on Heraklion Airport car rental.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the deposit for car rental at Heraklion Airport?
Usually €300–1,500 blocked on a credit card. Offers with full insurance included often have a low or zero deposit.
Can I rent a car at Heraklion Airport with a debit card?
With some local companies, yes, typically with their full insurance. Big international brands usually require a credit card.
Is full insurance worth it in Crete?
Often yes: narrow village streets and tight parking make scrapes common. Check the exclusions (tyres, glass, underside, dirt roads).
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Crete?
For non-EU, non-UK licences, generally yes, including US licences. Get it before travelling.
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