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Car rental in Chania (Crete Island) - Search, Compare, and Save

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4.67/5

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Chania (Crete Island)

Chania (Crete Island)

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Chania (Crete Island)

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Chania (Crete Island)

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Chania (Crete Island)

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

39

per day

The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.

Why Rent a Car in Chania (Crete Island)?

Chania, on the captivating island of Crete, is a treasure trove of history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. While local buses and taxis are available, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom to explore this diverse region at your own pace.

Uncover Hidden Gems: Many of Crete's most stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and picturesque villages are tucked away, far from the main tourist routes. A rental car allows you to discover these hidden gems, creating unforgettable travel memories.

Embrace Flexibility and Spontaneity: With your own vehicle, you're not bound by bus schedules or tour itineraries. Stop at charming tavernas, explore secluded coves, or linger longer at breathtaking viewpoints – the choice is entirely yours.

Access Remote Beaches: Crete boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but many are difficult to reach without a car. From the iconic Balos Lagoon to the serene Elafonisi beach, a rental car unlocks these coastal paradises.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Chania (Crete Island)

Before renting a car in Chania, it's essential to understand the standard terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Area

Approximately 1,299 square kilometres

Population

Around 108,642 (2021)

Time Zone

Eastern European Time (EET), UTC+2

Ideal for

Island exploration and scenic drives

Rush Hours

Typically 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Rating

4.8/5

1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Chania is usually 21, though some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required, and if your license is not in English or Greek, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended.

3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) for peace of mind. A security deposit is typically required and held on your credit card.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMost rentals offer unlimited mileage, but it's always wise to confirm. Fuel policies vary, with 'full-to-full' being the most common, requiring you to return the car with a full tank.

5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, out-of-hours pickup or drop-off, and optional extras like GPS or child seats.

Car Rental Prices in Chania (Crete Island) – How Much Does It Cost?

Average economy car rental prices in Chania start from £20 / $25 / €23 per day, but costs vary depending on the season and car type.

Business:

from £40 / $50 / €46

Electric:

from £30 / $38 / €35

Classic:

from £15 / $19 / €17

Executive:

from £35 / $44 / €40

7 Seater:

from £45 / $57 / €52

Automatic:

from £25 / $31 / €29

SUV:

from £22 / $28 / €25

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (July to August): Experiences highest demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%

Low season (October to April): Offers significant discounts and better availability

Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.

How to Book a Car in Chania (Crete Island)?

Booking a car in Chania is straightforward with a few simple steps.

1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites like rentycars.com to find the best deals from various rental companies.

2. Choose the Right Car - Consider the size of your group and the type of terrain you'll be driving on when selecting a vehicle.

3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.

4. Book in Advance - Secure better rates and vehicle availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak season.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Present your driver's license, passport, and credit card at the rental counter to collect your vehicle.

General Information About Chania (Crete Island)

Chania is a captivating city on the northwest coast of Crete, Greece, offering a blend of Venetian charm, rich history, and stunning natural landscapes.

Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring Crete, giving you the freedom to discover its hidden gems at your own pace. While Chania itself is easily navigable, venturing beyond the city requires your own transportation. Be mindful of local traffic regulations and driving conditions.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Chania Old Town

    Wander through narrow streets, admire Venetian architecture, and soak up the atmosphere.

  • Samaria Gorge

    Hike through Europe's longest gorge, a challenging but rewarding experience.

  • Balos Lagoon

    Relax on the pristine sands and swim in the turquoise waters of this stunning lagoon.

Where to Find Parking

  • Municipal Parking

    Several parking lots are available around the city centre, often requiring payment.

  • On-Street Parking

    Limited on-street parking can be found, but be sure to check for parking restrictions.

  • Free Parking

    Some free parking areas exist outside the main tourist areas, requiring a short walk.

Gas Stations in Chania

  • Shell

    Widely available throughout Crete, offering various fuel types.

  • BP

    Another major fuel chain with stations in and around Chania.

  • EKO

    A local Greek fuel brand with a presence in the region.

Useful Tips for Visiting Chania

  • Drive on the Right

    Remember to drive on the right side of the road in Greece.

  • Watch for Motorbikes

    Be aware of motorbikes, which are common on Crete's roads.

  • Allow Extra Time

    Roads can be narrow and winding, so allow extra time for travel.

  • Learn Basic Greek Phrases

    Knowing a few basic Greek phrases can enhance your experience.

Key Transportation Hubs in Chania (Crete Island)

Airports

Chania International Airport (CHQ)

Also known as Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport, is the main air gateway to western Crete. It is located approximately 14 kilometres northeast of Chania city centre.

Bus Stations

Chania Central Bus Station

The main bus station in Chania, providing regular services to other cities and towns on Crete, including Rethymno, Heraklion, and smaller villages.

Ports

Port of Souda

Located about 6 kilometres east of Chania, Souda is the primary port for ferries arriving from mainland Greece, including Athens (Piraeus).

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Chania (Crete Island)?

Renting a car in Chania is relatively simple, but there are a few essential requirements to keep in mind.

  • Ensure your driver's license is valid and, if it's not in English or Greek, carry an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  • You'll need to present a valid passport or ID card for identification purposes.

  • A credit card in the main driver's name is required for the security deposit.

  • Be aware of the minimum age requirement, which is typically 21, and potential young driver surcharges.

Our Content Quality

This content was written

This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.

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Our Customer Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Chania (Crete Island) as

4.6

To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.

Pretty chill, tbh

MS

Mike Smith

Reviewed: 24.11.2024

Pretty relaxed vibe

SJ

Sarah Jones

Reviewed: 11.08.2025

Crete was amazing! Exploring with our rental car made it so easy.

EB

Emily Brown

Reviewed: 22.07.2025

Pretty laid-back, really

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 19.11.2024

Fantastic short trip! Exploring Chania by car was incredibly convenient; highly recommend.

BH

Benjamin Harris

Reviewed: 07.12.2024

Chania lived up to the hype! Having a car was a game-changer for exploring the island. The beaches were stunning, but the old town felt a bit touristy at times.

OW

Olivia Wilson

Reviewed: 07.04.2025

Such a gorgeous spontaneous weekend! Getting around with a car was effortless, allowing us to explore Chania's hidden gems.

JG

Jessica Garcia

Reviewed: 13.10.2024

Chania was breathtaking! So easy getting around.

AM

Ava Miller

Reviewed: 19.11.2024

Wonderful Chania getaway! Meeting friends there was so easy thanks to having a car. Exploring the charming town and stunning coastline was a breeze.

DL

David Lee

Reviewed: 08.07.2025

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