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Car rental in Rethymno - Search, Compare, and Save

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Rethymno (Crete Island)

Rethymno (Crete Island)

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Rethymno (Crete Island)

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Rethymno (Crete Island)

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Rethymno (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 Rethymno (Crete Island)?

Rethymno, a charming city on Crete's northern coast, offers a blend of historical sights and natural beauty. While local buses are available, a rental car provides the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. Discover hidden beaches, ancient ruins, and traditional villages with ease.

Explore Crete's Diverse Landscapes. From the Samaria Gorge to the beaches of Elafonisi, a car allows you to reach Crete's most stunning locations.

Visit Historical Sites. Drive to Knossos, Phaistos, and other archaeological wonders without being restricted by tour schedules.

Discover Hidden Beaches. Crete's coastline is dotted with secluded coves only accessible by car. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day away from the crowds.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Rethymno (Crete Island)

Before renting a car in Rethymno, familiarise yourself with the local regulations. Ensure you meet the age requirements, have the necessary documentation, and understand the insurance and fuel policies.

Area

Approximately 12.5 square kilometres (4.8 square miles)

Population

Approximately 32,000 residents

Time Zone

EET (Eastern European Time)

Ideal for

Island exploration

Rush Hours

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

Rating

4.5/5

1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required. EU citizens can use their national license. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their national license.

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

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyUnlimited mileage is often offered, but confirm before booking. Fuel policies vary; 'full-to-full' is common, requiring you to return the car with a full tank.

5. Additional FeesExtra charges can apply for additional drivers, child seats, GPS, or out-of-hours pick-up/drop-off.

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

The average daily rate for an economy-class car rental in Rethymno is from £20 / $25 / €24 per day.

Business:

from £45 / $57 / €54 per day

Electric:

from £30 / $38 / €36 per day

Classic:

from £18 / $23 / €22 per day

Executive:

from £40 / $50 / €48 per day

7 Seater:

from £55 / $69 / €66 per day

Automatic:

from £32 / $40 / €38 per day

SUV:

from £25 / $32 / €30 per day

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (July to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to high demand.

Low season (November to March): Often offers discounts of up to 40% as demand decreases.

Prices vary significantly depending on the time of year. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season.

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

Booking a car in Rethymno is simple if you follow these steps.

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

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.

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

4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure availability by booking well in advance, especially during the summer months.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, passport, credit card, and booking confirmation when collecting your vehicle.

General Information About Rethymno (Crete Island)

Rethymno is a captivating city with a rich history and stunning landscapes. Understanding local traffic rules and parking regulations can enhance your driving experience.

Rethymno is located on the northern coast of Crete, Greece. Known for its Venetian harbour and fortress, it offers a unique blend of cultures. Driving around Rethymno allows you to explore the surrounding areas, including traditional villages and beautiful beaches. Be mindful of local driving habits and road conditions.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Fortezza of Rethymno

    A Venetian fortress offering panoramic views of the city and coastline.

  • Old Town of Rethymno

    A maze of narrow streets with traditional houses, shops, and tavernas.

  • Preveli Beach

    Famous for its palm tree forest and crystal-clear waters.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Available in and around the city centre, offering secure parking options.

  • On-Street Parking

    Metered parking is available but can be limited, especially during peak season.

  • Parking Lots

    Several unguarded parking lots are located near the beaches and tourist attractions.

Gas Stations in Rethymno

  • BP

    Located on the main roads entering and exiting Rethymno.

  • Shell

    Several stations are available throughout the region.

  • EKO

    Another common fuel brand in Crete.

Useful Tips for Visiting Rethymno

  • Drive on the Right

    In Greece, drive on the right side of the road.

  • Watch for Scooters

    Be aware of scooters and motorbikes, especially in urban areas.

  • Plan for Traffic Delays

    Traffic can be heavy during peak season, so allow extra travel time.

  • Use a GPS

    A GPS navigation system can be helpful for navigating the island's roads.

Key Transportation Hubs in Rethymno (Crete Island)

Major Bus Stations

Rethymno Bus Station

The main bus station offers frequent services to other cities and towns in Crete.

Airports

Chania International Airport (CHQ)

Located approximately 68 kilometres (42 miles) from Rethymno.

Heraklion International Airport (HER)

Located approximately 80 kilometres (50 miles) from Rethymno.

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

To rent a car in Rethymno, you need to meet specific requirements.

  • A valid driver's license is required. EU citizens can use their national license. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  • Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some charge extra fees for drivers under 25.

  • A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is needed for the security deposit.

  • A passport or other form of identification may be required.

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 Rethymno (Crete Island) as

4.9

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, really.

MS

Mike Smith

Reviewed: 25.09.2024

Rethymno was amazing! Exploring Crete by car with friends was so easy and fun. Highly recommend!

SJ

Sarah Jones

Reviewed: 15.12.2024

Crete was breathtaking! Having a car made exploring Rethymno and beyond so effortless. The charming town, stunning beaches, and delicious food made it unforgettable.

EB

Emily Brown

Reviewed: 05.01.2025

First Crete trip, loved exploring Rethymno by car!

JG

Jessica Garcia

Reviewed: 12.11.2024

Summer in Rethymno was idyllic! Cruising around Crete in our rental car was so convenient and fun.

DL

David Lee

Reviewed: 13.05.2025

Crete was a dream! Exploring Rethymno and its surroundings by car felt wonderfully liberating.

AD

Ava Davis

Reviewed: 09.02.2025

Wonderful weekend in Rethymno! Exploring Crete by car was so freeing and convenient. Highly recommend!

OP

Oliver Peterson

Reviewed: 17.06.2025

Pretty relaxed, really.

CM

Chloe Miller

Reviewed: 18.06.2025

Pretty laid-back vibe.

KW

Kevin Wilson

Reviewed: 18.02.2025

Rethymno was a fantastic family getaway! Having a car made exploring the island so much easier, allowing us to visit charming villages and beaches at our own pace. Highly recommend!

AH

Amelia Hernandez

Reviewed: 23.04.2025

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