Car rental in Crete: prices, insurance and driving tips (2026)
What a car costs in Crete each season, which insurance to take, what Israelis need and how to drive the island's roads.
- Small car: about €20–35 a day in winter, €55–90 in July–August.
- You need a credit card for the deposit; an IDP is strongly recommended.
- Mountain and southern roads are slow: allow 30–40% more time.
If you fly to Crete in summer, book a car weeks ahead, take zero-excess insurance and get an International Driving Permit before you fly.
Do you need a car in Crete?
In most cases, yes. Crete is Greece's largest island, about 260 km from east to west, and the best beaches (Balos, Elafonisi, Preveli) and mountain villages are far from the towns. There are buses between the main towns, but a car saves a lot of time, especially with children.
What you need to rent a car in Crete
- Driving licence: a valid Israeli licence, and strongly recommended, an International Driving Permit. Under the rules, non-EU drivers need an IDP, even though some agencies don't check. Details in Israeli driving licence in Greece.
- Age: usually from 21. Some categories from 25, and drivers under 25 usually pay €5–10 a day extra.
- A credit card in the driver's name for a €300–800 deposit. Most agencies don't accept debit cards.
How much does car rental in Crete cost?
According to a 2026 local guide, for a small car:
| Season | Approximate price per day |
|---|---|
| November–April | €20–35 |
| May–June, October | €30–55 |
| July–August | €55–90 |
For July and August, book at least 3 weeks ahead, ideally 6 to 8 weeks. Local agencies in Heraklion, Chania and Rethymno are often 20–30% cheaper than international chains.
Which insurance?
- Basic CDW is usually included, but with a €500–1,500 excess.
- Zero-excess full cover usually costs €8–15 a day extra.
- Tyres, windscreen and underbody are usually not covered by standard insurance, which matters in Crete because of dirt roads to beaches. Also check what your credit card or travel insurance covers.
- Ferries: rental contracts don't allow taking the car on a ferry to another island, and doing so may void your insurance.
Pick up at Heraklion or Chania airport?
If you land in Heraklion (east and centre) or Chania (west), pick up there. You can drop off at the other airport for a fee, which saves driving back if you tour end to end. Flights from Israel to both airports in flights to Crete from Tel Aviv.
Driving in Crete: what to know
- Drive on the right. Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 90 on rural roads, 110 on the main north-coast road (VOAK).
- The north road is good, and Crete has no toll roads. Mountain and south-coast roads are narrow and winding: allow 30–40% more time than the map says.
- Fuel: between Sfakia and Ierapetra there are long stretches with no petrol station. Fill up before leaving the towns.
- Parking: the old centres of Heraklion and Chania are largely closed to traffic. Paid parking is €1–2 an hour, fines €40–80.
- Alcohol: the limit is 0.05%, and 0.02% for new drivers. Holding a phone while driving is illegal.
- Summer: set off before 9:00 to reach beaches before the crowds and the heat.
FAQ
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Crete? Under the rules, non-EU drivers need an IDP together with their national licence. Some agencies don't check, but it matters in an accident or a police check.
How much is a rental car per day in Crete? About €20–35 in winter and €55–90 in July–August for a small car (2026).
Can I rent a car in Crete with a debit card? At most agencies, no. You need a credit card in the driver's name for the deposit.
Can I take the rental car on a ferry to Santorini? Usually not. Contracts forbid it, and it may void your insurance.
More in our Crete guide and on the Crete destination page.
