Car hire at Chania Airport
Chania’s attractions are scattered: Elafonisi is 75 km south-west, Balos is reached by a rough track or a boat from Kissamos, the Samaria gorge starts an hour up in the mountains and the south-coast villages are over the passes. The KTEL coaches reach the main ones once or twice a day; a car reaches all of them whenever you like. The airport is where most western Crete visitors collect one.
The desks are in the terminal and the cars are on lots on the plateau, a short walk or a minibus ride away. Cretan companies are numerous, competitive and used to being asked whether their cars may go on gravel; ask, because the answer decides your Balos plans.
Rental companies at Chania Airport
Desks are staffed for every summer arrival, including the late Scandinavian and British flights. In winter, with only a few flights a day, confirm the pick-up time with local firms.
- Avis / Budget
- Hertz
- Sixt
- Europcar
- Enterprise / Alamo / National
- Cretan companies (many), with desks or meet-and-greet at arrivals
Booking tips
- Ask whether gravel roads are allowed: the Balos track and some south-coast beaches are unpaved
- Full damage waiver is worth it on Crete’s mountain roads
- One-way rentals to Heraklion Airport are common if you fly out from the other end of the island
- Book weeks ahead for July and August; the Scandinavian holidays empty the automatic fleet
- Licences issued outside the EU/EEA need an international driving permit
Driving from the airport
Leaving the plateau, the road drops through Kounoupidiana to the Souda junction on the national road. Turn west for Chania, then along the coast for Agia Marina, Platanias and Kissamos; turn east for Georgioupoli, Rethymno and Heraklion. For Elafonisi and the south-west, go through Chania and follow signs for Kissamos, then Elafonisi; for Sougia, Paleochora and the Samaria gorge, take the mountain roads south from the Tavronitis or Chania junctions. Chania old town is closed to cars; use the car parks by the market or the new port and walk.
Frequently asked questions
Which car rental companies are at Chania Airport?
Avis, Budget, Hertz, Sixt, Europcar and Enterprise have desks in the terminal, alongside many Cretan companies. The cars are on lots on the plateau, a short walk or minibus ride from the doors.
Can I drive a hire car to Balos or Elafonisi?
Elafonisi, yes: the road is paved all the way. Balos is reached by a rough gravel track that most contracts exclude; ask the company, rent a 4x4 from one that allows it, or take the boat from Kissamos.
See also
Prices and timetables are indicative and change seasonally. Confirm before you travel.