Airports

Heraklion Airport car rental with no credit card and no deposit

Goldy is a local rental company based in Nea Alikarnassos, about 2 km from the Nikos Kazantzakis terminal. We meet you at arrivals with your car, you pay by debit card, and with Full cover there is no deposit at all.

Meet & greet at HER arrivals: no shuttle bus, no desk queue
No credit card on any cover – pay by debit card
€0 deposit with Full cover, zero excess with Premium on selected cars
Unlimited kilometres and 24/7 road assistance

Search cars at Heraklion Airport (HER)

How pick-up works at Heraklion Airport

Add your flight number when you book, so we plan the hand-over around your real landing time, delays included. We meet you as you come out of arrivals, check the car with you and you sign the agreement on the spot. The national road (VOAK) starts at the airport exit: the city centre is 5 km west, Hersonissos 25 minutes east.

Near Heraklion Airport

15 min
Heraklion old town and Venetian harbour
Koules fortress at the harbour mouth, the Morosini fountain on Lions Square and the Archaeological Museum with the finds from Knossos.
20 min
Palace of Knossos
Crete's best-known Minoan site, 10 km from the airport. Arrive at opening time in summer, before the tour coaches.
20 min
Cretaquarium, Gournes
One of the largest aquariums in the Mediterranean, on the coast east of the airport. An easy first-day stop with children.
20 min
Ammoudara beach
The long sandy beach on Heraklion's west side, handy for a last swim before an evening flight home.

Day trips from Heraklion Airport

1 h 10 min each way
Spinalonga by way of Elounda
Follow the VOAK east past Agios Nikolaos to the village of Plaka, then take the short boat across to the Venetian fortress island of Spinalonga.
1 h 15 min each way
Phaistos and the caves of Matala
Cross the island south through Agia Varvara to the Minoan palace of Phaistos, then on to the sandstone caves and sunset beach of Matala.
1 h 10 min each way
Rethymno old town
An easy run west along the coast to the Fortezza, the Venetian harbour and a maze of lanes full of tavernas.

Driving tips for Heraklion Airport

Use the hard shoulder like a localOn the VOAK, slower cars move onto the hard shoulder to let faster ones pass. Do the same when someone comes up behind you, but only when the shoulder is clear.
Allow time on your last dayIn summer the airport road and security queues get busy. Plan to hand the car back about two hours before your departure time.
Fill up before the mountainsPetrol stations are everywhere along the VOAK and in Heraklion, but village stations often close in the evening and on Sundays.
Avoid the city centre at rush hourHeraklion's centre is a web of one-way streets. To cross town, stay on the VOAK bypass instead of driving through the middle.

Google reviews

What our customers say

Real reviews from travellers who rented a car with us in Crete, as posted on Google.

5.033 Google reviews

“I recently rented a vehicle from Goldy Rent a car and had an outstanding experience. The pickup process was incredibly fast, and the staff was professional and welcoming. My car was brand new, smelled fresh, and ran perfectly throughout the entire trip. I appreciated that there were no hidden fees or high-pressure sales pitches at the counter. Drop-off was a breeze, and I will definitely choose this company again.”
Danella D.Review on Google
“Great experience! Manos was super helpful, very responsive, and friendly. The car was also brand new and we had no issues at all. The whole process, from booking the car to returning it, went extremely smoothly. Definitely recommend!”
Adema M.Review on Google
“Great company. They brought me a car to Chania bus terminal and i dropped it off in Heraklion. Easy to work with and communicate with during the rental period. I would definitely use them again.”
Lisa W.Review on Google
“We used their rental service and everything went really smooth. Fast service, plenty of options to choose from, they accommodated all of our needs even late pick due to flight delays. definitely made our stay in Crete so much better, 100% recommend.”
Ecaterina L.Review on Google
“Brilliant rental process very smooth and great service - was able to rent from Agios Niklaos and return airport. Would recommend.”
Julie S.Review on Google
“Exceptional service: From the beginning of the reservation until the return of the vehicle, we received courteous and professional treatment with great patience and consideration. The price was fair with no surprises. And special thanks to Manos.”
Ram O.Review on Google

Read all reviews on Google Write a review

Heraklion Airport: frequently asked questions

Do I need a credit card to rent a car at Heraklion Airport?

No. Goldy does not ask for a credit card on any cover. You book and pay with a debit card, and nothing is blocked on a card when you collect the car at arrivals.

Is there a deposit at Heraklion Airport?

Not with Full or Premium cover: the deposit is €0. With Basic cover a refundable deposit applies, and the amount is shown on each car before you book.

How far is your office from Heraklion Airport?

About 2 km. Our office is at Irodotou 96 in Nea Alikarnassos, west of the terminal. Most customers never see it, because we bring the car to the arrivals hall.

What happens if my flight to Heraklion is delayed?

Nothing changes on your side. Add your flight number when you book and message us on WhatsApp if your plans change; we hand over the car when you actually land.

Can I pick up at Heraklion Airport and return in Chania?

Yes. Tick “Return to a different location” in the search and choose Chania Airport or another point. The price you see already includes the one-way return.

Can I take the rental car on the ferry to Santorini?

Only with our written agreement, because the car is insured for Crete. Ask us before you book the ferry and we'll tell you what is possible for your dates.

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No credit card. No deposit.Pay by debit card and choose Full cover: nothing is blocked on any card.How it works

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