Ports
Car rental at Heraklion Port with no credit card
Arriving by ferry from Piraeus, Santorini or the Cyclades? We meet you at the port with your car, a short walk from Koules fortress and the old town. Pay by debit card and choose Full cover for no deposit.
- Hand-over at the ferry terminal, timed to your ship
- No credit card on any cover – pay by debit card
- €0 deposit with Full cover
- Return at Heraklion Airport for your flight home
Search cars at Heraklion Port
How pick-up works at the port
Overnight ferries from Piraeus usually dock early in the morning, while high-speed boats from Santorini arrive later in the day. Tell us your ship and arrival time when you book, and we meet you at the passenger exit once you are off the boat. The port road leads straight onto the coastal avenue and the VOAK.
Near Heraklion Port
5 min on foot
Koules fortress
The Venetian sea fortress at the end of the old harbour mole, with views back over the city from its roof.
5 min
Archaeological Museum
Up the hill from the port, next to Eleftherias Square. The best introduction to Minoan Crete before any palace visit.
15 min
Palace of Knossos
6 km south of the port. If your ferry docks at dawn, you can be at the gates when they open and before the crowds.
15 min
Ammoudara beach
West along the coast road: a long sandy beach for a swim after a night on the ferry.
Day trips from Heraklion Port
25 min each way
Archanes and Mount Giouchtas
A wine village of restored mansions, then a road up Mount Giouchtas, the peak shaped like the sleeping face of Zeus, for views over the island.
1 h each way
Agios Nikolaos and Elounda
East along the VOAK to the lake in the centre of Agios Nikolaos, then the coast road to Elounda and its bay.
1 h 10 min each way
Rethymno
West along the north coast to Rethymno's Fortezza and Venetian old town, with the beach right next to the centre.
Driving tips for Heraklion Port
- Let the sat nav route you around the old townThe streets above the port are steep, narrow and often one-way. The coastal avenue is the easy way out in either direction.
- Plan around a dawn arrivalMost sights open around 8:00. Have breakfast near Lions Square first, then drive to Knossos for opening.
- Park outside the centreIf you stay in town, use the paid car parks near the port and walk up. Old-town streets have very few spaces.
- Another ferry? Ask firstTaking the car to another island needs our written agreement, because it is insured for Crete. Ask before you book the crossing.
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Heraklion Port: frequently asked questions
Can you meet me when my ferry arrives in Heraklion?
Yes. Tell us your ship and arrival time when you book. We meet you at the passenger exit with the car, so you don't need a taxi into town.
What if my ferry is late?
Ferries do run late in windy weather. Message us on WhatsApp and we adjust the hand-over to the time you actually arrive.
Do I need a credit card to rent at Heraklion port?
No. No credit card is required on any cover, and with Full or Premium cover the deposit is €0. You pay online by debit card.
Can I collect at the port and return at Heraklion Airport?
Yes. The airport is about 4 km east of the port. Tick “Return to a different location” in the search and choose Heraklion Airport.
Book your car in Heraklion Port
Live prices for your dates. No credit card needed on any cover.
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