How does car rental delivery work at Chania Airport (CHQ)?

Our office is located just 150 m from the arrivals exit at Chania Airport (CHQ) – turn left as you exit the terminal building and walk along the pavement to our kiosk. Look out for our signs and flags. The car is ready and inspected; the paperwork takes about 5–10 minutes. Send us your flight number when you book and we will track it for you.

How far is Chania Airport from Chania city centre?

Chania International Airport (Ioannis Daskalogiannis, IATA: CHQ) is located approximately 14 km east of Chania city centre, in the Akrotiri peninsula. By car it takes roughly 20 minutes. With a rental car from our fleet you drive directly – no taxi queues or bus schedules to worry about.

What is the cheapest car rental at Chania Airport?

Economy cars (Hyundai i10, Fiat Panda) start from €23 per day with full insurance and unlimited kilometres included. Unlike airport chain desks, we do not add airport surcharges – you book direct and pay the price we quote.

Do I need a 4x4 or SUV to reach Balos Lagoon from Chania?

The dirt road to Balos (approx. 65 km from Chania) is rough and rocky – a high-clearance SUV is strongly recommended. Elafonisi beach (75 km) is fully accessible by any standard car on a paved road. We can advise you on the best vehicle for your itinerary when you contact us.

Can I pick up at Chania Airport and drop off in Heraklion?

Yes. One-way rentals across Crete are available. Chania Airport to Heraklion Airport or Port is subject to a €35 one-way fee. Many other routes (e.g. Chania to Rethymno or Agios Nikolaos) are free – contact us to confirm before booking.

Is full insurance included at Chania Airport car hire?

Yes. All our vehicles come with zero-excess comprehensive insurance included in the daily rate. There are no hidden add-ons at the desk. A refundable security deposit may be held on your card for traffic fines or extraordinary cleaning, but this is returned after vehicle inspection.

Do you accept debit cards at Chania Airport pickup?

Yes. We accept Visa and Mastercard credit cards, Visa/Mastercard debit cards, and cash. We do not accept American Express (Amex).

What are the driving rules I need to know in Crete?

In Crete (and all of Greece) traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on national roads, and 110–130 km/h on motorways. Seat belts are mandatory. Keep your rental agreement and driving licence in the car at all times. Fuel in Crete is widely available at petrol stations along the north coast highway.

✈️ Chania Airport (CHQ) – Ioannis Daskalogiannis

Car Rental at Chania Airport – We Meet You at Arrivals

Our office is 150 m from the CHQ arrivals exit – turn left as you walk out and you'll see our signs in under 2 minutes. No long transfers, no stress. We also deliver free to Heraklion, Sitia, all ports and any hotel. Full insurance and unlimited kilometres always included.

✓ Office 150m from CHQ arrivals exit ✓ Full insurance included ✓ Unlimited kilometres No hidden fees From €23/day 9-seater minibus

✈️ How to collect your car at Chania Airport (CHQ)

1Book online and send us your flight number. We track it live.
2Land at CHQ. Pass through customs & arrivals at your own pace.
3Turn left out of arrivals – our office is 150 m along the pavement. Look for our signs and flags.
4Sign the paperwork (5 min) and drive away – total time from landing to road is about 20 minutes.

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Car Rental at Chania Airport (CHQ) – Everything You Need to Know

Chania International Airport Ioannis Daskalogiannis (IATA: CHQ) is located 14 km east of Chania city centre on the Akrotiri peninsula. It handles over 2 million passengers per season and is the gateway to western Crete – Balos, Elafonisi, Samaria Gorge and the Venetian Old Town are all within reach. A rental car is by far the most practical way to explore the region at your own pace.

✈️ Office 150 m from CHQ arrivals exit

Walk out of arrivals, turn left, and our kiosk is 150 m along the pavement – look for our signs and flags. No long transfer to an off-site lot. Your car is inspected, fuelled and ready at the kiosk.

🕐 Flight tracking included

Give us your flight number and we monitor it live. Whether your flight is delayed or early, our rep adjusts. You never wait because of a flight change.

📍 Where to find us at CHQ

Exit arrivals, turn left and walk 150 m along the pavement. Look for our flags and signage. The handover and paperwork takes 5–10 minutes – then you're on the road.

🛣️ 14 km to Chania city centre

The airport is a straight 20-minute drive on the E75 national road. Chania Old Town, Platanias, Agia Marina and all major beach resorts of western Crete are easily reached within the hour.

🏔️ Need an SUV for Balos?

The dirt road to Balos Lagoon (65 km from CHQ) is rough – we recommend a Nissan Qashqai or higher clearance SUV. Elafonisi (75 km) is paved and accessible by any category.

↔️ One-way rentals

Pick up at Chania Airport and return in Heraklion, Rethymno or Agios Nikolaos. Chania ↔ Heraklion has a €35 one-way fee; many other routes are free. Ask us when you request a quote.

Book car rental at CHQ →

Top destinations from Chania Airport by rental car

Collect your car at CHQ arrivals and head straight to Crete's finest spots – no transfers, no schedules.

5 min – 4 km

Chania Old Town & Venetian Harbour

The iconic lighthouse, narrow alleys, waterfront tavernas. Park near the harbour and explore on foot.

20 min – 14 km

Platanias & Agia Marina beaches

Long sandy beaches just west of Chania – the most popular family resort strip in western Crete.

45 min – 43 km

Samaria Gorge (entrance)

Europe's longest gorge starts at Omalos plateau. An SUV handles the mountain road most comfortably.

55 min – 65 km

Balos Lagoon

Crete's most photographed beach. The last 8 km is an unpaved road – book an SUV for this trip.

1 hr – 75 km

Elafonisi Pink Beach

Pink sand, turquoise water, UNESCO-protected area. Fully accessible by any vehicle on a good paved road.

1 hr – 75 km

Kissamos & Falasarna

Quiet towns and spectacular beaches at the far west of Crete – a scenic road trip from the airport.

1.5 hr – 120 km

Rethymno Old Town

Venetian fortress, charming harbour, excellent restaurants. Easy drive on the E75 coastal highway.

2.5 hr – 145 km

Heraklion & Knossos

Minoan Palace of Knossos, the Archaeological Museum – easy day trip or one-way return. Drop-off available.

Our fleet – available at Chania Airport

All vehicles include A/C, full insurance and unlimited kilometres. Delivered to CHQ arrivals – free.

Transparent prices – all insurance included

No airport surcharges, no hidden extras. What you see is what you pay.

Category	Example models	Seats	From (per day)	Included	Best for
Economy	Fiat Panda, Hyundai i10	5	€23	Full insurance, unlimited km	City & coast driving
Compact	Toyota Yaris, VW Polo	5	€30	Full insurance, unlimited km	Couples & small families
SUV	Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson	5	€52	Full insurance, unlimited km	Balos, mountain roads
Convertible	Fiat 500C, Mini Cabrio	4	€55	Full insurance, unlimited km	Scenic coastal drives
Minivan 7 seats	Toyota Proace	7	€68	Full insurance, unlimited km	Large families
Minibus 9 seats	Renault Trafic	9	€85	Full insurance, unlimited km	Groups & weddings

Prices include zero‑excess insurance, unlimited km and free delivery to CHQ or any location in Crete. Seasonal rates may vary.

📋 Vehicle category booking: you book a category – the exact model may vary within that category. 💳 Deposit: a refundable hold may be placed on card for fines, tolls or extraordinary cleaning; fully released after return inspection. No-deposit option available – ask us. ❌ We do not accept American Express. Visa, Mastercard, debit & cash accepted.

FAQ – Car rental at Chania Airport (CHQ)

Common questions from travellers arriving at CHQ – answered honestly.