Karpadu logo
Karpadu logo
No deposit needed with Full Cover

Car Rental in Chania & Chania Airport – Drive Crete at Your Own Pace

Pick up your car in the Old Town, CHQ Airport, or any hotel and explore pink-sand beaches, mountain villages, wineries, and hidden coves without bus schedules. Local partners, no hidden fees, and flexible payments for every traveler.

  • Pick-up & drop-off at Chania Airport (CHQ), Old Town, Souda port, or your resort
  • Cash, debit, or credit card accepted – no credit card required with full insurance
  • Local partners with transparent pricing and 24/7 support
  • Perfect for island hopping around Balos, Elafonissi, Falassarna, and Samaria Gorge
Book a car in Chania
Book in minutes, choose flexible insurance, and collect your car exactly where you land or stay.
The Giali Tzamisi Mosque (Küçük Hasan Pasha Mosque) on the quay of the Venetian Old Harbor of Chania, Crete, with colorful waterfront buildings in the background

Why travelers book with Karpadu in Chania

Local prices, zero surprises

Direct rates from trusted Cretan partners. No airport markups or hidden extras at pickup.

Flexible delivery

Airport, Old Venetian Harbor, Souda port, villas in Akrotiri, or a quick handover at your hotel.

No credit card? No problem

Choose Full Cover and pay on arrival with cash, debit, or prepaid card — no deposit, no stress.

Insurance that actually covers

Full insurance options that protect you on narrow mountain roads, gravel tracks, and parking scrapes.

Travel-friendly fleet

Economy cars for the city, SUVs for Balos and mountain drives, automatics for easy hill starts.

Top attractions to reach with your rental

Use your car to jump between beaches, villages, and food spots without waiting for tours.

Aerial view of the historic Egyptian-Venetian Lighthouse and Old Harbor of Chania, Crete, Greece at sunset

Old Venetian Harbor & Lighthouse

5–10 min

Sunset strolls, seafood tavernas, and photo-perfect alleys in the Old Town.

Incredibly clear, shallow turquoise waters of the Elafonisi Lagoon, Southwest Crete, famous for its unique pink sand beach

Elafonissi Beach

90 min

Iconic pink sand, shallow waters for families, and quieter coves if you arrive early.

Elevated view of Balos Lagoon and Imeri Gramvousa island, Chania, Northwest Crete, featuring turquoise and deep blue water and a pristine sandy beach

Balos & Gramvousa

70–90 min

Drive to Kissamos and continue by boat or 4x4 to Crete’s most photographed lagoon.

Narrow passage and towering cliffs inside the rugged Samaria Gorge National Park, Southwest Crete, Greece

Samaria Gorge & Omalos

60–75 min

Start before dawn to beat the crowds, then drive back along the coast or via Sfakia.

Scenic road trips from Chania

Build easy day trips with viewpoints, beaches, and tavern stops along the way.

Golden sunset colors reflecting on the Mediterranean sea surface as a wave rolls onto a sandy beach in Crete, Greece

50–60 min one way

Chania → Falassarna sunset loop

Swim on wide sandy beaches, watch an unreal sunset, and dine at a hilltop taverna above the bay.

Elevated view of Balos Lagoon and Imeri Gramvousa island, Chania, Northwest Crete, featuring turquoise and deep blue water and a pristine sandy beach

70–90 min one way

Chania → Balos via Kissamos

Early drive to Kissamos for the boat to Gramvousa, then Balos lagoon. Pack water shoes for rocks.

Rows of aging wooden oak barrels stacked in a modern wine cellar or Cretan distillery, representing local wine and Raki production in Crete, Greece

25–40 min each stop

Wine villages in Apokoronas

Vrisses, Vamos, and Douliana for wineries, olive oil tastings, and stone villages under plane trees.

Dramatic rocky walls and winding road inside the lush Therisso Gorge (Faragi Therissou) near Chania, Crete

25 min one way

Mountain detour to Therisso

Short gorge drive, cool air, and traditional meat tavernas — easy half-day escape from the coast.

Local driving tips for Chania & Crete

Start early for hotspots

Balos and Elafonissi fill up fast. Leave before 8:00 to park close and enjoy calmer seas.

Respect the shoulder lane

On the National Road, locals keep right on the shoulder so faster cars can pass safely.

Old Town parking

Park outside the Venetian walls and walk in; streets are narrow and often pedestrian-only.

Fuel & cards

Most stations take cards, but keep some cash for remote villages or late-night fill-ups.

Wind & gravel

On exposed roads to Balos/Falassarna, go slower when windy and avoid tight turns on loose gravel.

No toll roads

Crete has zero tolls — explore freely without extra road fees.

Frequently asked questions about Chania car hire

Can I rent a car in Chania without a credit card?+

Yes. Choose Full Cover and you can pay on arrival with cash, debit, or prepaid card — no deposit or credit card needed.

Where can I pick up and drop off the car?+

Chania Airport (CHQ), Old Town, Souda port, Kalyves, Platanias, Kissamos, or your hotel/villa — just tell us in the booking.

What is the best time to visit Balos and Elafonissi?+

Arrive before 8:30 for easier parking, calmer water, and lighter traffic on the mountain and coastal roads.

Is parking easy in Chania Old Town?+

Free and paid lots sit outside the walls. From there it’s a 5–10 minute walk; avoid driving inside the pedestrian lanes.

Ready to unlock Chania and Crete by car?

Book in minutes, choose flexible insurance, and collect your car exactly where you land or stay.

Car Rental in Chania & CHQ Airport – No-Deposit Car Hire | Karpadu