Car rental in Crete: Reserve in advance?
 

My husband and I will be in Crete for 4-5 days in mid-September. We will be arriving by ferry to Heraklion and will ferry to Athens from Chiana. So we plan on renting a car in Heraklion and driving to the southwest of Crete and then to Chania to spend a night and depart.

Should I reserve a rental car prior to leaving the States or can I wait until I get to Greece or even to Crete? We will reserve a one way rental car earlier in the trip from Athens to Ignoumensita.

Thanks!!

If you need one with an automatic transmission you should book in advance. Otherwise it's not necessary. But not all rental agencies in Heraklion have offices in Chania, so it's important that you figure that aspect out before you book. If you live outside the EU or UK you need to bring an International Driving Permit with you. If you live in No. America you can get it from your local AAA/CAA office, no test or membership required. Bring 2 passport photos with you to save money.

Have you reserved the car with drop off in Igoumenitsa already?
This should be reserved in advance since not many car rentals have an office in Igoumenitsa.
You will also be charged a one way fee for Igoumenitsa, since the car will have to be returned to Athens.

Clausar, yes I have already gotten a quote from Avis for the Athens/Igoumenitsa drive, just need to book. But wondering if the Heraklion/Chinia car needs to be booked in advance as well.

Brotherlee has given you excellent advice regarding the Heraklion-Chania portion.

Thank you clausar & brotherlee