Local Guide • 6 min read
The last day of your holiday should be the easiest one.
By now you’ve explored the island, found your favourite beach and probably filled your phone with more photos than you’ll ever look at again. The only thing left is returning your rental car and catching your flight home.
Fortunately, returning a car at Heraklion Airport is usually straightforward. A little preparation before leaving your hotel can make the whole process smooth and stress-free.
Here’s the checklist we recommend.
Leave a Little Earlier Than You Think
One of the most common mistakes visitors make is underestimating how long the final drive will take.
The roads themselves are usually straightforward, but summer traffic, fuel stops and airport activity can all add a little extra time.
As a general guide:
| Starting point | Approximate driving time |
| Ammoudara | 20–25 minutes |
| Kokkini Hani | 15–20 minutes |
| Hersonissos | 30–40 minutes |
| Stalida | 40–45 minutes |
| Malia | 45–55 minutes |
| Agia Pelagia | 35–45 minutes |
If you’re travelling during July or August, adding another 15–20 minutes is never a bad idea.
It is far nicer to arrive early and enjoy a coffee inside the terminal than to spend the journey watching the clock.
Refuel Before You Reach the Airport
If your rental agreement requires a full tank, don’t leave filling up until the last minute.
There are several petrol stations close to Heraklion Airport, but queues are common during busy departure times, particularly in the middle of summer.
If you see a convenient station on your way back, it’s often worth stopping rather than hoping the one nearest the airport will be quiet.
Watch for Traffic Around the Airport
The final few kilometres are usually the slowest part of the journey.
Traffic often builds up:
- During the morning departure period.
- Around lunchtime when several flights overlap.
- Late afternoon in August.
Nothing unusual—just enough to make arriving ten minutes earlier feel like a very good decision.
Empty the Car Properly
It sounds obvious, but this is where most forgotten items are left behind.
Before handing over the keys, take two minutes to check:
- Phone chargers and USB cables
- Sunglasses
- Passports
- Wallets
- Children’s toys
- Water bottles
- Hotel key cards
- Shopping bags
- Under the seats
- The boot
You’d be surprised how many people discover a missing charger only after boarding the plane.
Have These Ready
Returning the car is quicker if you already have everything together.
Keep these within easy reach:
- Car keys
- Driving licence (if requested)
- Rental agreement or booking confirmation
- Your flight details
Most returns only take a few minutes, especially if everything is prepared beforehand.
Finding the Return Area
Rental companies operate from different locations around Heraklion Airport.
Some have offices close to the terminal, while others meet customers in nearby designated return areas.
If you’re renting with Cretarent, you’ll receive clear return instructions before your departure day. If you’re unsure, simply give the office a quick call before leaving your hotel. It’s much easier than trying to work it out once you’ve arrived.
One Last Walk Around the Car
Before saying goodbye to your holiday, spend a minute walking around the vehicle.
Check that:
- All windows are closed.
- Personal belongings have been removed.
- The fuel level matches your agreement.
- The interior is clear of rubbish or loose items.
It only takes a moment and gives you peace of mind before heading into the airport.
Your Departure Checklist
☐ Fuel tank checked
☐ Passport packed
☐ Driving licence (if needed)
☐ Phone charger collected
☐ Sunglasses packed
☐ Hotel room key returned
☐ Luggage checked
☐ Under the seats checked
☐ Boot emptied
☐ Extra travel time allowed
Enjoy the Last Few Minutes
Most people spend the final drive thinking about flights, luggage and getting home.
Instead, take one last look at the mountains, the olive groves and the coastline you’ve spent the last few days exploring.
Crete has a way of making people promise they’ll come back.
Hopefully, the next journey starts exactly where this one finishes.
Continue Exploring Crete
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