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Compare and book a car rental at Chania Airport (CHQ)
Chania Airport is the ideal starting point for exploring western Crete, with the city of Chania just a 20-minute drive away. Renting a car directly from the airport gives you the flexibility to visit popular destinations such as Elafonissi Beach, Balos Lagoon, Falassarna Beach and the Samaria Gorge on your own schedule. With VIP Cars, you can compare car rental deals from trusted local and international suppliers in one place, allowing you to find the best rates and vehicle types before you travel.
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway in Agia Marina and Platanias, a family holiday, or a road trip across Crete, we make it easy to choose the right rental car at Chania Airport for your itinerary. Selecting rentals through our platform also lets you review the inclusions offered by different suppliers before booking.
Since CHQ Airport experiences high demand during the summer season, reserving your car in advance helps you access a wider choice of vehicles and secure better prices. By booking early, you will arrive in Crete ready to collect your car and begin your holiday without unnecessary delays.
Chania Airport car rental desks in terminal
There is a dedicated car rental area at Chania Airport, making it easy to collect your vehicle as soon as you arrive. Several major rental companies have service desks conveniently located in the main Arrivals Hall, while other suppliers operate from offices just outside the airport and provide complimentary shuttle transfers.
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On-airport suppliers
Several international brands like Hertz, Sixt, Avis, Budget and Thrifty have rental desks located inside or immediately adjacent to the Arrivals Hall, making the pickup process quick and convenient.
After exiting the baggage reclaim area, simply follow the Car Rental signs to the rental counters, complete the paperwork and walk to the designated airport parking area to collect your vehicle. These suppliers are ideal if you want to be on the road within minutes of landing.
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Off-airport suppliers
Many local and international suppliers like Enterprise, Europcar, AutoUnion, Dollar, Drive S.A. and Global Rent a Car operate from offices just outside the airport and provide complimentary shuttle transfers.
In most cases, after leaving the Arrivals Hall, you need to walk around 200 metres to a clearly marked shuttle pickup point outside the terminal. Shuttle buses typically take 2 to 5 minutes to reach the nearby rental office, where you need to complete the rental agreement and collect your car.
Car rental return at Chania Airport (CHQ)
Returning your rental car at Chania International Airport is a simple process. As you approach the airport via Akrotiri Road, follow the roadside signs for Car Rental Return, which direct you to the designated Chania Airport rental parking area near the terminal.
After removing your personal belongings, return the keys at the rental desk inside the Arrivals Hall or at the supplier's return office. Your Rental Confirmation Voucher will include the exact return location and the supplier's contact details, making it easy to find the correct drop-off point.
After-hours car rental return
Some suppliers at Chania Airport (like Hertz and Alamo) offer an after-hours return service for your early morning or late-night flights. Depending on your selected provider, you can either park the vehicle in the designated return area, lock it and place the keys in a secure drop box or follow the instructions provided by the rental office.
Types of rental cars at Chania Airport (CHQ)
Whether it is a short city break in Chania, a beach-hopping holiday along Crete's west coast or a road trip through the White Mountains, choosing the right rental car can make your journey more comfortable. With us, you can compare a wide selection of vehicles from trusted partner suppliers at Chania Airport, making it easy to find the perfect car for your itinerary, group size and budget.
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Economy cars
Couples and solo travellers looking for an affordable way to explore western Crete can book an economy car rental in Chania Airport.
Models such as the Fiat Panda, Toyota Aygo, Hyundai i10 and Peugeot 108 are easy to drive and park, especially in the narrow streets of Chania Old Town and busy seaside resorts like Agia Marina and Platanias.
They also offer excellent fuel efficiency, making them ideal for your short day trips to Marathi Beach, Stavros Beach and the Akrotiri Peninsula.
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Compact cars
If you are planning longer drives with a little extra luggage, a compact car provides more comfort without compromising on fuel economy.
Popular models like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla and Opel Astra are well suited for exploring destinations such as Lake Kournas, Rethymno, Falassarna Beach and Kissamos, where you will spend more time on the road but still appreciate a vehicle that's easy to drive through villages and coastal towns with narrow roads.
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Luxury cars
Booking a luxury rental car at Chania Airport is perfect if you are seeking premium comfort, advanced technology and a refined driving experience.
Models like the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4 and Volvo XC60 are ideal for business trips, special occasions or scenic drives across Crete.
If you are staying at a luxury resort near Kolymbari or planning to explore the island's vineyards, fine-dining restaurants and coastal roads in style, a premium vehicle adds an extra level of comfort to your journey.
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SUVs
Crete's diverse landscapes make SUVs a popular choice for families and adventure seekers. Vehicles such as the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Jeep Renegade provide extra space, higher ground clearance and a more comfortable ride on winding mountain roads.
We recommend booking a car from this category for visiting the Samaria Gorge trailhead at Xyloskalo, exploring traditional villages in the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) or taking longer drives to Elafonissi Beach and the rugged Balos Lagoon access road.
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Vans and minivans
Travelling with a large family or group is much easier with a spacious van or minivan. Vehicles like the Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes-Benz Vito and Opel Vivaro can easily accommodate 7 to 9 or more passengers.
Vans under this category are ideal for airport transfers, multi-family holidays or group tours covering attractions such as Balos Lagoon, Falassarna Beach, Lake Kournas and the charming villages scattered throughout western Crete, while providing plenty of room for luggage and beach gear.
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Convertibles
Reserving a convertible is the best choice for enjoying Crete's sunny Mediterranean climate and the island's spectacular coastal scenery.
Models such as the Fiat 500C, Mini Cooper Convertible and Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet are perfect for leisurely drives along the coastline, through olive groves and around stunning villages.
A convertible is particularly enjoyable for touring between Chania, Falassarna, Paleochora, and the scenic roads of the Akrotiri Peninsula, where you can make the most of the island's warm weather and panoramic sea views.
Best car rental deals for Chania Airport (CHQ)
Finding the best car rental in Chania Airport is easy when you compare deals through VIP Cars. Whether you are visiting Crete for a weekend getaway, a two-week beach holiday or an extended stay, we provide options for different durations from multiple suppliers in one place. This allows you to secure competitive rates and the vehicle that suits your travel plans.
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Short-term rental deals
Travellers who are staying in Chania for a few days or enjoying a weekend break can hire a short term rental from Chania Airport. Such deals are best for exploring Chania Old Town, relaxing at Nea Chora Beach or taking day trips to Marathi Beach, Seitan Limania or Lake Kournas. You can even rent a vehicle for a few hours through our platform (the rate is based on a 24-hour period).
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Long-term rental deals
Remote workers staying in western Crete for several weeks, or families moving to a new place and needing a temporary car for a few months, can benefit from our low cost weekly and monthly rental deals.
Our long term deals let you book a car for 3 to 6 months and even longer. It provides a lower daily rate than booking several shorter rentals. This option is also ideal if you are planning a scenic route from Chania to Elafonissi Beach, Balos Lagoon, Falassarna, Paleochora and the mountain villages of the Lefka Ori (White Mountains).
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Last-minute rental deals
Even if you have left your booking until the last minute, you can still compare car rental deals with us. This is particularly useful for your spontaneous holidays or those whose travel plans have changed unexpectedly.
While last-minute deals might be easily available during the quieter spring and autumn seasons, vehicle availability becomes more limited between June and September. Therefore, we recommend booking as soon as your travel dates are confirmed to give the best chance of securing your preferred vehicle category at a competitive price.
One way car rental from Chania Airport
Hiring a car one way from Chania Airport is an excellent option if you are planning to explore Crete without returning to your starting point. Instead of driving back to Chania, you can collect your vehicle at the airport and drop it off at another city or airport, saving both time and mileage.
With us, you can compare one-way rental deals from multiple suppliers, making it easy to find flexible options for road trips across the island.
Some of the most popular one-way routes from Chania Airport include:
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Chania Airport to Heraklion Airport (HER)
Distance: ~145 km Time: around 2 hours 10 min -
Chania Airport to Heraklion City Centre
Distance: ~142 km Time: around 2 hours -
Chania Airport to Agios Nikolaos
Distance: ~201 km Time: around 3 hours 10 min -
Chania Airport to Sitia Airport (JSH)
Distance: ~275 km Time: around 4 hours 15 min
Crete Chania Airport: Overview
| Address: | National Road, EO Aerodromiou Soudas, Chania 731 00, Greece |
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| IATA Code: | CHQ |
Chania International Airport, officially known as Chania International Airport "Ioannis Daskalogiannis", is the primary gateway to western Crete and the island's second-busiest airport. Situated around 14 km northeast of Chania city centre on the Akrotiri Peninsula, the airport handles year-round domestic flights and a large number of seasonal international services.
It is served by airlines such as Aegean Airlines, Sky Express, Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2.com, TUI Airways, Lufthansa and Eurowings, connecting Chania with destinations across Greece and Europe.
The airport is a convenient arrival point for travellers heading to popular attractions including Chania Old Town, Balos Lagoon, Elafonissi Beach, Falassarna, Seitan Limania and the Samaria Gorge. With modern passenger amenities and a dedicated car rental area, Chania Airport makes it easy to begin exploring western Crete.
Facilities at Chania Airport:
- Car rental desks
- Duty-free shops
- Cafes & restaurants
- Free Wi-Fi
- Banks & ATMs
- Currency exchange
- Parking facilities
- Accessible services
VIP Cars' tips for car rental at Chania Airport (CHQ)
- If you are driving to places like the Samaria Gorge trailhead (Xyloskalo), Theriso or Omalos Plateau, expect steep roads, sharp bends and occasional goat crossings. Therefore, we recommend taking 20 to 30 minutes extra time to drive carefully.
- Under Greek road safety rules, children under 12 years of age and shorter than 135 cm must travel in a suitable child restraint system.
Rear-facing infant seats are recommended for babies up to 13 kg, forward-facing child seats are typically suitable for children weighing 9 to 18 kg and booster seats are used for children weighing 15 to 36 kg until they are tall enough to use the vehicle's seat belt safely.
If you are travelling from Chania Airport to family-friendly resorts such as Georgioupolis, Almyrida or Kalyves, reserve your child seat online in advance, as availability can be limited during the busy summer season. - The standard speed limits in Crete follow the Greek Highway Code, 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, 110 km/h on expressways and 130 km/h on motorways, unless posted otherwise.
Roads leading to attractions such as Balos Lagoon, Elafonissi Beach and the White Mountains often have lower signed limits due to sharp bends and narrow sections, so always follow the posted speed signs. - Parking is generally easy at beaches and smaller villages, but spaces can be limited around Chania Old Town and the Venetian Harbour, especially from May to September. You can consider using public parking lots on the outskirts of the Old Town.
- Mobile signal can be weak in mountainous areas such as the Samaria Gorge, Theriso Gorge and parts of southwest Crete. So it is recommended to download your route before leaving Chania.
- If you are driving to Elafonissi Beach, Balos Lagoon or Falassarna Beach, leave early in the morning during summer to avoid heavy traffic and secure parking close to the beach.
- To narrow down the options for car rental at Chania Airport with low deposit, you can use the filter on our booking form to set the security range according to your preference.
