Why rent a car at Chania Airport?
Chania Airport (CHQ), also known as Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport, is the main gateway to western Crete. Renting a car directly at the airport allows you to start your trip immediately after landing and reach your accommodation without waiting for taxis or transfer buses. Of course it is also an option to rent a car in Chania city.
From the airport, you can easily drive to destinations such as Chania Old Town, Balos Beach, Elafonissi, and Rethymno. If you would like to explore more of the island, visit our main page for car rental in Crete.
Picking up your rental car at Chania Airport
About Chania Airport (CHQ)
Chania Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport (IATA: CHQ) is the main airport for western Crete and serves direct connections from a wide range of European cities, particularly during the May to October season. The airport operates from a single terminal with car rental desks located in the arrivals hall. Vehicle collection takes place in the rental car area directly outside the terminal building. The airport is smaller and more relaxed than Heraklion and the process from landing to collecting your car is typically straightforward, even during the busiest summer arrival windows.
Getting on the road from Chania Airport
The airport is located approximately 14 km east of Chania city, near the town of Souda. From the rental car exit, the E75 coastal road west leads into Chania in about 20 minutes. For Rethymno, continue east on the E75 for approximately 55 km. Heraklion is about 140 km east, a drive of around two hours on the BOAK motorway, which operates toll booths at intervals and requires cash or a Greek toll card. For the Samaria Gorge, follow the road south through Chania toward Omalos, a drive of about 45 km from the airport. For the south coast and the beach at Elafonisi, allow about 90 km from the airport via Chania and the coastal road west.
Why pick up at the airport rather than in the city
Given that western Crete’s main attractions are spread across a large area, collecting the car at the airport is almost always the most practical choice. Chania itself, Rethymno, the Samaria Gorge and the south coast beaches all require a car to visit at your own pace, and picking up at the airport means you can head directly to your first destination without arranging a transfer to the city first. For more about driving in the area, see car rental in Chania and car rental in Crete.
Car rental price at Chania Airport
The table below shows the lowest all-inclusive weekly rate for renting a car at Chania Airport, with full insurance and zero excess included. What you actually pay depends on the supplier, availability and how far ahead you book. Check the current price in the search above.
| Car type | From, 7 days |
|---|---|
| Small car (economy) | from €150 |
| Mid-size car | from €479 |
| Large car / SUV | from €519 |
Measured at 23 airports in September 2026, for a 7-day rental starting 10–17 October 2026. All-inclusive, zero excess, no credit card required. Prices vary by supplier, availability and how far ahead you book.
These prices typically include full insurance and zero excess when booking an all-inclusive rental. Prices can vary significantly between providers. If you want to avoid hidden costs, it’s worth taking a moment to compare car rental companies and rental conditions before booking. At MarSoleil, you can also find options without a credit card and no deposit.
