For most families visiting Crete, the most practical approach is to combine taxis and a short-term car rental rather than commit to one or the other for the whole trip. Which one you lean on depends entirely on where you stay, what you want to see, and how much you value the freedom to change plans on a whim.
Crete has a network of reliable taxi and transfer services at both airports and main ports. For the airport run, a pre-booked private transfer is the most straightforward option: the driver tracks your flight, holds a name sign, and charges a fixed price agreed before travel. Heraklion Taxi, for example, lists the one-way fare from Heraklion Airport to the city centre at €19 during the day, and the company keeps in touch with arrival lounges to adjust pickup times if your flight is delayed. At Chania Airport, Transporter Chania is a well-regarded service, with health-checked drivers and MOT-tested vehicles. A transfer from Chania Airport to Georgioupolis runs about €60 for up to four passengers. (Prices are sourced from each provider’s current listings and can change, so confirm when booking.)
Once you are settled at your resort, metered taxis are fine for short local hops – a 20-minute ride in a town typically costs between €15 and €25. The base fare is €4.00, with €0.90 per kilometre during the day and €1.25 at night. For families who plan to spend most of their time by the pool, at the beach, and within walking distance of tavernas and shops, taxis cover everything you need without the hassle of parking or the upfront cost of a rental.
Crete is 260 kilometres long, and its famous beaches and mountain villages sit far from the main bus routes. Elafonissi, Falassarna, and the south-coast coves are best reached by car. Without one, you see less than half of what the island offers. For families, a rental car also means you can load up the trunk with beach gear, stop for an impromptu bakery break when the kids get hungry, and retreat to the hotel for a nap without waiting for a bus schedule.
The cost argument tilts in favour of renting once you leave the resort. One comparison of a week-long trip for a couple showed that relying on taxis and bus tours added up to about €590, while renting an economy car for the same period came to roughly €300 including fuel and parking. For a family of four the savings are even larger.
Driving in Crete is not difficult, but it is slower than you expect. The main national road (VOAK) is wide and well paved, but many secondary roads are winding and mountain passes require patience. Distances on the map are deceptive – a drive that looks like 1.5 hours can stretch to 2.5. Book an automatic if you are not comfortable with a manual; it removes most of the stress on the narrow roads.
Most rental contracts forbid driving on the unpaved road to Balos Lagoon. The easiest option is a boat trip from Kissamos or Chania rather than risking your rental.
Rather than rent a car for the entire stay, many families find it smarter to take a taxi from the airport and then rent a car for just two or three specific days. This keeps the trip simple and cost-efficient: you avoid paying for a car that sits idle while you are at the beach, and you still have the freedom to explore when you want it.
Choose a base that offers walkable access to restaurants and a beach – areas like Stalos, Agia Marina, or Platanias near Chania work well. From there, plan your car days around the longer drives: a full day to Elafonissi, a loop through the Amari Valley, or a trip to the south coast. On the other days, use a taxi for the evening meal or a short trip to the supermarket. SIXT has locations at Heraklion and Chania airports with a fleet that includes passenger vans and child seats, and its cars average just three months old.
Reserve the rental well in advance, especially if you want an automatic. Check that the fuel policy is full-to-full – some companies charge inflated rates if you return the car empty. Take time-stamped photos of the car before you drive off, and buy your own excess insurance before you travel rather than paying the rental desk rate.
For a detailed day-by-day plan that uses this mix of taxis and rental, see our two-week Crete family itinerary covering both ends of the island.
Most rental companies in Crete offer child seats and booster cushions, but availability is limited – request them when you book. SIXT lists child seats as an amenity across its Crete locations. The same goes for GPS, which can save you from pulling over on a mountain road to check a map.
If you hold a driving licence from outside the EU, check whether you need an International Driving Permit. Greek law is relaxed for US, UK, Canadian, and Australian licences – they are generally accepted without an IDP – but drivers from many other countries still legally require one. Without it, the rental company cannot hand over the car, and your insurance may be void in an accident. When in doubt, get the IDP before you travel.
Parking in Chania and Heraklion city centres is busy but manageable. Designated lots near the port and fortress walls cost €3 to €5 per day. Never park illegally – fines are steep and tow trucks are efficient. If you are staying in a villa, confirm that off-street parking is available; many village properties have limited space.
For the return, aim to refill the fuel tank a short distance from the airport – prices near the terminal are higher. Stay for the inspection if you can, and keep all documents if you need to make an excess claim later.
Reader Questions
Do we really need a car for a family trip to Crete?
Not if you are staying in a walkable resort like Stalos or Agia Marina and plan to spend most days at the beach and local tavernas. But if you want to see Elafonissi, the Amari Valley, or the south coast, a car for at least a few days makes a big difference.
Is driving in Crete difficult?
No, but it is slower than you expect. The main roads are fine; mountain roads are winding and narrow in places. Driving at a relaxed pace and booking an automatic car removes most of the stress.
Can you rent a car for just one or two days?
Yes. Many companies offer flexible rentals, and some will deliver the car to your hotel. This is the most cost-effective way to get the benefits of a car without paying for a full week.
Where should we park in Chania or Heraklion?
Use the large designated car parks near the port and the old town. In Chania, the lot by the fortress costs around €5 for the day. Never park on the street without checking signs – fines are common.
References
SIXT Crete car rental. SIXT, 2026.
Heraklion Taxi. Heraklion Taxi, 2026.
Transporter Chania. Transporter Chania, 2026.
CreteCab. CreteCab, 2026.
