Chania Airport Car Rental Guide (CHQ)
Chania Airport Overview
Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport (IATA: CHQ) is Crete's second airport, located 14 km east of Chania town on the Akrotiri Peninsula. It handles direct seasonal flights from across Europe (April–October) and year-round domestic connections via Athens.
CHQ is the gateway to western Crete — home to the Venetian harbour of Chania, the legendary beaches of Elafonissi and Balos, the Samaria Gorge, and some of the most dramatic coastal driving in all of Greece. For destinations in central and eastern Crete, Heraklion Airport (HER) may be more convenient.
Where to Pick Up Your Rental Car
Meet & greet service — most local agencies on SimplyBook offer pickup directly at CHQ. An agent meets you outside arrivals and drives you to their nearby office (typically 5–10 minutes away) where you complete the paperwork and collect your car. This avoids the premium prices of in-terminal chains.
In-terminal desks — international chains have desks in the arrivals hall. More expensive and usually require a credit card.
Many local agencies in Chania accept cash or debit card deposits — see our no credit card rental guide.
Driving from Chania Airport
CHQ is on the Akrotiri Peninsula with a direct road to the main highway:
West to Chania old town (14 km, 20 minutes) — follow the signs through Souda. The Venetian harbour is worth a stop before heading further west.
South to Elafonissi (78 km, 1.5 hours) — one of the most famous beaches in Greece, with pink sand and turquoise lagoons.
North to Balos Lagoon (55 km, 1.5 hours) — the road ends at Kalyviani, from where a rough dirt road leads to the Balos viewpoint (SUV recommended), or take a boat from Kissamos harbour.
East to Rethymno (65 km, 1 hour) — the highway runs along the coast. Continue to Heraklion (140 km, 2 hours).
South to Paleochora (75 km, 1.5 hours) — mountain road through gorge country to a charming south-coast town.
For full route planning, see our complete guide to driving in Crete and our 5 driving destinations around Chania.
Vehicle Options from CHQ
Western Crete has diverse terrain, so your vehicle choice matters:
Economy car — perfect for Chania and main road driving. Light and easy to park in the narrow old town streets.
SUV or crossover — recommended if you plan to drive the dirt road to Balos viewpoint or access remote south-coast beaches.
Scooter — great for exploring the Chania area without venturing into the mountains. Compare scooter rentals in Chania.
Not sure which vehicle to choose? Read our car vs scooter vs ATV comparison.
Tips for Renting at Chania Airport
Book 2–4 weeks ahead in summer — CHQ is busy from June to September. Automatic cars and SUVs are limited in supply.
Ask about one-way drop-off — if you're doing a full Crete road trip, some agencies allow pickup at CHQ and drop-off at Heraklion (HER). Perfect for a west-to-east tour.
Photograph the car — document any scratches or dents before driving off. This protects you on return.
Fuel station nearby — there's a petrol station on the main road just outside the airport for easy fill-up before return.
Consider visiting off-season — western Crete is beautiful in September and October with fewer crowds and lower prices. Read our autumn driving guide.
Compare car rental prices at Chania Airport and start exploring western Crete.