Rent a Car at Sitia Airport with CreteCars
Last updated: January 28, 2026
Renting a car at Sitia Airport (JSH) is the fastest way to start exploring eastern Crete, a quieter and less developed part of the island where public transport is limited and distances between places are greater. Many beaches, villages, and scenic routes are spread out and easiest to reach by car, making independent travel the most practical option from the moment you arrive.
With CreteCars, bookings are handled with clear terms, strong insurance coverage, and practical airport pick-up designed for a small regional airport. This allows travelers to land, collect their car smoothly, and begin their journey with confidence and minimal delay.
Quick links: Explore our Fleet • Sitia Office Map • Contact
Sitia Airport Pick-Up Basics
- Sitia Airport is a small regional airport, which keeps the car pick-up process simple and efficient.
- Pass through baggage claim and enter the arrivals area
- Meet the arranged handover point, either at the terminal or via a pre-confirmed meet-and-greet
- Collect the keys and drive away toward Sitia and eastern Crete
Important timing note (CreteCars): Cars are delivered and collected at the exact time confirmed in your reservation, so it’s important to match your booking time to your flight arrival.
Table of Contents:
- Why Rent a Car at Sitia Airport?
- CreteCars Rental Requirements (Age & Licence)
- Insurance at CreteCars (What’s Included)
- Fuel, Mileage, Extras (CreteCars Policies)
- Fees to Know in Advance (So There Are No Surprises)
- Changes & Cancellation (CreteCars)
- Best Cars to Rent at Sitia Airport
- 3 Tips for Driving in Eastern Crete
- Rent a Car at Sitia Airport with CreteCars & Explore Eastern Crete with Ease
- FAQs – Rent a Car at Sitia Airport Crete (JSH) with CreteCars
Why Rent a Car at Sitia Airport?
There are 4 main reasons to rent a car at Sitia Airport, especially when exploring eastern Crete.
- Start moving right away: landing in Sitia feels calm and unrushed, and having a car waiting means you can leave the airport and begin exploring without delays or extra planning.
- Reach remote places: many of eastern Crete’s beaches, villages, and natural spots are spread out and not well connected by public transport, especially outside summer.
- See a more local side of Crete: driving makes it easier to pass through small villages, stop for coffee where you weren’t planning to, and experience places that still feel genuinely lived in.
- Enjoy full-day flexibility: with a rental car, early starts, scenic detours, and unhurried evening returns are easier without relying on fixed transport schedules.
CreteCars Rental Requirements (Age & Licence)
To rent a car at Sitia Airport with CreteCars, a few standard eligibility requirements apply. These are in place to ensure a smooth handover and compliant rental experience for all drivers.
- Minimum driver age: 21 years
- Driving licence validity: each driver must hold a valid driving licence issued at least 1.5 years before the rental start date
- Accepted licences: Greek and European licences are accepted, along with licences from selected non-EU countries listed by CreteCars (including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and Israel). Drivers from other non-EU countries may be required to present an International Driving Permit (IDP), depending on licence origin
- All drivers must be declared at the time of booking and present their documents at pick-up.
Tip: Make sure the main driver’s name and details match the driving licence exactly. Even small discrepancies can cause delays during the handover process at the airport.
Insurance at CreteCars (What’s Included)
CreteCars includes a broad insurance package, including:
- Fully comprehensive insurance (CDW): covers damage caused by the legal driver, without excess, according to CreteCars’ terms
- Fire, theft, and broken glass insurance: included without excess, offering added protection during your rental
- Third-party liability coverage: covering death or bodily injury up to 1.300.000 Euros maximum per person and material damage up to 1.300.000 Euro per accident.
- 24/7 road assistance: available throughout your rental period for added reassurance
What insurance does not cover (key exclusions):
As with most car rentals, certain situations are not covered under the standard insurance:
- Incidents involving alcohol or drug use
- Driving by anyone not listed on the rental agreement
- Negligent actions (for example, continuing to drive with a flat tyre)
- Off-road use, except where explicitly permitted (such as with suitable 4WD vehicles)
- Loss or damage of vehicle keys
Optional add-on: For an additional 5 to 10 euros a day the insurance will cover damage on tires and the bottom side of the car.
Fuel, Mileage, Extras (CreteCars Policies)
Below is a clear overview of CreteCars fuel policies, mileage limits, and included extras, helping you plan your rental with confidence.
CreteCars rental terms include:
- Fuel policy: the car should be returned with the same fuel level as at delivery, keeping refuelling simple and fair
- Unlimited mileage: included at no extra charge, ideal for exploring eastern Crete without worrying about distance limits
- Included at no additional cost:
- Road map
- Baby seat
- Second driver
Fees to Know in Advance (So There Are No Surprises)
To help travelers plan accurately, CreteCars clearly lists any service-related fees that may apply in specific situations.
Potential additional fees include:
- After-hours delivery (23:00–07:00): €25, applied when pick-up or drop-off falls outside standard operating hours
- Short rentals (under 3 days): airport deliveries or returns may include an additional charge of €40–€110, depending on the vehicle category
- Different pick-up and drop-off locations: extra cost varies based on distance and car size
- Key service: in cases of lost, damaged, or locked-in keys, charges start from €70, depending on key type and distance from the nearest service station
Changes & Cancellation (CreteCars)
CreteCars offers flexible change and cancellation terms, giving travelers room to adjust plans when needed.
- Free changes: no penalties apply for changes made up to 48 hours before the rental start time
- Rental extensions: if you need to keep the car longer, CreteCars must be contacted at least 24 hours before the scheduled return time. Extensions are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed without prior notice
Tip: Planning ahead and communicating early helps ensure the smoothest possible experience.
Best Cars to Rent at Sitia Airport
The best type of car for Sitia depends on how far you plan to drive, how many people you’re traveling with, and the kind of roads you expect to use. Let’s take a closer look at the best cars to rent at Sitia Airport based on different travel needs.
1. Compact Cars: Best for Sitia Town & Short Trips
Compact cars are among the best cars to rent in Crete and are a solid choice if you’re staying near Sitia town or mainly visiting nearby beaches. They’re easy to drive, fuel-efficient, and practical for parking in smaller streets, while still handling paved roads comfortably.
2. SUVs: Useful for Rural Areas & Added Comfort
An SUV can be a good option if your Crete itinerary includes mountain villages, uneven rural roads, or longer day trips. While not essential for most routes around Sitia, the extra ground clearance and visibility can add comfort and confidence.
3. Family Cars: Practical for Groups & Luggage
For families or travelers carrying beach gear and luggage, a roomy family car ensures enough space without compromising comfort. This is especially helpful when covering longer distances across the region.
3 Tips for Driving in Eastern Crete
Let’s take a look at 3 practical tips to keep in mind when driving in Eastern Crete:
1. Plan for longer distances than expected: Roads are quiet and scenic, but destinations are spread out. Allow extra time for village roads, coastal routes, and unplanned stops along the way.
2. Expect narrow and winding rural roads: Outside main routes, roads can be narrow with sharp bends. Drive at a steady pace, stay alert, and be prepared to slow down when passing other vehicles.
3. Fuel up before heading inland: Petrol stations are easy to find near towns but less frequent in remote areas. Refuelling before longer inland or coastal drives helps avoid unnecessary detours.
Rent a Car at Sitia Airport with CreteCars & Explore Eastern Crete with Ease
Eastern Crete is best experienced without rushing, and that’s exactly what renting a car at Sitia Airport allows. From quiet coastal roads to inland villages and open landscapes, having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to travel on your own terms, at a pace that suits the region.
With CreteCars, renting a car at Sitia Airport is simple, transparent, and tailored to the realities of driving in eastern Crete. A well-maintained fleet, flexible pick-up options, and local knowledge ensure that your journey starts smoothly from the moment you land.
Whether you’re planning short drives around Sitia or longer road trips across the island, renting a car with CreteCars makes it easy to explore eastern Crete comfortably, confidently, and entirely at your own pace.
FAQs – Rent a Car at Sitia Airport Crete (JSH) with CreteCars
How do I rent a car at Sitia Airport (JSH) with CreteCars?
Book online by selecting Sitia Airport as your pick-up location and confirming your reservation. Once booked, all pick-up details are arranged in advance so everything is ready when you arrive.
Where do I pick up my rental car at Sitia Airport?
Pick-up is arranged at Sitia Airport at the time confirmed in your reservation. Depending on the booking, the handover takes place at the terminal or via a simple meet-and-greet process.
What is the minimum age to rent a car with CreteCars?
The driver must be at least 21 years old. In addition, the driving licence must have been issued at least 1.5 years before the rental start date.
Is insurance included in the rental price at CreteCars?
Yes, CreteCars includes comprehensive coverage (including CDW without excess per terms), plus other listed protections and 24-hour road assistance.
What is the fuel policy?
You return the car with the same amount of fuel as at delivery.
What is the minimum rental period with CreteCars?
The minimum rental period is 3 days (calculated as 3 × 24 hours).
Can I extend my rental after pick-up?
Yes, but you must contact CreteCars at least 24 hours before the original return time; otherwise availability isn’t guaranteed.
Can I pick up at Sitia Airport and drop off somewhere else?
Yes, but CreteCars notes an additional cost for different pick-up/drop-off locations depending on distance and car size.