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Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car offers in Greece. Compare rates and book in one place. Simple. Pick-up at major airports and city centers in Athens, Thessaloniki and across the islands, then filter for automatics, SUVs, child seats and one-way car rental. Peak summer is busy, so book early for low prices and plan for toll roads and city parking rules.
When renting a car in Greece, you will find several pick-up options. Each location has its own pros and cons:
| Pick-up Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Airport On-site |
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| Airport Off-site |
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| City Center |
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On average, car rentals in Greece cost around €73 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €19 per day.
Compare pick-up spots: Check airport on-site, airport off-site and city offices. In Athens, city pick-ups are often cheaper than the terminal and easier if you collect the day after arrival.
Season-savvy booking: For July–August and popular islands, book 2–3 months ahead, especially for automatics. In shoulder or off-peak, grab a cancellable rate and re-check prices closer to pick-up.
Flex your dates and times: Shifting pick-up by a day or choosing early afternoon can lower prices and queues. Big airports in Greece are busier on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Pick the right car and extras: Compact and manual cars are usually cheaper, easier to park in island towns and sip less fuel. Skip paid GPS and use your phone.
Price one-way vs return trip: One-way fees in Greece vary by route and season. Sometimes they are modest, so compare both before deciding.
Islands and ferries: Taking a car on a ferry adds a vehicle ticket and possible supplier fees. Often cheaper to walk on and rent again on the island.
| Location | Parking Options | Local Details |
|---|---|---|
| Athens City |
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Street parking is extremely limited in central Athens. Watch for resident-only zones. |
| Thessaloniki |
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The seafront and center can be challenging for finding spots. Consider parking outside the core and using public transport. |
| Island Towns |
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In high season, arrive early to find spots in popular tourist areas. Old towns often have pedestrian-only zones. |
Greece uses a color-coded system for parking:
Most cities have paid parking hours from roughly 8:00-21:00 on weekdays and 8:00-15:00 on Saturdays, plus free parking on Sundays, but check local signs.
Many Greek highways have tolls, particularly:
Most tolls accept cash or credit cards. Electronic toll transponders are used in Greece, but rental cars may not include them.
Rent a car to visit:
Delphi
Nafplio
Corinth
Halkidiki
Kalamata
Crete
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Greece?
You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in the Roman alphabet. You don't need an IDP if you have an EU/EEA or UK license. If you're visiting from many other countries (like the U.S., Canada or Australia) for a short time, you can usually drive using a valid national license in the Roman alphabet. However, we strongly recommend you get an IDP as rental companies sometimes ask for one.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Greece?
You usually need to be at least 21 years old and have one year of driving experience. Rental companies often charge a 'young driver' fee if you're under 23-25. You might need to be older to rent some types of cars, like luxury cars or large vans.
Can I take a rental car on ferries between islands?
Most rental companies let you take their cars on ferries to certain islands, but you must tell the company beforehand. Some companies might charge an extra fee or need you to get written permission. Your insurance might not cover the car during ferry transport, so make sure you check your policy.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Greece?
You'll need a valid driver's license, an International Driving Permit (if you need one), a credit card in the driver's name and your passport. You need the credit card to pay for the security deposit.
Is it possible to rent a car without a credit card?
Some local companies let you use a debit card or pay a cash deposit, but you usually have to buy their full insurance package. Most major international companies require a credit card in the driver's name.
What type of car is best for driving in Greece?
For cities and islands that have narrow streets, a compact car is a great choice because it's easier to steer and park. If you plan to drive in mountain regions or on rougher roads, think about getting a small SUV that has higher ground clearance. You'll find that manual cars are much more common and often cheaper to rent than automatics.
How are traffic fines handled for rental cars?
If you get a traffic or parking ticket, the rental company will charge an administrative fee (around €20) to your credit card. They will also either charge you for the fine, or they will give your contact info to the authorities to bill you directly. You should pay fines quickly because the amount can increase if you pay late.
Are there any roads in Greece where standard rental cars aren't permitted?
Most rental agreements don't allow you to drive on unsealed or gravel roads. This rule applies to all car types, including 4WDs and AWDs. Your insurance usually won't cover any damage that happens on these roads. You should always check your rental contract carefully for any restricted driving areas and road types before you drive on any non-asphalt surfaces. Rental companies also generally forbid you from taking their cars onto beaches.
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