Car Rental Athens, Greece — from €6/day

Car Rental in Athens

Dreaming of a drive along the scenic coastal road to Cape Sounion, or a quick escape to the monasteries of Meteora? Unlock the ancient wonders and breathtaking landscapes surrounding Athens with the perfect set of wheels.

1054+ offers

Airport pickup available

Car Rental in Athens

Athens, Greece

Where to drive

Drive to Cape Sounion to witness the Temple of Poseidon at sunset, approximately 70 km (1 hour 15 minutes) southeast of Athens.
Explore the archaeological site of Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, about 180 km (2 hours 30 minutes) northwest of Athens.
Visit Nafplio, a charming Venetian-influenced town in the Peloponnese, around 140 km (1 hour 45 minutes) southwest of Athens.
Discover the ancient city of Mycenae, home of Agamemnon, approximately 120 km (1 hour 30 minutes) southwest of Athens.
Head to the beautiful beaches of the Athenian Riviera, such as Vouliagmeni or Sounio, just 20-70 km (30 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes) from the city center.
Embark on a scenic drive to the monasteries of Meteora, a more ambitious trip at around 350 km (4 hours) north of Athens.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Greece, you typically need a valid national driving license held for at least one year, a passport or national ID card, and a credit card in the main driver's name. For non-EU citizens, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is usually required alongside your national license. The minimum age for rental is generally 21, with surcharges often applied for drivers under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Athens vary significantly by season and vehicle class. Economy cars can start from around 20-30 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs and premium models might range from 50 EUR to over 100 EUR daily. Expect prices to increase by 50-100% during the peak summer months.

Price by month, €

25€

Jan

25€

Feb

30€

Mar

40€

Apr

55€

May

70€

Jun

85€

Jul

90€

Aug

70€

Sep

50€

Oct

35€

Nov

30€

Dec

Demand by month

30%

Jan

35%

Feb

45%

Mar

60%

Apr

75%

May

90%

Jun

95%

Jul

100%

Aug

85%

Sep

65%

Oct

40%

Nov

35%

Dec

Traffic rules and fines

In Greece, driving is on the right. Speed limits are typically 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h outside urban areas, and 130 km/h on motorways, unless otherwise signposted. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Headlights are not mandatory during the day but recommended in poor visibility. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants, and child seats are required for children up to 12 years old or under 1.35 meters in height.

Parking

Parking in central Athens can be challenging and is mostly paid. Look for blue lines indicating paid parking zones, which require pre-purchased parking cards from kiosks or specific apps. White lines usually signify free parking, while yellow lines mean no parking. There are also numerous private parking garages, especially around tourist areas, offering hourly or daily rates.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available throughout Athens and on major routes. Unleaded petrol (95 and 100 octane) and diesel are standard. Prices are comparable to other Western European countries, typically paid by card or cash. Look for stations displaying prices prominently.

Which car to choose

For navigating Athens' city streets, a compact or economy car is ideal due to narrow roads and limited parking. If you plan extensive trips to rural areas, mountainous regions, or sites like Meteora, a car with a slightly more powerful engine or even a small SUV (especially with automatic transmission) might offer more comfort and easier driving on varied terrain.

Pros

Unrestricted access to historical sites and natural beauty outside Athens.
Flexibility to create your own itinerary and explore at your own pace.
Comfort and convenience, especially for families or groups with luggage.
Ability to visit more remote, less touristy locations.
Opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes of mainland Greece.

Cons

Traffic congestion and challenging parking in central Athens.
Some local drivers may exhibit assertive driving habits.
Fuel costs can add up, especially for longer road trips.
Navigation can be tricky in older parts of the city with winding, sometimes poorly marked, streets.
Tolls are common on major motorways, adding to travel expenses.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy for car rentals in Athens?

Cancellation policies vary by rental company. Many offer free cancellation up to 24 or 48 hours before pickup, while others may charge a fee for late cancellations. Always check the specific terms of your booking.

Do I need to prepay for my car rental?

Some rental agreements require full prepayment, while others allow you to pay a deposit or the full amount upon pickup. Booking platforms like RentoRika often provide options for both. Confirm the payment terms during your reservation process.

What type of driving license is required for non-EU citizens?

Non-EU citizens typically need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their valid national driving license. Ensure your IDP is issued in the same country as your driver's license.

What documents do I need to pick up my rental car?

You will generally need your valid national driving license, an International Driving Permit (if applicable), your passport or national ID card, and a credit card in the name of the main driver.

Is it better to pick up the car at Athens Airport or in the city center?

Picking up your car at Athens International Airport (ATH) is often more convenient if you're arriving by air, avoiding city traffic initially. Picking up in the city center might be better if you plan to spend a few days exploring Athens on foot before venturing out.

Are there any age restrictions for renting a car in Athens?

Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. A young driver surcharge often applies to those aged 21-24. For certain car categories, the minimum age might be higher, sometimes 25 or even 27.

Available cars — Athens