Car Rental in Thessaloniki

Where to drive

• Halkidiki Peninsula: Drive to the beautiful Halkidiki peninsula for its crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches. Kassandra, Sithonia, and Athos offer diverse experiences, approximately 1-2 hours driving (60-120 km) depending on your destination.
• Mount Olympus: Explore the legendary home of the Greek gods, Mount Olympus National Park, offering hiking trails and breathtaking views. It's about a 1.5-hour drive (100 km) south of Thessaloniki.
• Vergina and Pella: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Vergina, ancient Aigai, and the birthplace of Alexander the Great, Pella. These historical sites are approximately 1-1.5 hours (70-90 km) west of the city.
• Lake Kerkini: Discover the rich biodiversity of Lake Kerkini National Park, a haven for birdwatchers. Located about 1.5 hours (100 km) north of Thessaloniki.
• Edessa Waterfalls: Drive to Edessa, known for its impressive waterfalls and lush greenery, a pleasant 1.5-hour journey (90 km) west of Thessaloniki.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Greece, you typically need a valid driver's license (held for at least one year), a passport or national ID card, and a credit card in the main driver's name. If your license is not in English or a Latin alphabet, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended and often required by rental companies and for insurance purposes. The minimum age for car rental is usually 21, with surcharges for drivers under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Thessaloniki fluctuate significantly by season and car class. Economy cars can start from approximately 20-30 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs and premium vehicles might range from 50-100 EUR or more daily. Summer months see prices rise considerably due to high demand, often doubling or tripling compared to winter rates.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Greece, driving is on the right side of the road. Speed limits are typically 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on open roads, and 130 km/h on motorways, but always observe local signage. The legal alcohol limit for drivers is 0.05% BAC. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children under 1.35m (approximately 12 years old) must use an appropriate child restraint system. Headlights are not mandatory during the day, but using them in tunnels or poor visibility is advised.

Parking

Parking in central Thessaloniki can be challenging. Many street parking zones require payment via meters or mobile apps, often with time limits. Look for blue lines for paid parking. White lines usually indicate free parking, while yellow lines signify no parking. Private parking garages are available throughout the city, offering more secure options, though at a cost. Outside the city center, parking is generally easier to find and often free.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available throughout Thessaloniki and the surrounding region. Most stations offer unleaded gasoline (Bενζίνη), diesel (Πετρέλαιο), and occasionally LPG. Fuel prices are generally comparable to other Western European countries and can be paid with cash or credit/debit cards. It's advisable to fill up before long journeys, especially when heading to more remote areas, as station availability might decrease.

Which car to choose

For navigating Thessaloniki's city streets and exploring nearby attractions, an economy or compact car is often ideal due to easier parking and better fuel efficiency. If you plan to venture into more rural or mountainous areas, or if you require more space for luggage and passengers, a mid-size sedan or a small SUV would be a comfortable choice. Manual transmission cars are very common, but automatics are available, though they might be slightly more expensive.

Frequently asked questions