Car Rental in Volos

Where to drive

• Pelion Peninsula: Drive the scenic coastal and mountain roads of Pelion, visiting villages like Tsagarada, Makrinitsa, and Portaria. The entire loop can take a full day, covering around 150-200 km, with countless stops.
• Meteora Monasteries: A breathtaking journey inland to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Meteora, approximately 150 km (2 hours drive) from Volos. Allow a full day to explore several monasteries.
• Lake Plastiras: Known as the 'Little Switzerland' of Greece, this artificial lake offers stunning views and outdoor activities, about 100 km (1.5-2 hours drive) west of Volos.
• Ancient Feres & Sesklo: Explore the archaeological sites near Volos, offering a glimpse into Neolithic and Mycenaean history. Feres is about 20 km away, Sesklo even closer, making for a half-day trip.
• Larissa: Visit the regional capital of Thessaly, Larissa, located approximately 60 km (1 hour drive) north of Volos, offering a different urban experience with historical sites.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Greece, you will generally need a valid driving 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 driving license is not from an EU country or is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is usually required. The minimum age for rental is typically 21, though some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25 for certain car categories, often with a young driver surcharge for those under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Volos vary significantly by season and car class. Economy cars can start from around 20-30 EUR per day in the low season, potentially reaching 60-80 EUR or more in peak summer. SUVs and premium models will naturally be more expensive, ranging from approximately 50 EUR to over 150 EUR daily, depending on demand and booking lead time.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Greece, driving is on the right side of the road. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h outside urban areas, and 130 km/h on motorways, unless otherwise signposted. The legal alcohol limit for drivers is approximately 0.05% BAC (0.2 mg/L in breath), which is very strict. Headlights are not mandatory during the day but are required in tunnels and at night. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants, and children under 12 years old or shorter than 1.35 meters must use appropriate child seats or booster seats.

Parking

Parking in Volos can be challenging, especially in the city center during peak hours. There are designated paid parking zones, often indicated by blue lines, where you pay at a meter or via a mobile app. Free parking can be found further from the center, but spaces are limited. Always check local signs carefully to avoid fines or towing. Many hotels offer private parking, which is highly recommended.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available throughout Volos and the surrounding region. Most stations offer unleaded petrol (95 and 100 octane) and diesel. Fuel prices are comparable to other European countries, currently around 1.80-2.00 EUR per liter for unleaded petrol, but these prices are approximate and fluctuate. Most stations accept credit cards, but it's always wise to have some cash, especially in more remote areas.

Which car to choose

For driving within Volos and short trips to nearby coastal areas, a compact or economy car is ideal due to narrow streets and easier parking. If you plan to explore the mountainous Pelion peninsula or venture further to Meteora, an SUV or a car with a slightly higher clearance might be more comfortable, especially on less-maintained rural roads. Manual transmission cars are very common in Greece, but automatics are available, though they might be pricier.

Frequently asked questions