Hiring a Car in Greece: A Comprehensive Guide
Greece is one of Europe’s most rewarding countries for a self-drive holiday. With a rental car, you can move beyond the main cities, airports and ferry ports to explore archaeological sites, mountain villages, coastal roads, quieter beaches, monasteries, olive groves and regional towns at your own pace. That flexibility is especially useful if you want to combine famous destinations with scenic stops that are awkward to reach by bus or limited public transport.
Renting a car in Greece makes it much easier to plan a proper road trip, whether that means touring the Peloponnese from Athens, driving north to Delphi and Meteora, exploring Epirus and Zagori, travelling between Thessaloniki and Halkidiki, or discovering the inland landscapes of larger islands such as Crete, Corfu and Rhodes. It is also a great way to visit beaches, mountain roads, family-run tavernas, archaeological sites and rural accommodation on your own schedule.
Driving in Greece can vary a lot by region. Motorways and major mainland roads are usually straightforward, but city traffic can be busy, parking can be tight, and roads in villages, mountains and on islands are often narrower and more winding. Good planning, a sensible car choice and allowing extra time all make a big difference.
Why hire a car in Greece?
A rental car gives you far more flexibility than relying only on buses and ferries, especially if you want to visit beaches, archaeological sites, monasteries, mountain scenery, regional food spots and rural accommodation. It also makes airport arrivals easier, allows early starts, lets you carry luggage without stress, and helps you explore destinations where public transport is limited, seasonal or time consuming.
Requirements for renting a car
Driver’s license
All visitors must have a valid driving license from their home country. Many rental companies accept overseas licenses as long as they are current and easy to read, but IDP requirements vary depending on the country that issued your license and the rental company’s own rules. If your license is not in the Roman alphabet, or if your provider requests it, bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) together with your original license. Some providers may also require that you have held your license for at least one year.
Age requirement
Drivers are typically required to be at least 21 years old, depending on the supplier and vehicle type. Many companies charge a young driver supplement for those under 25. Premium cars, larger SUVs and people carriers may have stricter age rules.
Credit card
A credit card in the main driver’s name is normally required to secure the booking and deposit. Deposit amounts vary by provider, vehicle category, rental location and insurance level, so always check the terms before travel.
Passport or ID
A valid passport or, where applicable, a national identity card is required for verification. Make sure the name matches your license and payment card to avoid problems at the rental desk.
Where to pick up your rental car in Greece
The easiest and most popular collection points are Greece’s major airports, city hubs and island gateways. Athens International Airport is the top starting point for mainland routes, the Peloponnese and central Greece. Thessaloniki Airport is ideal for northern Greece, Halkidiki and mountain regions, while Heraklion, Chania, Rhodes, Corfu, Kos and Zakynthos are all excellent pick-up points for island driving. You will also find city-centre branches and hotel-area collection points in many major tourist destinations.
Popular pick-up regions for road trips:
- Athens: Peloponnese, Delphi and central Greece
- Thessaloniki: Halkidiki, Mount Olympus and northern routes
- Heraklion or Chania: Crete beaches, mountains and coastal drives
- Corfu: island villages, beaches and scenic west coast routes
- Rhodes: beach drives, old towns and eastern coast touring
- Patras or Kalamata: Peloponnese road trips and southern mainland itineraries
Choosing the right car for Greece
A compact or economy car is often the best choice for Greece, especially if you plan to drive through older towns, use hotel parking, negotiate village streets or visit islands where roads can be narrow. For longer mainland routes, however, comfort, luggage space and motorway stability can matter more than choosing the smallest car.
- Cities and islands: economy and compact cars are easier to park and better suited to narrower roads.
- Mainland road trips: a mid-size car can be more comfortable for longer distances and motorway driving.
- Families and beach holidays: choose extra luggage space if you are carrying suitcases, buggies or beach equipment.
- Mountain regions: if you are heading into inland or winter areas, choose a vehicle that feels stable and capable on steeper roads and bends.
Automatic cars are available but can be more expensive and may sell out earlier in peak summer periods, so book early if you do not drive a manual.
Car rental costs
Car type: Small economy cars often start at around €20 to €50 per day in quieter periods, while compact SUVs, automatics and mid-size vehicles are commonly around €40 to €95 per day. Larger family cars, premium vehicles and peak-summer rentals can cost significantly more, especially on popular islands.
Seasonal variations: Greece has very strong seasonal demand. Prices often rise sharply from late spring through early autumn, especially in July and August, as well as around Easter and school holiday periods. Booking early is especially important for island destinations.
Location costs: Airport locations are usually the most convenient but may include extra fees. Resort and island branches can also be more expensive in peak season, particularly where supply is limited.
Rental duration: Weekly rentals often offer better value than booking day by day. If you are planning a one-way trip, such as Athens to Thessaloniki or Athens to Kalamata, check one-way fees before you confirm.
Insurance and deposits: what to expect
Car hire in Greece usually includes basic cover, with optional upgrades that reduce your excess. Before accepting extra protection, check exactly what is included, what the excess is, and whether tyres, glass, mirrors, roof or underbody damage are excluded.
- CDW or LDW: often included, but usually with an excess.
- Theft protection: commonly included or offered as part of the package.
- Tyres, glass and undercarriage: often excluded from basic cover, so check carefully before travel.
- Deposit hold: blocked on the main driver’s credit card and released after the car is returned.
Take photos or video of the car at both pick-up and drop-off, including wheels, bumpers, roofline, mirrors, windscreen and the interior. This is especially useful on islands and at busy summer airport branches where collections can feel rushed.
Toll roads, fuel and ferry travel in Greece
Greece has a modern motorway network on much of the mainland, and many major routes are tolled. This includes roads around Athens and several long-distance mainland motorways. Toll payment methods vary by route, but cash, card and electronic systems are widely used.
Fuel is widely available across mainland Greece and in major island destinations. Petrol and diesel are easy to find in and around Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Heraklion and other popular centres. On more remote routes and on smaller islands, stations may close earlier or be less frequent, so do not leave refuelling until the last minute.
If you plan to take your rental car on a ferry, always check the rental terms before booking. Some suppliers allow ferry travel only with advance written approval, some restrict certain islands, and others do not allow it at all.
Driving tips in Greece
Speed limits
Standard speed limits are typically 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on many non-urban roads, and up to 130 km/h on motorways unless signs state otherwise. Always follow local signs, as limits can change by road type and conditions.
Traffic rules
Always drive on the right-hand side of the road. Seat belts are mandatory, and mobile phone use is not allowed while driving unless it is fully hands-free. At unmarked intersections, local priority rules can be important, so stay alert, especially in towns and villages.
Parking
Paid parking zones are common in cities and tourist areas. Historic centres and island towns can have very limited street parking, narrow access roads, resident-only areas or seasonal restrictions. Hotel parking or private car parks are often the simplest option.
Road quality
Greece’s motorways are generally comfortable and straightforward, but secondary roads can be narrower, more winding and slower, especially in mountain areas, villages and on islands. Build extra time into your plans rather than relying only on map estimates.
Mountain and island driving
Rural Greece often involves steep climbs, sharp bends and narrower shoulders. On islands, roads may be busy near resorts yet very narrow in villages. Drive defensively, use lower speeds on blind bends, and avoid arriving in unfamiliar places after dark if possible.
Busy travel periods
Summer weekends, Easter, school holidays and ferry changeover days can bring heavy traffic around Athens, Thessaloniki, the Peloponnese and major islands. Start early and allow extra time, especially when heading to airports or ports.
Practical driving advice and safety
- Documents: keep your license, passport or ID, and rental papers easy to access.
- Tolls: keep some payment flexibility available, as major mainland routes may include toll stations.
- City driving: expect heavier traffic around Athens and Thessaloniki, especially at peak hours.
- Island driving: roads can be narrow, winding and slower than expected, especially near villages and beaches.
- Ferry travel: check your rental agreement before taking the car between islands or from the mainland to an island.
- Alcohol: Greece applies a blood alcohol limit of 0.05% BAC for most drivers. A lower limit applies to novice, motorbike and some professional drivers. The safest approach is not to drink at all before driving.
- Driving with children: proper child restraints are required where applicable, so request a child seat in advance if you need one.
- Emergency number in Greece: 112.
What to carry in the car
Check that your rental car includes the basic safety equipment commonly expected for driving in Greece, such as a warning triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and the rental provider’s emergency contact details. It is also sensible to have water, charged phones and sun protection during the hotter months, especially for long mainland or island drives.
Great Greece road trips to plan with a rental car
- Athens to Nafplio to Monemvasia: a rewarding Peloponnese route with coast, history and beautiful old towns.
- Athens to Delphi to Meteora: one of Greece’s best mainland itineraries for archaeology, mountain scenery and monasteries.
- Thessaloniki to Halkidiki: ideal for beaches, resorts and easy coastal driving.
- Ioannina to Zagori: a memorable northwest route for mountain villages, stone bridges and dramatic landscapes.
- Heraklion to Rethymno to Chania: a classic Crete route with beaches, food and attractive old towns.
- Rhodes Town to Lindos: one of the best short island drives for sea views, beaches and historic stops.
If you are planning a one-way trip, ferry transfer or multi-region itinerary, check drop-off fees, ferry permission rules and any island restrictions before booking.
Frequently asked questions about car hire in Greece
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Greece?
Many visitors can rent with a valid full driving license from their home country, but IDP requirements vary depending on the country that issued your license and the rental company’s own rules. If your license is not in the Roman alphabet, or if your provider requests it, bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) together with your original license.
Which side of the road do drivers use in Greece?
Drivers in Greece use the right-hand side of the road.
Are there toll roads in Greece?
Yes. Many major motorways in mainland Greece are tolled, including routes around Athens and several long-distance highways. Payment methods vary by road, but cash, card and electronic systems are widely used.
Is it worth hiring a car in Greece?
Yes, especially for mainland Greece, the Peloponnese, mountain villages, beaches, archaeological sites and regional destinations that are harder to reach efficiently by public transport. A rental car is also very useful on larger islands such as Crete, Corfu and Rhodes.
What fuel is available in Greece?
Petrol and diesel are widely available throughout Greece, including in Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Heraklion and major tourist islands. In remote areas and on smaller islands, stations may keep shorter opening hours, so it is wise to refuel early.
Is it easy to drive in Greece?
Driving in Greece is generally manageable, especially on main motorways. Visitors should be prepared for city traffic, tighter parking, narrower village streets, mountain bends and slower island roads in some areas.
What are the driving age limits for renting a car?
Minimum ages vary by provider, but many rental companies require drivers to be at least 21. A young driver surcharge often applies under 25, and some larger or premium vehicles may have higher age requirements.
Can I take a rental car on a ferry in Greece?
Sometimes, but it depends on the rental company and the terms of your booking. Ferry travel often needs advance approval, and some suppliers restrict it altogether. Always confirm before you book if you plan to island-hop with the vehicle.
What are the drink-driving rules in Greece?
Greece applies a blood alcohol limit of 0.05% BAC for most drivers. A lower limit applies to novice, motorbike and certain professional drivers. The safest choice is not to drink at all if you plan to drive.
When should I return my rental car before my flight?
Aim to arrive at the rental return area at least 30 to 60 minutes before your scheduled departure. Allow extra time at busy airports such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion and Chania during peak summer periods.