Car rental providers available through the comparison search

Car Hire in Greece: What to Know Before You Drive

Once you have collected your car, use this guide for Greek speed limits, motorway tolls, Athens traffic restrictions, island and mountain roads, parking, winter conditions and the road rules that matter on a trip through Greece.

Airport, city and island locations
Search collection points across Greece
Clear offer details
Price, fuel, mileage, deposit and rental terms
Flexible cancellation
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up

Before you leave the rental car park

Driving conditions in Greece range from modern motorways to narrow island streets and steep mountain roads. A few checks before departure can make the journey considerably easier.

  • Confirm the fuel type: check whether the vehicle uses petrol, diesel, electricity or another fuel.
  • Find the controls: locate the lights, indicators, wipers, hazard lights, demister and parking brake.
  • Check existing damage: make sure visible damage is recorded and consider taking your own photographs.
  • Check the spare or repair kit: know what is supplied and where it is stored.
  • Ask about tolls: confirm whether an electronic toll device is fitted or whether you should pay tolls directly.
  • Ferry trip planned: check that taking the vehicle on a ferry and onto the intended island is permitted by the rental agreement.
  • Save roadside-assistance details: keep the rental provider's assistance number accessible.

Drive on the right

Traffic drives on the right in Greece and vehicles normally overtake on the left.

  • Keep right: return to the right after overtaking when it is safe to do so.
  • Visitors used to left-hand traffic: take extra care after turns and when leaving fuel stations or parking areas.
  • Motorways: do not remain unnecessarily in the overtaking lane.
  • Island roads: expect narrow sections, parked vehicles, scooters and limited visibility around bends.
  • Rural roads: be prepared for agricultural vehicles and animals.

Speed limits in Greece

Under Greece's current Road Traffic Code, the general maximum limits for an ordinary passenger car are:

  • Built-up areas: generally 30 km/h.
  • Specified wider urban roads: generally 50 km/h where the conditions in the Road Traffic Code are met, unless signs state otherwise.
  • Other roads outside built-up areas: generally 90 km/h.
  • Expressways: generally 110 km/h.
  • Motorways: generally 130 km/h.

Posted signs can set a different limit, so always follow local signage.

The general urban speed limit changed in 2026

Greece's new Road Traffic Code reduced the general limit in built-up areas to 30 km/h from 1 January 2026. This is an important change because many older travel guides still quote 50 km/h as the general urban limit.

  • The general built-up-area limit is 30 km/h unless another limit is indicated.
  • A 50 km/h general limit remains for certain wider urban roads, including qualifying multi-lane roads and roads with a central divider.
  • Local signs can impose a different limit.
  • Slow down further where pedestrians, scooters, parked vehicles or poor visibility make the legal maximum inappropriate.

Many Greek motorways charge tolls

Greece uses toll plazas on many major motorway routes. There is no single nationwide passenger-car vignette: charges are collected on the relevant motorway sections.

  • Toll prices depend on the motorway, toll station and vehicle category.
  • Mainline and ramp toll plazas are used on different parts of the network.
  • Payment methods vary by operator and location, with cash, cards and electronic transponders available on many routes.
  • Use the lane that matches your intended payment method.
  • Keep toll receipts until the journey and rental billing are fully settled.

Check the Athens traffic restriction zone before driving centrally

Central Athens has a traffic restriction scheme known as the Daktylios. When the annual measure is in force, access for many vehicles is controlled according to the final digit of the registration number, with exemptions and permits for qualifying vehicles.

  • The operating period is set on an annual basis.
  • When the alternating system applies, odd-numbered plates are matched with odd-numbered dates and even-numbered plates with even-numbered dates.
  • Certain cleaner vehicles can qualify for unrestricted entry with the appropriate permit.
  • Rental-car exemptions or documentation requirements can depend on the current annual decision.
  • Check the current official Athens or gov.gr information before driving into the restricted central area.

Driving in Athens

  • Expect dense traffic, motorcycles and scooters filtering through queues.
  • Check the Daktylios rules before entering central Athens.
  • Watch for bus lanes and road restrictions.
  • Allow additional time when returning a rental car near Athens Airport or during peak traffic periods.
  • For central sightseeing, parking once and continuing on foot or public transport can be simpler than moving the car repeatedly.

Athens controlled parking

The City of Athens operates controlled parking zones for residents, visitors and special uses.

  • Visitor spaces operate Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 21:00 and Saturday from 09:00 to 16:00.
  • Visitor parking can be purchased for periods from 30 minutes up to a maximum of three hours.
  • Resident and special-use spaces have different restrictions, so check the colour and sign before parking.
  • AthensWay is the city's current official mobility and parking service.

Island driving can be very different from the mainland

A hire car can be extremely useful on larger Greek islands, but roads away from the main towns can be narrow, steep and winding.

  • Expect scooters, quad bikes, pedestrians and parked vehicles, particularly in busy resorts.
  • Reduce speed before blind bends and narrow sections.
  • Do not assume two vehicles can comfortably pass on every village road.
  • Check whether a route includes an unsealed road before relying on navigation software.
  • Rental agreements can restrict use on unpaved roads.

Check the rental agreement before taking the car on a ferry

Ferry travel is a normal part of transport in Greece, but permission to take a rental vehicle by sea depends on the individual rental company's terms.

  • Confirm that ferry transport is permitted before booking a vehicle crossing.
  • Check whether prior written permission is required.
  • Confirm how insurance and roadside assistance apply while the car is on another island.
  • Check whether the car must be returned to the original island or collection location.
  • Allow extra time at the port for vehicle check-in and loading.

Mountain roads

  • Greece has substantial mountainous terrain on the mainland and on several islands.
  • Expect steep gradients, hairpin bends and changing road widths.
  • Reduce speed before bends and use an appropriate gear on long descents.
  • Fuel stations can be less frequent away from major towns.
  • Check weather and road conditions before longer winter journeys.

Snow and anti-skid equipment

  • Snow and ice can affect northern Greece and higher mountain routes during winter.
  • Police can require vehicles to carry or use snow chains or equivalent anti-skid equipment when conditions demand it.
  • Vehicles fitted with qualifying winter tyres may be treated differently under individual traffic orders.
  • If travelling in affected areas, check current police and Civil Protection notices before departure.

Summer heat changes how you should plan the journey

Greek summer temperatures can be high, especially away from coastal areas and during heatwaves.

  • Carry drinking water on longer journeys.
  • Do not leave children or animals unattended in a parked vehicle.
  • Check the fuel or battery level before travelling into remote areas.
  • Avoid parking on dry vegetation where a hot exhaust or other heat source could create a fire risk.
  • Follow Civil Protection instructions during periods of extreme heat or wildfire danger.

Drink-driving limits

The general blood-alcohol limit for most drivers is 0.5 g/L.

  • A lower limit of 0.2 g/L applies to novice, professional, motorcycle and moped drivers.
  • Police carry out alcohol enforcement.
  • Penalties increase at higher alcohol levels.
  • Do not treat the legal threshold as a safe drinking target.
  • The simplest approach with a rental car is not to drink before driving.

Mobile phones and distractions

  • Do not hold and use a mobile phone while driving.
  • Set navigation before moving.
  • Use a suitable hands-free arrangement where permitted.
  • Stop somewhere legal and safe if you need to make substantial route changes.

Seat belts and child restraints

  • Seat belts must be worn where fitted, subject to limited legal exceptions.
  • Children must use an appropriate restraint where required.
  • Arrange any child seat when booking the rental car.
  • Check the restraint is fitted correctly before leaving the branch.

Driving licence requirements for visitors

Licence requirements depend on where the licence was issued.

  • EU licences: a valid licence issued by an EU country can be used in Greece.
  • Irish licence: a valid Irish driving licence is an EU licence and can be used in Greece.
  • Non-EU licences: recognition and any International Driving Permit requirements depend on the issuing country and circumstances.
  • An International Driving Permit does not replace the underlying national licence where both are required.
  • Rental providers can impose their own minimum age, documentation and licence-holding requirements.

Check the rental terms before leaving Greece

A mainland itinerary can bring you close to Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria or Turkey, but crossing a border in a rental car normally requires specific permission.

  • Confirm that every country on your itinerary is permitted.
  • Check whether a cross-border charge applies.
  • Confirm that insurance and roadside assistance remain valid.
  • Documentation, toll and vignette rules change when you cross the border.
  • Keep any rental-company authorisation required for international travel.

Greek trips where a hire car can be particularly useful

Crete

A car is useful for linking beaches, mountain villages, archaeological sites and smaller towns beyond the main north coast transport routes.

Rhodes

Driving gives flexibility for Lindos, the east and west coasts, inland villages and beaches away from Rhodes Town.

Peloponnese

Ancient sites, coastal towns, mountain villages and beaches are spread across a large area and work well as a road trip.

Northern Greece

A hire car can be useful for combining Thessaloniki with Halkidiki, mountain areas, lakes and destinations away from the main intercity network.

Mainland mountains and Meteora

A car provides flexibility for smaller towns and countryside, but mountain weather and winter road conditions need careful attention.

If you are involved in an accident

  • Stop safely and switch on the hazard warning lights.
  • Check whether anyone requires medical assistance.
  • Call the emergency services if necessary.
  • Contact the rental provider promptly.
  • Record relevant driver, vehicle and insurance information.
  • Photograph the scene where it is safe to do so.

Emergency numbers in Greece

  • European emergency number: 112
  • Police: 100
  • Medical emergency / EKAB: 166
  • Fire service: 199
  • Coast guard: 108

For an ordinary rental-car breakdown, use the roadside-assistance service specified in the rental agreement.

Before returning the hire car

  • Confirm the exact branch, airport or port return location.
  • Refuel or recharge according to the rental agreement.
  • Keep the final fuel receipt if required.
  • Allow additional time for traffic around Athens, Thessaloniki and busy island airports or ferry ports.
  • Remove personal belongings and check the glovebox, door pockets and luggage area.
  • Consider photographing the vehicle, mileage and fuel level at return.
  • Keep the rental paperwork until the deposit or card pre-authorisation has been released.

About Car Hire Trawler

Car Hire Trawler is an independent car hire comparison website. The search and booking journey is powered by CarTrawler, with vehicles supplied by the rental provider selected when booking.

Frequently asked questions about driving a hire car in Greece

Which side of the road do you drive on in Greece?

Traffic drives on the right and vehicles normally overtake on the left.

What are the speed limits in Greece?

For an ordinary passenger car, the general urban limit is 30 km/h, with 50 km/h applying on specified wider urban roads unless signs state otherwise. Outside built-up areas the general limits are 90 km/h on other roads, 110 km/h on expressways and 130 km/h on motorways.

Are Greek motorways tolled?

Many major motorway routes are tolled. Charges depend on the operator, toll station and vehicle category, and payment methods vary between toll plazas.

Does Athens have an odd-even traffic restriction?

Athens uses the Daktylios traffic restriction scheme when the annual measure is in force. The operating dates, hours, exemptions and permit arrangements are set periodically, so check the current official information before driving into the central restricted area.

Can I take a rental car on a ferry in Greece?

It depends on the rental company's terms. Confirm ferry transport, insurance, roadside assistance and any island restrictions before booking the vehicle onto a ferry.

Can I drive in Greece with an Irish driving licence?

Yes. A valid Irish driving licence is an EU licence and can be used in Greece, subject to the normal validity and vehicle category conditions.

Official and reliable driving information for Greece

Speed limits, motorway tolls, Athens traffic restrictions and weather-related road measures can change. The links below were checked when this page was reviewed.

Last reviewed: 25 September 2026.