Car rental in Athens airport

Greece is a captivating country filled with ancient monuments and lively modern cities. Its vibrant and colourful capital, Athens, offers a unique charm best experienced when exploring by car.

Car rental services are extremely popular among visitors to Greece for several important reasons:

1. Many signs in Athens Metro are predominantly in Greek, which can make navigation confusing for tourists.
2. Bus tours typically cost around €16 per person but only cover main tourist attractions on fixed routes, limiting flexibility.

Having a rental car allows you to explore Athens from a local perspective, granting you the freedom to visit places at your own pace and according to your interests.

With your own vehicle, you can conveniently drive to Monastiraki Square to store your shopping in the trunk. Afterwards, enjoy a snack at one of the city’s bakeries, visit the fountain at Syntagma Square, and explore notable sites such as Iliou Melathron (the Numismatic Museum of Athens) and the Old Royal Palace. A short drive can take you to the Arch of Hadrian and the impressive Temple of Olympian Zeus.

If you are staying in Athens or its surrounding suburbs, having a car is essential, especially since some of the best beaches are located about 20 km from the city center, making them easily accessible by car.

Popular Cities for Renting Cars in Greece

Car Rental Prices in Athens

The average price for renting a car for one day in Athens is calculated based on bookings over the past three years, covering various car categories. This gives potential renters a reliable estimate for budgeting their trip.

To rent a car in Greece, you will need:

• A valid foreign passport
• A driving license of category “B”
• A bank card for payment

Third-Party Liability Insurance (TPL) is included in the rental cost when hiring vehicles in Greece. Additionally, many cars come with Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance. Note that all types of insurance require a deposit or franchise.

Booking your rental car online via our website is both quick and secure.

We provide:

• Access to affordable rental cars from local companies
• A transparent pricing policy with full cost details clearly shown on the booking page
• Delivery of the rental car to your location in Athens or directly to the airport at your arrival time

Demand for Car Rentals in Athens

The demand for rental cars in Athens varies throughout the year. August is typically the peak month when most vehicles are rented out, resulting in limited availability. Higher occupancy rates mean it’s advisable to book your car well in advance to secure the best choices and prices.

Athens is architecturally diverse and may appear somewhat chaotic, resembling a complex arrangement of LEGO bricks across the hills. However, navigation is facilitated by bilingual signs in Greek and English, and locals are generally willing to provide directions in English.

It is helpful to pick up a free map from stands labeled “FREE” found at tourist spots to avoid getting lost.

Driving in Athens is not overly difficult. Although heavy traffic, close proximity of vehicles, and numerous motorbikes can be challenging, the city benefits from well-maintained roads, clear markings, and respectful drivers. The police are known to be polite and helpful.

Before driving, familiarize yourself with the local traffic regulations to ensure a safe experience.

Parking areas are clearly indicated with a “P” sign. On-street parking spaces are marked with white lines, while blue or yellow zones are restricted and should be avoided.

Most parking spots have a time limit of three hours and parking fees range from €0.5 to €6. Parking meter cards can be purchased at kiosks for convenience.

Underground parking facilities are available near markets and tourist attractions, staffed by attendants who can assist you. These usually cost about €25 per day.

Park and ride options near metro stations offer secure parking at roughly half the price of underground garages and generally have available spaces.

Mobile phone coverage in Greece is excellent, with three main providers: Cosmote, Vodafone, and Wind. While coverage and rates are generally similar across providers, Cosmote and Vodafone are more popular among Greeks. If you need a local SIM card for calls, choosing one of these two providers may offer better local call rates.