Renting a car in Greece can be one of the best ways to explore the country’s hidden beaches, mountain villages, and island roads at your own pace, but it also comes with a few quirks you’ll want to know before you book.
From insurance details and driving rules to choosing the right vehicle for narrow village streets, this guide breaks down everything you need to confidently rent a car and enjoy a smooth, stress-free road trip through Greece.
Benefits of Renting a Car in Greece
One of the biggest benefits is flexibility. You can set your own schedule, stop at viewpoints whenever you want, and reach beaches, mountain villages, and archaeological sites that buses often don’t go to. This is especially useful on the islands and in rural areas.
Even on the Greek islands, you will want to consider renting a car. Bus schedules can be limited on islands, and they do not always go to the places you want to visit. Not only can you visit any area you like, but you can also do so on your own schedule.
Public transportation on the mainland is trickier since the bus operators are all different companies, so finding out how to get from one town to another in advance is difficult. There are also places that are not served by the KTEL bus companies. Renting a car in Greece will let you make the most of your vacation time.
In the summer, having a rental car means you can travel in comfort with the air conditioning set to your preferred temperature. Many times, I have been on a Greek bus in the summer and sweating because the air conditioning wasn’t on or wasn’t working well enough.
Choosing the Right Car Rental Company
Greece has many options for renting a car. All the major car rental companies are represented here, including Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Avis, and Budget. There are also many local car rental companies. I have personally used both local companies and international brands here, and both have been excellent. Some international companies contract out to locals, so don’t be surprised if you end up with a local contract.
Another option is to use Discover Cars, which is a car rental aggregator. They have gathered all the rental car options and will present you with the best rate available. There are also independent reviews for the car rental agencies, so you can pick the right one for you. I used it for my trip to Thessaloniki, and it was so easy. I was driving within 30 minutes of picking up my bags.
Not all major brands have a branch in your location or contract with a local company, so it is important to read reviews of the local company before booking.
Popular Car Rental Locations
Almost every major city and popular island with an airport will have a car rental agency. In Athens, you can find car rental agencies at the airport and in the city center. However, I do not recommend renting a car in the city center of Athens, as driving and parking are difficult there. If you are driving out of Athens, don’t pick up the car until you are leaving, even if this means going back to the airport.
Other locations for renting a car that are popular are Heraklion, Chania, Santorini, and Mykonos. Not only will you be able to rent cars at the airports in these locations, but you can also rent them at the ports on these islands. Even the smaller islands will likely have a car rental agency at the port. However, a few will not have car rentals, so you will have to ask your hotel for advice on renting a car.
Some car rental agencies in Greece will meet you at the port or airport to pick up and drop off the car, especially if their offices are not near the port or airport. A few charge a fee for this, but some do not. I have found the fee worth it since I would have to pay to get there anyway.
Understanding Car Categories in Greece
In the larger areas, you should be able to rent any kind of vehicle you might need, from compact cars to passenger vans. However, keep in mind that if you are coming from the US, compact cars are very compact and often have room for only a few people and little luggage. If you will have more than two people and full-sized luggage, check that the car you choose will hold your group AND their luggage.
Also, make sure you book the right transmission for you. I cannot drive a manual transmission, so I need to rent an automatic transmission. While this has become less of an issue in recent years, some places (particularly small islands) may have limited automatic options or availability.
In my opinion, renting an automatic will be easier for you if you are driving in the mountains or on and off a ferry. Less shifting will mean less distraction. However, some automatic compact cars lack sufficient power to climb a steep mountain road. Make sure you check a small car’s horsepower before you rent it. (Ask me how I know!)
Essential Requirements for Renting a Car
Obviously, you will need a valid driver’s license to rent a car in Greece. However, you may also need an international driver’s license. In Greece, you do not need one if you have a valid license from the EU, EEA, UK, US, Japan, Canada, Australia, and a few others. This is a relatively recent change, so some places are still asking for it. You might want to play it safe.
Age Requirements and Surcharges
The legal age to rent a car in Greece is 21 years old. However, many car rental companies have their own policies and will require the driver to be 23 or 25 years old. It is best to check the company on their policies. Some will also charge a young driver fee if you are between 21-25.
In addition, some companies will not rent to senior drivers. I have seen the maximum age range from 70 to 75 and up. Some local vendors in Greece do not have this policy, so if you are older, you may want to check with them.
Car Rental Insurance Options
Greece requires mandatory insurance, which should be included in the rent fee. This covers the mandatory third-party liability insurance. You may want to consider opting to purchase more insurance when renting the car, which would cover the Collision Damage Waiver. It would cover any damage you incur, minus the deductible.
There are optional add-ons, such as Super Collision Damage Waiver, that would also cover the deductible, theft protection, and Personal Accident Insurance.
The cost of these additional coverage options is determined by the rental company, so make sure you ask how much they are. Sometimes you can book them when making the reservation, and sometimes when picking up the car.
One of my credit cards offers car insurance on rental cars, so check with your credit cards and your own car insurance to see if a rental car might be covered. This might save you some money.
Driving Tips and Regulations in Greece
In Greece, they drive on the right side of the road, with the steering wheel on the left side of the car. If you are visiting from countries like the UK, Australia, or New Zealand, it can take a little time to adjust. Pay extra attention when turning at intersections, entering roundabouts, and pulling out after parking, especially during your first day driving.
The legal blood alcohol limit in Greece is lower than in many countries, so it is best to avoid drinking if you plan to drive. Police checkpoints are common, particularly during holidays and summer weekends. Seatbelts are required for all passengers, and using a mobile phone while driving without a hands-free device is prohibited.
Many major highways in Greece are toll roads, including routes between Athens, Thessaloniki, and the Peloponnese. Most toll booths accept cash and cards, although carrying some small cash is still a good idea. Tolls can add up during longer road trips, so be sure to factor them into your budget. Make sure to enter the lanes made for cars without a toll tag.
Driving in Greece can feel more aggressive than in some other countries. Local drivers may speed, overtake frequently, or tailgate on narrower roads. On mountain roads and islands, you may also encounter sharp turns, scooters, goats, or cars parked unexpectedly along the roadside. Drive defensively, stay alert, and do not feel pressured to match the speed of local drivers.
If you plan to drive in Athens, try to avoid peak traffic times, especially weekday mornings and late afternoons. Traffic congestion can be stressful for first-time visitors, and parking in central neighborhoods is often difficult. Many travelers find it easier to pick up their rental car after leaving Athens or before heading to the mainland or islands.
Road Rules and Speed Limits
Speed limits in Greece are marked, but it is still important to know the standard limits before driving. In most urban and residential areas, the speed limit is typically 50 km/h (31 mph). On rural roads, the limit is usually around 90 km/h (56 mph), while on major highways and motorways it ranges from 110–130 km/h (68–81 mph).
Be aware that speed cameras and police checks are common on highways, particularly during busy holiday periods. Road conditions can also change quickly, especially in mountainous regions or on smaller islands where roads may be narrow or uneven. The speed limit often changes quickly as well.
Greek driving customs may feel different from what you are used to. Drivers sometimes run yellow lights, and it is not unusual to hear horns used as warnings rather than out of anger. In Athens, drivers are quick to honk at lights turning green as well, but don’t worry it is more of a “Hey, it turned green FYI!”
On multi-lane roads, slower vehicles often move partially onto the shoulder to allow faster cars to pass. While this may seem surprising at first, it is a common practice throughout Greece. Don’t feel pressure to maintain a high speed, pull over, and they will go around, even on a two-lane road!
Parking Information
Parking rules in Greece can vary by city, but many urban areas use color-coded parking zones. White lines generally indicate free parking, blue zones are usually paid parking for visitors, and yellow lines mean parking is prohibited. In some cities, residents-only parking zones are also enforced.
Parking in Athens
The color-coded zones are different in Athens. The blue zones are paid parking, which is usually hourly. The white zone is for residents only. The yellow lines are prohibited. Kolonaki is mostly residents only and they do ticket there.
If you must have a rental car in Athens, I recommend parking in a paid garage or parking lot. This will help you avoid the confusing parking rules and generally, parking is not expensive in Athens.
Fines
Illegal parking fines are common, especially in Athens and other busy tourist destinations. Cars parked illegally may receive tickets, have license plates removed, or even be towed. Avoid parking too close to intersections, blocking driveways, or leaving your car in areas without clearly marked spaces.
In popular towns and islands, parking can be limited during the summer. Arriving early in the day or choosing accommodations with private parking can make your trip much easier.
Gas Stations and Fueling Up
Gas stations are widely available throughout mainland Greece, although they can be less frequent in remote villages and smaller islands. In larger cities and along highways, many stations stay open late or operate 24 hours, but in rural areas some may close in the afternoon or on Sundays.
Most gas stations accept both cash and credit cards, though carrying some cash is helpful just in case. Full-service fueling is common in Greece, meaning an attendant will often pump the gas for you. I have yet to pump my own gas in Greece. If you don’t want it full, tell them a specific amount you want, such as €30.
If you are planning a road trip through mountainous regions or remote islands, avoid letting your fuel tank get too low. Stations may be far apart, especially outside major tourist areas. You will also need to return the car with the same amount of fuel it had when you return it.
Planning Your Greek Road Trip
If you are traveling during summer or around holidays, reserving your rental car in advance is highly recommended. Prices tend to increase closer to travel dates, and automatic vehicles are especially limited in Greece.
One-way rentals can also be a great option if you plan to explore multiple regions without returning to your starting point. For example, many travelers pick up a car in Athens and drop it off in Thessaloniki or another major city. However, the cost of this is much higher.
Planning your driving routes ahead of time can save both time and stress. Greece has incredible scenery, but mountain roads and ferry schedules can slow travel more than expected. Booking accommodations in advance during peak season is also a smart idea, particularly on popular islands and in smaller villages.
Top Destinations to Explore
Renting a car gives you the freedom to experience parts of Greece that are difficult to reach by public transportation. Some of the best places to explore by car include:
- Crete — Perfect for discovering beaches, mountain villages, and archaeological sites at your own pace.
- Meteora — Driving allows you to visit multiple monasteries and scenic viewpoints easily.
- Santorini — A car or ATV makes it easier to reach quieter beaches and sunset spots outside of Oia.
- Nafplio — One of the most charming small cities in Greece and a great base for exploring ancient ruins nearby.
- Peloponnese — Ideal for road trips filled with beaches, historic sites, wineries, and mountain towns.
Having your own vehicle allows you to stop at hidden beaches, local tavernas, and scenic viewpoints that many tourists never see.
Taking a Rental Car on the Greek Ferry
If you plan to take your rental car on a ferry, always confirm permission with the rental company first. Some companies prohibit ferry travel entirely, while others may allow it only with additional insurance coverage. In many cases, standard insurance policies do not fully cover damage that occurs while the vehicle is on a ferry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renting a Car
Before signing your rental agreement, carefully review what insurance coverage is included. Basic coverage often comes with a high deductible, which could leave you responsible for significant costs in the event of damage.
Many travelers choose additional coverage for peace of mind, especially when driving on narrow island roads or in busy cities. It is also important to inspect the car thoroughly before leaving the rental lot and take photos of any existing scratches or dents.
Another common mistake is ignoring fuel policies, mileage limits, or ferry restrictions listed in the rental terms. Reading the fine print can help you avoid unexpected fees later.
Final Thoughts on Renting a Car in Greece
Renting a car in Greece is one of the best ways to experience the country beyond the typical tourist routes. From mountain villages and hidden beaches to ancient ruins and scenic coastal drives, having your own vehicle gives you flexibility and freedom throughout your trip.
With a little preparation and an understanding of local driving customs, renting a car in Greece can be safe, affordable, and incredibly rewarding. Use this guide to compare options, understand the rules, and confidently plan your Greek road trip adventure.
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