It’s easy to get started: use the search form above to find the perfect car hire in Greece. Choose your pick-up location whether it’s a major hub like Athens Airport (ATH), Thessaloniki, or popular islands like Crete (Heraklion) or Santorini then select your dates and hit “Search.” In seconds, we’ll show you real-time offers from 50+ trusted rental companies in Greece (including Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and reliable local firms). Filter by car type (mini, sedan, SUV, luxury, van, etc.), price range, or supplier as needed. You can even specify automatic transmission if you prefer (helpful, since many cars in Greece are manual). Once you see a deal you like, booking is just a few clicks with no upfront payment required for most reservations. Reserve now, pay at pick-up, and enjoy free cancellation on most cars if needed. Don’t wait summer is peak season in Greece and the best deals get snapped up early. Book today with AirportVanRental and rest assured your Greek rental car will be ready and waiting, so you can hit the road and start your adventure the moment you arrive!
From the ancient ruins of Athens and Delphi to the sun-soaked beaches of Crete and Santorini, Greece is a destination best explored with the flexibility of your own car. By renting a car, you can create your very own Greek odyssey no relying on infrequent buses or expensive tours. Picture this: one day you’re winding through mountain roads to discover a hidden hilltop monastery, the next you’re cruising a coastal highway with the Aegean glittering beside you, stopping spontaneously at charming villages or seaside tavernas. With AirportVanRental, you’ll find the cheapest rates in EUR on a wide selection of vehicles, so you can travel Greece on your schedule and budget. Our platform connects you with top local and international suppliers, ensuring you get a quality vehicle whether it’s a compact for Athens’ streets or a 9-seater van for a family island-hopping trip. And all along, we emphasize transparent pricing (no hidden fees) and the convenience of free cancellation in case your plans change. Ready to discover Greece’s history, cuisine, and landscape your way? With your own rental car, you can dive into Greece’s rich culture from the Acropolis to remote olive groves at your own pace, on your own terms.
Reach Every Corner of History: Greece’s treasures aren’t just in Athens they’re spread across the mainland and islands, often in places hard to get to with public transport. With a rental car, you can easily reach remote archaeological sites, mountain villages, and secluded beaches that tours and buses don’t cover. Want to explore the ancient theater of Epidaurus in the morning and be sipping wine in a Nemea vineyard by afternoon? With a car, it’s doable on the same day. You can drive to Mycenae or Meteora monasteries on your own schedule, discovering hidden gems along the way, instead of being limited to tour timetables.
Ultimate Flexibility for Island Hopping: Greece has hundreds of islands, and while ferries connect many, getting around once there is much easier with a car. By renting, you can take your car on many island ferries (Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, etc.) or rent separate cars on each island either way, you’re free to explore beyond the main port or tourist town. On Crete, for instance, a car lets you drive from Heraklion to the pink sands of Elafonissi Beach, or into the White Mountains for hiking, at your leisure. On Santorini, you can escape the crowded caldera towns and drive to authentic villages or quieter volcanic beaches. Buses on islands can be infrequent; a car guarantees you won’t miss that spectacular sunset at a secluded viewpoint because you’re waiting for a ride.
No More Tour Buses and Crowds: Some of Greece’s best moments happen off the beaten path. With your own car, you can beat the crowds to popular spots or find your own secret locations. Imagine arriving at the ancient ruins of Delphi early, before the tour buses, strolling among the temples in the morning calm then leisurely driving down to the seaside town of Galaxidi for a fresh seafood lunch. Or picture pulling off the road in Zakynthos to stumble upon a tiny cove where you’re the only swimmer. These serendipitous experiences are only possible when you have the freedom of a vehicle. You decide when to start the day (maybe sleep in after enjoying Greek nightlife!) and when to move on to the next sight. No strict schedules, no rushing through sites it’s travel at your own pace.
Efficient for Families & Groups: If you’re traveling with family or a group of friends, a rental car (or a couple of cars) can be a game-changer. In cities, it means not having to wrangle everyone on and off crowded public buses or metros. For multi-stop itineraries, it saves the headache of coordinating train schedules or paying for numerous taxis. For example, a family staying in Athens can easily do day trips to Corinth, Nafplio, or Cape Sounion in a rental car, which would be more complicated by train or tour. Plus, you can carry all your beach gear, strollers, or snacks in the car instead of lugging them around. Splitting the cost of a car or van between 4 or 5 people also often works out cheaper per person than buying individual bus or tour tickets to various places more comfort for less money.
Scenic Drives and Spontaneous Detours: Greece offers some incredibly scenic drives and with a car, you can actually enjoy them, not just whiz by on a train. Drive the coastal road of the Athens to Sounion route at sunset, the Aegean on one side and mountains on the other. Or tackle the winding roads of the Pelion Peninsula, where forests meet the sea and charming villages like Tsagarada and Makrinitsa invite a stop. See a sign for a winery, a pottery workshop, or a panoramic lookout? With a car, you can take that spur-of-the-moment detour. Some of the most memorable vacation moments happen when you follow an interesting sign or your curiosity something organized tours rarely allow. In Greece, every region has local specialties (think cheese, olive oil, wine) having a car lets you venture to that family-run vineyard or olive press for a tasting that will be a highlight of your trip.
Our Greece Car Rental Benefits
Booking your Greek car hire through AirportVanRental isn’t just convenient it also comes with distinct advantages that ensure you get great value and peace of mind:
One-Stop Comparison of multiple suppliers: Greece has many rental companies from big names to local providers on each island. Instead of checking prices on multiple sites, AVR brings them all together. In one search, you’ll see offerings from international brands and trusted local companies (often family-owned agencies with great service). This expansive network means more vehicle choices if one company is sold out of automatics, another might have some; if you need a 7-seater van in a smaller city, you’re likely to find it here. We also include specialty suppliers for unique needs (like Jeep Wranglers for rugged island roads or luxury Mercedes for business trips). And crucially, you can read real customer reviews of these suppliers on our platform, so you know who’s reliable. The result: you can confidently choose the best deal without worrying if there was a better option elsewhere we’ve done the comparison homework for you.
Best Price Guarantee & Euro Savings: We’re committed to getting you the lowest rates. Our system constantly checks for any special promotions like early-booking discounts, long-term rental deals, or off-season sales and we pass those savings to you. Prices are shown in Euro (€) by default (no confusing currency conversions), so if you’re budgeting in euros for your Greek trip, you’ll see exactly what you’ll pay. Found a cheaper quote for the same car and terms on another site? Let us know with our Best Rate Guarantee, we’ll strive to match it. Plus, when you book through AVR, we immediately lock in your rate car rental prices can creep up as your trip dates near (especially in peak summer), but having a confirmed booking ensures you’re insulated from those increases. Many customers also appreciate that we clearly state the inclusion of required fees (like VAT, road taxes, or airport surcharges) upfront. The price you see is the price you pay at the desk no last-minute “location fees” surprises. Transparency is part of our best price commitment.
Free Cancellation & Pay-at-Pickup: Travel plans can be unpredictable and we get that. Most rentals we offer in Greece come with a free cancellation policy. Decided to ferry to Naxos instead of drive around the mainland? No problem as long as you cancel within the specified window (often 48 hours before pickup), you won’t be charged a penny. Furthermore, many of our bookings require no prepayment you reserve now and only pay when you pick up the car. This not only gives you flexibility if things change, it also protects your wallet no large deposits far in advance. You typically provide card details to secure the booking, but the charge (if any) is made by the rental counter in Greece when you arrive. We believe this policy, combined with free cancellation, makes the rental experience low-risk for you. You can take advantage of early low rates, lock in multiple reservations (for example, if you aren’t sure which island you’ll want a car on), and finalize later without worry.
Local Customer Support & Roadside Assistance: Renting through AVR means you have a whole support team behind you, not just a rental desk agent. If you have questions or need to modify your booking, our customer service is a call or email away and we provide support in English (as well as other languages) so you can communicate easily. Once on the road in Greece, if something comes up say you arrive and the type of car you booked isn’t available, or you experience a breakdown we can liaise with the supplier to sort it out. All rentals include basic roadside assistance from the supplier (and we’ll list any extended roadside coverage options available to purchase). We also clearly present insurance options and terms. Driving in a foreign country can be daunting regarding insurance but we explain what’s included (usually basic CDW with an excess) and offer additional zero-excess coverage if you want full peace of mind. When you pick up the car, you won’t face hard-sell tactics because you’ll already know what you have or need.
Hyper-Localized Options (Mainland & Islands): Greece is unique because renting on an island like Santorini is different from renting on the mainland. We account for that. Our site lets you search specific locations not just big cities, but also airports, ferry ports, and even popular resort towns. Want a car in Mykonos delivered to your hotel? Some local partners do that and we include those options (with any delivery fee clearly noted). Want to pick up in Athens and drop off in Thessaloniki? We show one-way rentals and the associated drop fee, if any. Essentially, we’ve fine-tuned our offerings to the Greek context: including smaller vendors who operate only on certain islands, detailing which rentals permit inter-island ferry use, etc. And all these options come with the reliability of booking through a global OTA with standards. The Greek hospitality is wonderful, but sometimes local businesses are... let’s say, laid-back. When you book through us, you have international-level accountability you won’t get forgotten or bumped because a local VIP wanted a car. Your reservation is confirmed and guaranteed by our contracts with suppliers. If any issue arises, we step in to resolve it. That’s a big benefit compared to booking “on the spot” when availability may be tight in summer. In short, AirportVanRental marries local Greek rental variety with world-class booking convenience and support the best of both worlds for your travels.
Top Greece Car Rental Deals
Greece has a reputation for being an affordable destination, and that extends to car rentals too. Here are some example deals to give you an idea of how low the daily cost can be for your Greek road trip (prices in Euro):
(Prices are based on recent searches and can vary depending on location, season, and advance booking time. “From” rates typically reflect off-peak times like spring or fall in popular locations. In July-August, prices will be higher early booking recommended.)
Note: In Greece, rental rates often include basic insurance with an excess (deductible). You’ll see those details with each quote on our site. Despite the low prices, all the standard features and protections are in place you’re not skimping on quality. Always double-check if the quote is for manual or automatic, since automatics are usually a bit pricier. And if you’re renting on an island, factor in that bringing a car on a ferry might incur an extra fee and you should inform the rental company. With these deals, a dream Greek road trip whether it’s tasting wine in Nemea or chasing sunsets in Santorini can fit nearly any budget. So go ahead and grab a great deal for your dates; the open road in Greece awaits!
Driving in Greece: Rules, Tips & Local Insights
Driving in Greece can be incredibly rewarding it gives you access to hidden beaches, mountain villages, and archaeological sites at your own pace. But it comes with its own set of challenges and local quirks. Here’s what you need to know to drive safely and enjoyably on your Greek road trip:
Road Rules & Driving Etiquette: In Greece, as in most of Europe, you drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. The general traffic laws are similar to elsewhere in the EU seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, and using a handheld mobile phone while driving is illegal (hands-free is allowed, but even then, use caution). Greek drivers can be a bit aggressive or impatient by some standards tailgating is common, and on highways you might see fast cars flashing their lights to ask you to yield the left lane. Don’t take it personally; just move over when safe. On many secondary roads, especially in rural areas, you’ll notice a habit: drivers often straddle the line or pull half onto the shoulder to let faster cars pass in the middle. This is a local courtesy; if you see someone wanting to pass and there’s a wide shoulder, you can ease right to let them through (watch for debris on shoulders, though). Always stop at red lights and stop signs sounds obvious, but in some small towns, locals treat stop signs more like yields. As a visitor, set a good example and make full stops, but be aware the guy behind you might expect a “rolling stop.” And an important note: Right of way at unmarked intersections usually goes to the vehicle coming from the right. In practice, though, on tiny village crossroads, it might be first-come-first-served with lots of eye contact and polite waving through. Drive defensively until you get used to the rhythm.
Speed Limits & Enforcement: Official speed limits in Greece are typically 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on open roads, and up to 130 km/h on highways (motorways). You’ll see posted signs, especially as you enter/leave towns (a yellow sign with a town name and a red slash through it means you’re exiting a built-up area, so you can resume higher speed). Greece has installed many speed cameras on highways and even some rural roads. Fines can be steep and, if incurred in a rental, will be forwarded to you later with an admin fee, so stick to the limits. On the flip side, it’s not uncommon to see locals exceeding them. Use your judgment going a bit with the flow is fine, but don’t get carried away. Also, police do set up mobile speed traps occasionally. Particularly on the highways leading in/out of Athens or Thessaloniki, and on major tourist island roads, they might use laser guns.
Another thing: Traffic signals in Athens and major cities, obey them strictly. In small villages, you might encounter a flashing amber light at an intersection; that means caution (treat it as a yield). At some busy Athens junctions, there are also traffic police directing if present, their hand signals override the light. Just as anywhere, never drink and drive. Greece has a legal blood alcohol limit of 0.05% (even lower 0.02% for new drivers). Police do conduct random breathalyzer checks, especially at night near clubs or on holiday weekends. If you go out for that famous Greek wine, have a designated driver or take a taxi to be safe.
Road Conditions: The quality of roads in Greece is mixed. Highways (like the A1 from Athens to Thessaloniki, or the Attiki Odos around Athens) are generally in great shape smooth asphalt, good signage (often bilingual Greek/English). These usually are toll roads (more on tolls in a bit). Rural roads range from decent to quite narrow and winding. In mountainous areas (like central Peloponnese, or Crete’s interior), expect hairpin bends and no guardrails in places. Drive slowly and be ready for oncoming vehicles that might be hugging the middle if the road is narrow. Use your horn on blind curves in mountains to alert others of your presence (locals often do). In villages, streets can be extremely narrow sometimes one lane for two directions, with pull-outs to use when you meet another car. You may occasionally need to back up to let someone pass if you meet on a very tight lane.
Be vigilant for scooters and motorbikes, especially in cities and on islands. They often zip through traffic and may pass you on the right or left unexpectedly. It’s common in Athens for motorcycles to weave between lanes of cars at lights give them space. Also, pedestrians sometimes jaywalk; in downtown Athens they might cross anywhere, so keep eyes open.
Tolls: Greece has a number of toll roads (mainly the motorways on the mainland). For example, the Athens-Thessaloniki route has several toll plazas (typically a few euros each). The Rio-Antirrio bridge (connecting Peloponnese to mainland near Patras) also has a toll (around €13 for a car). Tolls accept cash (Euros) and often credit cards. If you’re doing a lot of highway driving, keep some small bills/coins handy to avoid queues in the cash lane. There are usually dedicated lanes: some for electronic transponders (if you lived there you’d have one), and others for cash/cards. As a tourist, just go to the booth with the green arrow (open) and pay the attendant or machine. On rental cars, no electronic toll tag is typically provided, except possibly on Attiki Odos in Athens if the agency arranges one but unlikely. So you pay as you go. Note: The Attiki Odos (Athens ring road) itself is tolled (currently €2.80 per entry), and so are some segments of highway in northern Greece. All these tolls are pay-at-plaza; Greece doesn’t have open-road electronic tolling like some countries. So you won’t get toll charges after you pay on the spot.
Fuel (Gas) in Greece: Fuel is sold by the liter, and as noted, prices are around €1.70+ per liter for gasoline (it can be higher on islands since transport adds cost, sometimes over €2/L on smaller islands). Diesel is a bit cheaper per liter than unleaded. Gas stations in cities and large towns are often full-service an attendant will come pump for you. (Tipping a small amount is not mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving 0.50-1 EUR for service is a nice gesture if they check oil, clean windshield, etc.) In rural areas or at odd hours, you might find self-service pumps or automated stations. Many stations in Greece close by late evening (outside major highways), and some smaller ones might close for an afternoon siesta period, especially in summer heat. Plan accordingly if you’re heading out into the countryside, fill up when you can. Major credit cards are generally accepted at stations, but have some cash just in case (especially on small islands or villages). Important: Unleaded petrol is often labeled “95” (for 95 octane) or “Super” for 98. Diesel is “Dízel” or just marked by the diesel price. There’s also “GPL” (autogas) at some if you somehow rented an LPG car (unlikely). Make sure you know whether your rental uses petrol or diesel! Putting the wrong fuel is a costly mistake (and not covered by insurance).
Parking: Parking in cities can be challenging. In Athens, pay attention to painted curb markings: Blue zones are paid parking for visitors (you need to buy a parking card from kiosks or use a smartphone app), white zones might be free (or for residents with permits), yellow-painted curb usually means no parking (official vehicles or loading). Illegally parked cars can get ticketed or even clamped/towed in Athens and they do enforce (some tourists are surprised when their car is gone; it might be towed for blocking a bus lane, for example). So use proper parking lots or clearly legal street parking. There are many underground garages in Athens worth the expense for peace of mind (around €10-€15 per day). In smaller towns, usually you can find street parking; if it’s busy, look for a signed municipal lot. Many towns have free parking lots just outside the center.
On islands and beach areas, parking can get chaotic in peak season. People sometimes park on road shoulders or wherever there’s a patch of dirt. Be respectful don’t block someone’s gate or a narrow road. Often there will be an obvious unofficial “parking area” near popular beaches (just follow what others do), but avoid soft sand or you might get stuck. Use common sense: if others avoided a certain spot, maybe there’s a reason (like it turns to mud after a wave). One driving tip for islands: watch out for goats! Free-roaming goats (and sheep) are common on mountain roads; they have right of way, in their minds at least. Slow down and go around them or wait if a herder is moving a flock across.
Mountain & Village Driving: Greek mountain roads are beautiful but require attention. You’ll likely encounter switchbacks (hairpin turns) where you have to downshift and go 20 km/h. Honk at blind corners to signal you’re coming (locals do this particularly on one-lane mountain stretches). In many hilly areas, you’ll find convex mirrors installed to see on the other side of blind turns use them. When descending long downgrades, shift to a lower gear to avoid overheating brakes (especially true if you rented a manual). In the rainy season (winter), rocks can fall onto mountain roads. A small rock fall isn’t unusual, so be ready to slow down if you see debris.
City Driving (Athens in particular): Driving in Athens is not for the faint of heart if you’re not used to big-city traffic. It’s busy, sometimes seemingly chaotic, and locals may not always use turn signals. Lane markings can feel like suggestions. If you can avoid driving in the dense core (e.g., Plaka, Syntagma), do so use the car to get out of town rather than to navigate downtown. Note that Athens has a “Daktylios” (ring) restriction on certain weekdays in the very center alternating days for odd/even plates to reduce traffic/pollution. Rental cars typically have a special number or exemption, but it’s worth asking your agency about any driving restrictions in the city center. Frankly, if staying in central Athens, it’s often best to pick up your rental car on the day you leave the city. Same in Thessaloniki parking and traffic in core can be tricky.
International Driving Permit (IDP): By Greek law, if your driver’s license is not from the EU (or not in English), you are supposed to have an IDP. Many rental companies do ask for it for US, Canadian, Australian, etc. licenses. Sometimes they might rent to you without one, but if you encounter police or need insurance, not having it could be an issue. So it’s strongly advised to obtain an IDP before arriving in Greece (easy through AAA or equivalent in your country). UK licenses (post-Brexit) are currently accepted with an English translation available (the license itself is English, so generally okay). Always carry your passport too when driving if stopped, police may ask for it along with license.
Emergency: The emergency number in Greece is 112 (works for police, ambulance, fire). For direct police, you can also dial 100. In event of an accident, you should call police (especially if there’s injury or significant damage). They often will make a report which is needed for insurance. If it’s a minor fender-bender and no one’s hurt, you and the other party might just exchange info and settle it, but as a foreigner, it’s safer to involve police to have an official record and definitely notify your rental company right away. Greece’s emergency services usually have operators who speak English, so don’t hesitate to call 112. Also, if your car breaks down, call the rental agency’s roadside assistance number (provided in your contract or on the key fob). They’ll dispatch help or give instructions.
Fuel Strikes or Shortages: Rare, but occasionally Greece has trucker strikes or such that affect fuel delivery. It’s always wise not to run the tank too low, especially if exploring islands or remote areas. Top up when you hit half if you’re far from towns.
In summary, driving in Greece requires a bit of adaptability and alertness, but it unlocks absolutely amazing experiences from winding coastal roads with sea views to reaching ancient ruins perched on hills that tour buses can’t get to. Greeks are generally friendly and helpful if you ask for directions (even if language is a barrier, they’ll try). Just drive defensively, keep your cool despite the sometimes lively traffic “dance,” and you’ll soon feel the rhythm of the Greek roads. Οδηγήστε με ασφάλεια drive safely and enjoy the journey or, as one might say, kalo taxidi (happy travels)!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, visitors should carry their valid driver’s license and an IDP; Greek law requires it even if a rental desk doesn’t ask. AVR advises obtaining the IDP before travel to avoid delays at pickup.
Typically 21+ (often 23+), with at least 1 year of licensed driving; under‑25 fees may apply and some classes require 25+. AVR compares multiple suppliers to surface age policies and fees up front.
Pay at toll booths with cash or credit/debit; electronic tags exist but are mainly for subscribers. As a visitor in a rental, simply use the manned or card lanes and keep receipts. AVR lists estimated toll costs on popular routes in your itinerary.
50 km/h in built‑up areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on motorways (unless signs state otherwise). Drive defensively and expect frequent cameras. AVR confirmations include a quick‑reference card with local limits.
Often not without written permission and extra insurance—many suppliers restrict ferry travel. Always check your contract and get approval in writing before booking tickets; AVR flags ferry restrictions during checkout.