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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Athens
Athens
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Athens
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Athens
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Athens
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Athens?
Athens is a historical city with world-famous landmarks and ancient history. While public transport is available, renting a car offers more flexibility and convenience, especially if you plan to explore beyond the city.
Explore Ancient Sites. Many historical sites are just a short drive away. A rental car lets you visit these places without relying on bus schedules or tour groups.
More Comfort and Convenience. If you're travelling with family or have a lot of luggage, having your own car makes getting around much easier than navigating crowded stations or waiting for taxis.
Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or groups, it's more budget-friendly than buying multiple train or bus tickets, especially for longer trips outside Athens.
Travel at Your Own Pace. Public transport follows fixed routes and timetables, but with a rental car, you can go where you want, when you want. Whether it's a scenic coastal drive or a spontaneous day trip, you have full control over your itinerary.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Athens
Before booking a rental car in Athens, make sure you meet the minimum age (usually 21+), have a valid licence (IDP may be required), and understand insurance, deposit, mileage, and fuel policies. Additional fees may apply for extras or young drivers.
Area
412 square kilometres (159 square miles)
Population
Approximately 664,046 residents
Time Zone
EET (Eastern European Time) / EET (UTC+2)
Ideal for
Long-term rental
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM –10 AM and 4 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Athens require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some providers may have a minimum age of 23 for certain vehicle categories. Young driver surcharges may apply for renters under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required for all rentals. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English or Greek. A passport and credit card in the driver’s name are also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options, such as collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection, are available. A security deposit is usually held on the renter’s credit card and refunded upon vehicle return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals come with unlimited mileage, while others may have restrictions. Fuel policies vary—many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Athens – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (July to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to March): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Athens?
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Book early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your licence, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for longer trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Athens
Athens is a mix of ancient history, culture, and modern life. Ideal for sightseeing and day trips, it's best explored with an understanding of traffic rules, parking, and fuel access — especially if you're renting a car.
As the capital of Greece, Athens offers an extraordinary blend of ancient landmarks, modern attractions, and diverse cultural experiences. While Athens has a public transport network, renting a car is a practical option if you plan to travel outside the city. However, driving within Athens requires awareness — narrow streets, frequent one-way systems, and limited parking make inner-city driving less ideal.
Top Attractions to Discover
Acropolis
Ancient citadel with iconic structures.
Parthenon
Temple dedicated to the goddess Athena.
Ancient Agora
Centre of Athenian democracy and social life.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services for secure, citywide parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but often costly and time-limited.
Park & Ride
Leave your car outside the city and use public transport to access central Athens.
Gas Stations in Athens
Limited Availability in the Centre
Fuel stations are scarce in central areas — plan accordingly.
Major Brands on Outskirts
Look for BP, Shell, EKO along outer roads and highways.
Use Navigation Apps
Tools like Google Maps or Waze help locate nearby stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Athens
Use Contactless Payment
Pay for buses and the metro with a contactless bank card.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Stay alert! Athens has dense foot and bike traffic, especially in the city centre.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (07:00–10:00 / 16:00–19:00) when roads are often heavily congested.
Key Transportation Hubs in Athens
Major Bus Stations
Ktel Kifissos Bus Station
Main intercity bus station, serving destinations across Greece.
Railway Stations
Athens Central Station
Connects to various cities within Greece.
Airports
Athens International Airport (ATH)
Located approximately 20 kilometres (12 miles) east of central Athens.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Athens?
Renting a car in Greece is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
If you're from Greece, your standard licence is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country licence for up to 6 months, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Athens as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Wonderful Athens reunion! Exploring with friends was easy.
Olivia Garcia
Reviewed: 15.10.2024
Pretty chill vibe
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 05.05.2025
Pretty good, really.
Emily Wilson
Reviewed: 17.01.2025
Pretty relaxed, actually.
Ava Lee
Reviewed: 24.01.2025
Such a fantastic last-minute trip! Athens exceeded expectations. Having a car made getting around so easy, and we saw so much more than expected. Highly recommend!
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 25.07.2025
Meh. Crowds were intense.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 25.07.2025
Ancient wonders and vibrant streets! Having a car made our road trip through Athens so smooth.
Isabelle Davis
Reviewed: 07.04.2025
Athens was amazing! So glad I rented a car; exploring was effortless.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 18.07.2025