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Car rental in Thessaloniki - Search, Compare, and Save

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No Hidden Fees

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Thessaloniki

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Thessaloniki

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Thessaloniki

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

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 Thessaloniki?

Thessaloniki, Greece's vibrant second city, is brimming with history, culture, and stunning coastal views. While public transport is available, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom to explore at your own pace.

Explore Beyond the City Centre: Thessaloniki is a gateway to the Halkidiki peninsula, Mount Olympus, and picturesque villages. A rental car allows you to easily reach these destinations and discover hidden gems beyond the city limits.

Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience: Having your own vehicle means you can create your own itinerary and travel according to your schedule, without being constrained by public transport timetables.

Visit Archaeological Sites with Ease: Numerous historical sites and archaeological wonders are scattered around the Thessaloniki region. A car provides convenient access to these locations, making it easier to immerse yourself in Greece's rich past.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Thessaloniki

Before renting a car in Thessaloniki, familiarise yourself with the key rental terms. This includes age requirements, necessary documentation, insurance coverage, and potential extra fees.

Area

Approximately 17.7 square kilometres (6.8 square miles)

Population

Around 325,000 residents within the city proper

Time Zone

Eastern European Time (EET), GMT+2

Ideal for

Exploring Northern Greece

Rush Hours

Expect increased traffic from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM

Rating

4.5/5

1. Age RequirementsTypically, renters must be at least 21 years old, with some companies requiring drivers to be 23 or 25 for certain vehicle categories. Young driver surcharges often apply for those under 25.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is required. EU citizens can use their national licence, while non-EU residents may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their original licence. A passport is also necessary.

3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Theft Protection. A security deposit is held on your credit card and refunded upon safe return of the car.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck for mileage limits. Full-to-full fuel policy is common, requiring you to return the car with the same fuel level as when you picked it up to avoid extra charges.

5. Additional FeesExtra charges can arise for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or extras like GPS or child seats. Be aware of these potential costs when booking.

Car Rental Prices in Thessaloniki – How Much Does It Cost?

Daily car rental prices in Thessaloniki can vary based on the season, car type, and rental duration. Booking in advance and comparing different rental companies can help secure the best rates.

Business:

from £35 / $44 / €42 per day

Electric:

from £17 / $21 / €20 per day

Classic:

from £8 / $10 / €9 per day

Executive:

from £26 / $33 / €31 per day

7 Seater:

from £29 / $37 / €35 per day

Automatic:

from £17 / $21 / €20 per day

SUV:

from £9 / $11 / €10 per day

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to high tourist demand. Book well in advance for the best deals.

Low season (November to February): You can often find discounts and lower rates as tourist numbers decrease.

Car rental prices in Thessaloniki fluctuate depending on the time of year. Planning your trip around these trends can help you save money.

How to Book a Car in Thessaloniki?

Booking a car in Thessaloniki is a straightforward process if you follow these essential steps. Ensure you have all necessary documents and compare prices to find the best deal.

1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to check prices from multiple rental companies in Thessaloniki and find the most competitive offers.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, considering factors like luggage space and passenger capacity.

3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement for details on mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.

4. Book in Advance - Secure better prices and vehicle availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak season.

5. Pick Up Your Car - When collecting your rental, bring your driver's licence, passport, and the credit card used for booking.

General Information About Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a bustling port city with a rich history and a vibrant modern culture. Driving offers flexibility, but awareness of local traffic conditions is essential.

As Greece's second-largest city, Thessaloniki is a fascinating blend of ancient and contemporary. Its strategic location makes it an ideal base for exploring the broader Macedonia region. While the city centre is walkable, a car is beneficial for reaching more remote attractions and nearby areas. Navigating Thessaloniki requires awareness of traffic regulations, parking availability, and fuel access.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • White Tower of Thessaloniki

    The iconic symbol of Thessaloniki, offering panoramic city views.

  • Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

    Home to a vast collection of artefacts from the region's rich history.

  • Rotunda of Galerius

    An ancient Roman monument with stunning Byzantine mosaics.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Several parking garages are available in the city centre, providing secure parking options.

  • On-Street Parking

    Metered parking is available on many streets, but it can be limited and time-restricted.

  • Park & Ride

    Consider using park-and-ride facilities on the city outskirts to avoid city centre traffic.

Gas Stations in Thessaloniki

  • Main Fuel Chains

    Major brands like EKO, Shell, and BP are readily available throughout the city and surrounding areas.

  • Refueling Tips

    Plan your refuelling stops, especially when venturing outside Thessaloniki, as stations may be less frequent.

  • Payment Options

    Most gas stations accept both cash and credit cards.

Useful Tips for Visiting Thessaloniki

  • Use Public Transport

    Utilise the city's bus network for efficient travel within Thessaloniki.

  • Be Aware of Pedestrians

    Exercise caution for pedestrians, especially in crowded areas.

  • Plan for Traffic Delays

    Anticipate traffic congestion during peak hours, particularly in the city centre.

  • Consider a GPS

    A GPS navigation system can be helpful for navigating the city's streets and finding parking.

Key Transportation Hubs in Thessaloniki

Major Bus Stations

KTEL Macedonia Intercity Bus Station

The main bus station for intercity routes, connecting Thessaloniki with other cities in Greece.

Railway Stations

Thessaloniki Railway Station

Provides rail services to various destinations across Greece and international connections.

Airports

Thessaloniki Airport (SKG)

Located approximately 15 kilometres (9 miles) south-east of Thessaloniki, serving both domestic and international flights.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Thessaloniki?

Renting a car in Thessaloniki is a relatively simple process, provided you meet the necessary requirements. Here's what you'll need to have prepared:

  • Ensure your driver's licence is valid in Greece. EU citizens can use their national licence, while non-EU residents may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their original licence.

  • Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, although certain vehicle categories may have higher age restrictions. Young driver surcharges may apply to renters under 25.

  • A valid credit or debit card in the primary driver's name is required for the security deposit. Some companies may only accept credit cards.

  • A passport or other government-issued photo identification is necessary for verification.

Our Content Quality

This content was written

This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

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.

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Our Customer Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Thessaloniki as

4.4

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.

Meh. Food was bland.

MS

Mike Smith

Reviewed: 14.04.2025

Okay, kinda pricey. Car rental was easy though.

CM

Chloe Miller

Reviewed: 28.06.2025

Thessaloniki in summer was incredible! Having a car made getting around so easy, and we explored so much. The beaches were beautiful.

AL

Ava Lee

Reviewed: 09.08.2025

Back in Thessaloniki after ages, and it's even better than I remembered! Having a car made exploring the sites and surrounding areas so convenient. Highly recommend!

BH

Benjamin Harris

Reviewed: 17.01.2025

Stunning city, seamless road trip. Highly recommend!

JP

Jacob Peterson

Reviewed: 14.01.2025

Kinda underwhelming. Beaches meh.

IG

Isabelle Garcia

Reviewed: 13.09.2024

Wonderful long weekend in Thessaloniki! Catching up with friends was effortless, exploring the city with a car was so convenient, and the food was amazing.

SJ

Sarah Jones

Reviewed: 12.07.2025

Pretty chill, really.

EB

Ethan Brown

Reviewed: 14.10.2024

Exploring Thessaloniki by car was a breeze! We loved the flexibility, easily visiting all the ancient sites and charming neighborhoods. So much to see!

OG

Olivia Garcia

Reviewed: 03.11.2024

Such a fantastic spontaneous trip! Thessaloniki was amazing, exploring easily with our rental.

AD

Amelia Davis

Reviewed: 29.07.2025

Pretty relaxed vibe.

LW

Liam Wilson

Reviewed: 12.02.2025

Thessaloniki surprised me! Exploring with a car was so convenient, and the ancient sites were breathtaking.

DW

David Wilson

Reviewed: 17.05.2025

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