Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Thessaloniki
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Thessaloniki
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Thessaloniki
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Thessaloniki
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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 clients rate such place as Thessaloniki 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.
Okay, kinda pricey. Car rental was easy though.
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.
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!
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 17.01.2025
Stunning city, seamless road trip. Highly recommend!
Jacob Peterson
Reviewed: 14.01.2025
Kinda underwhelming. Beaches meh.
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.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 12.07.2025
Pretty chill, really.
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!
Olivia Garcia
Reviewed: 03.11.2024
Such a fantastic spontaneous trip! Thessaloniki was amazing, exploring easily with our rental.
Amelia Davis
Reviewed: 29.07.2025
Pretty relaxed vibe.
Liam Wilson
Reviewed: 12.02.2025
Thessaloniki surprised me! Exploring with a car was so convenient, and the ancient sites were breathtaking.
David Wilson
Reviewed: 17.05.2025
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Meh. Food was bland.
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 14.04.2025