Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Zakynthos Island
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Zakynthos Island
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Zakynthos Island
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Zakynthos Island
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.
Zakynthos Island, with its stunning beaches, picturesque villages, and rugged landscapes, is best explored at your own pace. While public transport is available, a rental car offers the freedom and flexibility to discover hidden gems and create unforgettable memories.
Uncover Hidden Beaches. Zakynthos boasts numerous secluded beaches and coves that are inaccessible by public transport. With a rental car, you can easily reach these pristine spots and enjoy the tranquility away from the crowds.
Explore Picturesque Villages. Venture beyond the main towns and discover charming villages like Volimes and Kampi, where you can experience the authentic Zakynthian culture and savour local delicacies.
Visit Iconic Landmarks. From the famous Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach to the breathtaking views from Bochali Hill, a rental car allows you to visit these iconic landmarks with ease and convenience.
Enjoy Flexibility and Freedom. A rental car gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore Zakynthos at your own pace, without being restricted by bus schedules or taxi availability.
Before renting a car in Zakynthos Island, it's essential to understand the terms and conditions. Familiarise yourself with age restrictions, driver's license requirements, insurance policies, and fuel guidelines to ensure a smooth and worry-free rental experience.
Area
405.55 square kilometres (156.6 sq mi)
Population
Approximately 41,472 residents
Time Zone
EET (UTC+2)
Ideal for
Island exploration
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic in Zakynthos Town during peak season (July-August).
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Zakynthos Island require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, 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 License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required for all rentals. EU citizens can use their national license. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original license. A passport is also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals usually include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection are available. A security deposit is typically held on the renter’s credit card and refunded upon vehicle return, provided the car is returned in good condition.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary. Some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies also differ, with many requiring you to return the car with the same fuel level as when you picked it up to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extras such as additional drivers, child seats, GPS navigation, or out-of-hours pick-up/drop-off. Be sure to clarify these potential costs when booking.
Expect the average daily rate for an economy-class car to be from £20 / $25 / €24 per day.
Business:
from £45 / $56 / €54 per day
Electric:
from £30 / $38 / €36 per day
Classic:
from £18 / $23 / €22 per day
Executive:
from £38 / $48 / €46 per day
7 Seater:
from £50 / $63 / €60 per day
Automatic:
from £25 / $32 / €30 per day
SUV:
from £32 / $40 / €38 per day
Peak season (July to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to high demand.
Low season (October to May): Offers discounts and lower rates, making it a budget-friendly time to visit.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in Zakynthos Island involves a few simple steps. Compare prices, choose the right vehicle, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Booking early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your license, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies in Zakynthos Island.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s a compact car for navigating narrow roads or an SUV for exploring rugged terrains.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid unexpected charges.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking early, especially during the peak summer months.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental vehicle.
Zakynthos Island is a jewel of the Ionian Sea, celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Exploring the island by car offers unparalleled freedom, allowing you to discover its diverse landscapes at your own pace.
Driving in Zakynthos requires some awareness of local road conditions and traffic patterns. While there are no congestion or low-emission zones, navigating narrow roads and winding mountain routes requires caution. Pay attention to road signs and speed limits to ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach
An iconic beach accessible by boat, known for its turquoise waters and dramatic shipwreck.
Blue Caves
Sea caves with mesmerising blue reflections, perfect for boat trips and snorkelling.
Gerakas Beach
A protected nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta).
Marathonisi (Turtle Island)
An islet shaped like a turtle, part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Available in Zakynthos Town and other major tourist areas.
On-Street Parking
Limited and often crowded, especially during peak season. Pay attention to parking regulations.
Park & Ride
Some areas offer park-and-ride facilities during the busy summer months.
Gas Stations in Zakynthos Island
Main Fuel Chains
Major fuel chains like BP, Shell, and Avin are available across the island.
Refuelling Guidance
Gas stations are generally easy to find, but it's wise to refuel before embarking on long journeys to remote areas.
Use Navigation Apps
Use tools like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Zakynthos Island
Watch for Scooters and ATVs
Be mindful of scooters and ATVs, which are popular modes of transport among tourists.
Drive Defensively
Road conditions can vary, so drive defensively and be prepared for unexpected obstacles.
Allow Extra Time for Traffic
Traffic can be heavy in Zakynthos Town and popular tourist areas during peak season.
Respect Local Customs
Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.
Airport
Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH)
The main airport on the island, serving both domestic and international flights.
Ports
Zakynthos Town Port
The main port, connecting Zakynthos to mainland [COUNTRY PLACE] and other Ionian islands.
Agios Nikolaos Port
A smaller port serving ferries to Kefalonia.
Renting a car in Zakynthos Island is generally straightforward, but you’ll need to meet a few essential requirements before you can hit the road. Here’s a list of what you'll need.
A valid driver’s license is required. EU citizens can use their national license. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with some charging extra fees for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
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, 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 Zakynthos Island 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.
Pretty relaxed vibe
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 27.05.2025
Zakynthos was incredible! Having a car made exploring so easy, we saw everything.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 27.05.2025
Heard amazing things about Zakynthos, and they were right! Getting around with a car was a breeze, allowing us to explore every hidden gem.
David Lee
Reviewed: 17.05.2025
Family vacation in Zakynthos was perfect! Having a car made getting around so much easier, allowing us to explore all the hidden beaches and charming villages. Highly recommend!
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 02.08.2025
Zakynthos exceeded expectations! Renting a car was a lifesaver; exploring independently was easy. The beaches were stunning, though some tavern food was a bit underwhelming.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 21.03.2025
Fantastic island, efficient business trip. Exploring Zakynthos by car was seamless.
Oliver Brown
Reviewed: 02.08.2025
Zakynthos was stunning; having a car made getting around a breeze. The beaches were incredible, although the Navagio boat trip was a bit overpriced.
Evelyn Moore
Reviewed: 21.05.2025
Summer in Zakynthos was unforgettable! Exploring by car was so convenient.
Ben Taylor
Reviewed: 20.02.2025
Island hopping was amazing, and Zakynthos was a highlight! Having a car really helped us see so much of the island during our road trip.
Thomas Harris
Reviewed: 24.10.2024
Stunning Zakynthos! Quick weekend, perfect car.
Ava Davis
Reviewed: 27.04.2025
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Pretty chill, yeah
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 01.10.2024