Free CancellationBest Price GuaranteeNo Hidden Fees24/7 Multilingual SupportCar rental in Athens - Search, Compare, and Save
Free CancellationNo Hidden FeesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
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 city brimming with ancient history and vibrant culture. While public transport is available, renting a car offers unmatched freedom to explore the city and its surrounding regions at your own pace.
Unrestricted Exploration. Discover iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and hidden gems beyond the city centre, such as the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, without being bound by bus or train schedules.
Comfort and Convenience. A rental car provides a comfortable and convenient way to travel, especially if you have luggage, are travelling with family, or need to attend business meetings efficiently.
Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or groups, renting a car can be more economical than purchasing multiple public transport tickets, offering door-to-door service and saving time.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Athens
Before booking a rental car in Athens, ensure you meet the requirements. Generally, you need to be at least 21 years old, possess a valid driver's license (an International Driving Permit may be required), and understand the insurance, deposit, and fuel policies. Extra fees may apply for additional features or young drivers.
Area
412 square kilometres (159 square miles)
Population
Approximately 664,046 residents
Time Zone
EET (Eastern European Time)
Ideal for
Exploring historical sites and coastal drives
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Athens require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is mandatory. Non-EU residents may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their national license. A passport is also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is available. A security deposit is held on the renter’s credit card and refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary. Unlimited mileage is common, but some rentals may have restrictions. Most companies require you to return the car with the same fuel level as when you picked it up.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges can apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, out-of-hours pickups, or optional extras like GPS navigation and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Athens – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £38 / $48 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £18 / $23 / €21 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £29 / $37 / €34 per day
7 Seater:
from £33 / $42 / €39 per day
Automatic:
from £18 / $23 / €21 per day
SUV:
from £10 / $13 / €12 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often sees discounts and lower prices
*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?
To book a car in Athens, compare prices, choose the right car, and carefully review all rental terms to avoid surprises. Booking early is key for the best rates, particularly during peak seasons. Remember to bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison sites like rentycars.com to find the best deals for your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that fits your needs, whether it's an economy car for city travel or an SUV for exploring the countryside.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to ensure transparency.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better prices and vehicle availability by booking well in advance, especially during peak travel times.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Present your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental car.
General Information About Athens
Athens is an exciting blend of ancient history and modern urban life. While ideal for sightseeing and day trips, it's crucial to understand traffic regulations, parking availability, and fuel access, especially when venturing beyond the city centre.
As the capital of Greece, Athens is one of the world’s most historically significant cities, offering a mix of ancient landmarks, contemporary attractions, and diverse cultural experiences. Whether you're here for sightseeing, business, or leisure, there’s something for everyone. While Athens has a good public transport system, renting a car offers flexibility, particularly if you plan to explore beyond the city, such as the Peloponnese region or nearby coastal areas. However, driving in Athens requires caution due to narrow streets, one-way systems, and traffic congestion.
Top Attractions to Discover
The Acropolis
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Parthenon, offering stunning views of Athens.
Ancient Agora
The heart of ancient Athenian democracy, trade, and social life.
Plaka District
A charming neighbourhood with narrow streets, neoclassical architecture, and traditional tavernas.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like APCOA, ParkAround, or private garages for secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Designated parking spots are available but can be limited, especially in central areas. Payment is usually required.
Park & Ride
Park outside the city centre and use the metro or bus to reach central Athens. This is a convenient way to avoid congestion.
Gas Stations in Athens
Availability
Fuel stations are relatively common in Athens, particularly on main roads and highways.
Major Brands
Look for brands like Shell, BP, EKO, and Aegean Oil.
Refueling Tips
It's generally recommended to refuel before returning your rental car to avoid extra charges. Navigation apps can help locate nearby stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Athens
Use Contactless Payment
For buses and the metro, use a contactless bank card or purchase an Athina Ticket for convenient travel.
Watch for Motorbikes
Be cautious of motorbikes, which are prevalent and can weave through traffic.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during peak hours (7:30–9:30 AM / 4:30–7:30 PM) when roads are often heavily congested.
Key Transportation Hubs in Athens
Major Bus Stations
Ktel Kifissos Bus Station
Serves long-distance routes to the Peloponnese and western Greece.
Ktel Liosion Bus Station
Provides services to northern Greece and other destinations.
Railway Stations
Athens Central Station (Larissa Station)
The main railway station in Athens, connecting to various cities in Greece and international destinations.
Airports
Athens International Airport (ATH)
Located approximately 20 kilometres (12 miles) east of Athens, it serves numerous international and domestic flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Athens?
Renting a car in Greece is generally straightforward, but you need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you'll need:
EU residents can use their standard license. Non-EU visitors might need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their national license.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may charge extra for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is necessary for the security deposit. Some companies only accept credit cards.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters.
Our Content Quality
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 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.
Athens was amazing! Having a car made exploring the ancient sites and charming neighborhoods so easy. Highly recommend!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 14.03.2025
Busy trip, Athens was efficient to navigate with a car. The Acropolis museum was underwhelming though.
David Lee
Reviewed: 15.02.2025
So glad I returned to Athens after all these years! Having a car made getting around incredibly convenient, letting me explore hidden gems and revisit favorite spots with ease.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 20.08.2024
Back in Athens after ages! So much easier with a car this time; explored everything.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 16.08.2025
Heard so much about Athens, and it lived up to the hype! Getting around with a car was a breeze; made exploring so much easier.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 23.03.2025
Pretty good, actually.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 04.03.2025
Wonderful spontaneous weekend in Athens! Getting around was effortless, thanks to having a car. The ancient sites were breathtaking.
Evelyn Martinez
Reviewed: 29.04.2025
Pretty chill, actually.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 31.07.2025