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Car rental in Athens - Search, Compare, and Save

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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Athens

Athens

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Athens

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Athens

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Athens

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

39

per day

The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days

Why Rent a Car in Athens?

Athens is a city steeped in ancient history and vibrant modern culture, with iconic landmarks scattered throughout the region. While public transport is available, renting a car allows you to explore Athens and its surrounding areas with unparalleled freedom and flexibility.

Explore Ancient Sites at Your Pace. From the Acropolis to the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, a rental car allows you to visit historical sites without being constrained by tour schedules or public transport routes.

Discover Hidden Gems. Venture beyond the typical tourist spots and discover charming villages, secluded beaches, and scenic drives that are only accessible by car.

Enjoy Comfort and Convenience. Avoid the hassle of navigating public transport, especially during peak seasons, and travel in comfort with air conditioning and ample space for luggage.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Athens

Before booking a rental car in Athens, ensure you are aware of the essential terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Area

Approximately 412 square kilometers (159 square miles)

Population

Around 664,046 (city), 3.7 million (urban area)

Time Zone

Eastern European Time (EET), UTC+2

Ideal for

City trips and exploring Attica

Rush Hours

Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Rating

4.8/5

1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Athens require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, some companies may have a minimum age of 23 for certain vehicle categories, and young driver surcharges may apply for renters under 25.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. EU citizens can use their national license. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their national license. A passport or ID card is also necessary.

3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but additional coverage options such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection are available. A security deposit is typically required and held on the renter's credit card.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary. Some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have daily or total mileage limits. Fuel policies typically require you to return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up to avoid extra charges.

5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS navigation systems and child seats.

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

Below are estimated daily prices for various car types in Athens. Note that prices can fluctuate based on availability and season.

Business:

from £35 / $44 / €42 per day

Electric:

from £17 / $21 / €20 per day

Classic:

from £9 / $11 / €10 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): During the summer months, prices increase by 20-30% due to high tourist demand.

Low season (November to February): Off-season often brings discounts, making it a great time for budget travelers.

Car rental prices in Athens can vary significantly depending on the time of year. Booking in advance and comparing deals can help you secure the best rates.

How to Book a Car in Athens?

Booking a car in Athens involves a few key steps to ensure you get the best deal and the right vehicle for your needs.

1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best rental deals from different providers.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a car that suits your travel needs, whether it's a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for longer trips.

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

4. Book in Advance - Reserve your car well in advance, especially during peak season, to secure the best prices and availability.

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

General Information About Athens

Athens is a city of ancient wonders and modern vibrancy. To make your driving experience smooth, it’s essential to be aware of local traffic regulations and conditions.

As the capital of Greece, Athens is a bustling metropolis with a rich history and culture. Driving in Athens can be challenging due to traffic congestion and narrow streets, but with some preparation, you can navigate the city effectively. Before you start your journey, it’s important to understand local traffic laws, parking regulations, and the availability of fuel stations.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • The Acropolis

    An ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon.

  • The Ancient Agora

    The best-known example of an ancient Greek agora, located to the northwest of the Acropolis. It was the center of Athenian public life.

  • Plaka District

    Athens' old historical neighborhood, clustered around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis, incorporating neoclassical architecture, monuments and archaeological sites.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Secure parking is available at garages throughout the city, with varying rates.

  • On-Street Parking

    Metered parking is available, but spots can be difficult to find, especially in the city center.

  • Park & Ride

    Consider using park-and-ride facilities located on the outskirts of Athens to avoid city traffic and parking challenges.

Gas Stations in Athens

  • Availability

    Gas stations are readily available throughout Athens and on major highways.

  • Major Brands

    You can find well-known brands like BP, Shell, and EKO.

  • Payment

    Most gas stations accept both cash and credit cards.

Useful Tips for Visiting Athens

  • Be Aware of Traffic

    Athens is known for heavy traffic, especially during rush hours. Plan your routes accordingly and allow extra time for travel.

  • Use Navigation Apps

    Use GPS navigation apps like Google Maps to find the best routes and avoid congestion.

  • Watch for Motorbikes

    Motorbikes are common in Athens. Be cautious and aware of them when driving and parking.

  • Respect Pedestrians

    Always yield to pedestrians and be mindful of crosswalks.

Key Transportation Hubs in Athens

Major Bus Stations

Ktel Kifissou

Serves long-distance routes to western Greece and the Peloponnese.

Ktel Liosion

Provides services to northern Greece.

Railway Stations

Athens Central Station (Larissis Station)

The main railway station in Athens, connecting to various cities in Greece and international destinations.

Airports

Athens International Airport (ATH)

Located approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of Athens, it is the primary airport serving the city.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Athens?

Renting a car in Athens is a straightforward process, but it's essential to have the necessary documents and meet the requirements.

  • Ensure your driver's license is valid in Greece. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  • Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for drivers under 25.

  • A credit or debit card in the main driver's name is needed for the security deposit.

  • A passport or national ID card is required for identification purposes.

Our Content Quality

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This content was written, fast-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, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

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This page was edited by experts

This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.

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Our Customers Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Athens as

4.7

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.

Pretty chill, tbh

AS

Alex Smith

Reviewed: 21.02.2025

Pretty decent, really

CM

Chloe Miller

Reviewed: 12.05.2025

Pretty good, actually

LJ

Liam Jones

Reviewed: 19.10.2024

Wonderful weekend in Athens! Having a car made exploring so easy. Ancient sites and delicious food – highly recommend!

AG

Ava Garcia

Reviewed: 05.09.2024

Solid, pretty relaxed

NB

Noah Brown

Reviewed: 26.03.2025

Athens exceeded expectations! I'd heard so much, and it was even better in person. Having a car made getting around a breeze, allowing us to explore everything at our own pace. Highly recommend!

MR

Maya Rodriguez

Reviewed: 20.06.2025

Athens in summer: amazing! So much easier with a car.

ID

Isabelle Davis

Reviewed: 04.06.2025

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