Greece › Athens › Airport Car Rental
Updated: October 22, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
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The rental car parking area at Athens International Airport. The main rental counters are inside the Arrivals terminal, and the cars are parked about 500 meters away.
Athens Airport Car Rental: My Advice
Athens Airport is the best place to rent a car if you’re arriving by plane and driving directly to Delphi, Meteora, Nafplio, the Peloponnese, or another mainland destination. It has a large selection of rental companies, long opening hours, and easy access to major highways.
But if you’re spending a few days sightseeing in central Athens before starting a road trip, don’t rent a car at the airport. Take the metro or a taxi into Athens and pick up your rental car when you’re ready to leave the city.
- Book in Advance: I use Booking.com to compare rental companies and prices at Athens Airport. Booking ahead is particularly important for automatic cars, minivans, and summer travel.
- Where to Pick Up: The main rental car counters are on the Arrivals level near Exit 4. After completing the paperwork, follow the signs to the rental car parking area, approximately 500 meters from the terminal.
- Rental Companies: The main airport operators are Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Sixt, Avance, and Europcar. Associated brands include Budget, Thrifty, Alamo, and National. Some other rental companies use off-airport locations and shuttle pickups, so check your booking carefully.
- Automatic Cars: Manual transmission is common in Greece. Automatic cars are available but usually cost more. Book early if you need one, especially in summer.
- Car Size: A compact car is my first choice for most Greece road trips. It’s easier to park and navigate through villages. For families, make sure the luggage capacity is sufficient before booking.
- Insurance and Deposit: Check the insurance excess, deposit amount, fuel policy, mileage allowance, and exclusions before paying. Most companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name, even for prepaid rentals.
- Returning the Car: Airport returns are straightforward. Returning the car to central Athens, Piraeus, or another city may also be possible, but only if your booking allows it. Confirm the drop-off location and any one-way fee in advance.
Check Prices: Athens Airport Rental Cars
Where to Pick Up a Rental Car at Athens Airport
The rental car counters are inside the main terminal on the Arrivals level, near Exit 4. You do not need to leave the terminal to complete the rental paperwork with one of the main on-airport companies.
After collecting your luggage:
- Enter the public Arrivals hall and follow signs for Car Rental.
- Find your rental company’s counter near Exit 4.
- Present your driver’s license, passport, credit card, and booking confirmation.
- After completing the paperwork, follow the signs to the rental car parking area.
- Inspect the vehicle, photograph any existing damage, and check the fuel level before driving away.
The rental car parking area is about 500 meters from the terminal. It’s an easy walk for most travelers, though less convenient with several large suitcases.
Important: Some companies advertising Athens Airport rentals operate from off-airport offices and require a shuttle. Check whether your booking says “in terminal,” “meet and greet,” or “shuttle service.” An off-airport rental may be cheaper, but pickup can take longer.
The rental car counters are inside the Arrivals terminal. I recommend booking online before arrival rather than comparing prices at the counters.
Athens Airport has separate arrivals areas for Schengen and non-Schengen flights. The rental car counters are in the public Arrivals hall near Exit 4, accessible from either arrivals area.
The main rental companies have desks together in the Arrivals hall, making them easy to find after collecting your luggage.
After completing the paperwork, follow the signs to the rental car parking area outside the terminal.
Athens Airport has a wide selection of rental vehicles, including economy cars, automatics, SUVs, and family minivans. Reserve larger vehicles and automatics well ahead for summer travel.
Returning a Rental Car to Athens Airport
Returning a car to Athens Airport is straightforward, but allow time for the return inspection and the walk back to the terminal.
- Directions: Follow the airport signs for Car Rental Return and the instructions supplied by your rental company. Don’t navigate only to the passenger terminal.
- Fuel: If your agreement is full-to-full, refill the tank before reaching the airport and keep the receipt.
- Inspection: Allow time for the company to inspect the car. Photograph the vehicle and fuel gauge again before leaving.
- After-Hours Returns: Some companies offer them, but procedures vary. Confirm where to park and leave the keys before booking an early-morning or late-night return.
- Timing: I would allow an extra 30 minutes for the car return process, in addition to the time needed for airport check-in and security.
Follow the Car Rental Return signs when driving back to Athens Airport. The rental companies have designated return areas near the terminal.
Should You Rent at Athens Airport or in Central Athens?
Rent at the airport if you’re driving directly to the mainland. Rent downtown if you’re sightseeing in Athens first.
- Athens Airport: Best for travelers arriving by plane and immediately driving to Delphi, Meteora, Nafplio, the Peloponnese, or other mainland destinations. You’ll avoid driving through central Athens and have easy access to major highways.
- Central Athens: Best if you’re spending several nights sightseeing before starting a road trip. Several rental companies have offices around Syngrou Avenue, near the Acropoli metro station and Acropolis Museum. Pick up your car on the morning you leave Athens rather than paying for parking during your stay.
- Piraeus Ferry Port: Useful if you’re arriving by ferry and immediately starting a mainland road trip. Rental offices are available in Piraeus, but check their exact locations. Some are too far from the ferry gates to walk comfortably with luggage.
The Niche Hotel is conveniently located near Acropoli station and several rental offices along Syngrou Avenue. It’s a good option if you want to stay near the Acropolis and collect a car before leaving Athens.
Where Should You Drive from Athens Airport?
A rental car is particularly useful for exploring mainland Greece, where many of the best sights are difficult to combine by public transportation.
- Nafplio and the Peloponnese: One of the best road trips from Athens. Visit Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nafplio, and the Mani Peninsula. A car makes it much easier to combine towns, beaches, and archaeological sites.
- Delphi: About 2.5 to 3 hours from Athens Airport. A car is useful if you’re combining Delphi with Arachova, Galaxidi, or Meteora.
- Meteora: About 4 to 5 hours from Athens Airport. A car makes visiting the monasteries and viewpoints much easier, particularly if you’re staying overnight.
- Cape Sounion and the Athens Riviera: A car is convenient for visiting beaches, Vouliagmeni, and the Temple of Poseidon. For a single day trip from central Athens, a tour or private driver may be easier than renting a car.
- Northern Greece: A rental car is useful for longer trips to Mount Olympus, Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, and the surrounding regions.
Athens Airport connects directly to the Attiki Odos motorway, making it relatively easy to start a mainland road trip without driving through central Athens. Expect tolls on many major highways.
The motorway from Athens Airport is modern and well signed. Driving is generally straightforward once you’re on the highway, though traffic can be heavy around Athens during rush hour.
A rental car is useful for combining Cape Sounion with beaches and restaurants along the Athens Riviera. For a simple visit to the Temple of Poseidon, a guided tour is often easier.
Do You Need a Rental Car for Athens?
No. Do not rent a car for sightseeing in central Athens.
Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma, Koukaki, and the main historic sights are easy to explore on foot and by metro. Taxis are useful for longer trips and luggage transfers.
Parking in central Athens is difficult, and many hotels in the historic center do not have their own parking. Even hotels that offer parking may use nearby garages rather than spaces on the property.
If you’re visiting the main Athens attractions and then continuing to the Greek islands, skip the rental car entirely.
For mainland road trips, rent only for the days you’re driving.
Can You Take an Athens Airport Rental Car on a Ferry?
Sometimes, but I don’t recommend it for most travelers.
Many rental companies require written permission before a car can travel on a ferry. Some prohibit ferry travel entirely, while others restrict insurance coverage during the crossing.
Taking a car on a ferry also means paying for a vehicle ticket, which can be expensive on longer routes.
For most island-hopping trips, it’s easier to return your car in Athens and rent separately on each island.
For example, take the ferry from Athens to Santorini as a foot passenger, then rent a car in Santorini if you need one.
If you do want to take a rental car on a ferry, get written confirmation from the rental company that the route is permitted and that the car is covered during transport.
Athens Airport Transportation Without a Rental Car
If you’re staying in central Athens, the metro or a taxi is usually the best way to reach your hotel.
- Metro: Line 3 connects Athens Airport directly with Syntagma, Monastiraki, and Piraeus. The airport metro ticket costs €9, and the journey to central Athens takes about 40 minutes.
- Taxi: The official fixed fare between Athens Airport and the central Athens inner ring is €50 from 5am to midnight and €65 from midnight to 5am. The fare includes applicable surcharges and is determined by the time you arrive at your destination. Taxis wait outside Exit 3 on the Arrivals level.
- Airport Bus: The X95 runs 24 hours to Syntagma Square. The X96 runs 24 hours to Piraeus Port. Both cost €5.50.
The airport metro station is reached by a pedestrian bridge from the terminal. Line 3 runs directly to Syntagma, Monastiraki, and Piraeus.
Uber drivers and official taxis wait outside Exit 3 on the Arrivals level. The fixed taxi fare to central Athens is €50 during the day and €65 at night.
Airport express buses depart from outside the Arrivals terminal. The X95 goes to Syntagma Square and the X96 to Piraeus Port. Both operate 24 hours a day.
Where to Stay Near Athens Airport
If you’re arriving late and starting a road trip the following morning, staying near the airport can be easier than driving immediately after a long flight.
Sofitel Athens Airport is directly opposite the terminal. It’s the most convenient hotel for a late arrival, early departure, or overnight stop before collecting a rental car.
My preference after a late international arrival is to spend the night at the Sofitel and collect the rental car the next morning. There’s little advantage to paying for a car that will sit parked overnight.
See my guide to the best Athens Airport hotels for more options.
Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to 
This is a great website. thank you for putting and also timestamping the update.
I am having problems with booking per my requirement. I would like to pick a car in the morning in/around Athens City Center and then return the following morning at Athens airport. I am unable to make such a booking. It is not clear to me what companies have offices in the city and what are their hours.
Several rental car companies are on Syggrou Avenue in central Athens (also spelled Syngrou or Siggrou). Some open at 8am (e.g. Hertz, Sixt, and Budget). Others at 9am (e.g. Enterprise). When booking select “Drop off at different location”. This is a busy area but I find it fine for car pickup and drop off.
Hi Dave, my family and I are beginning to organize a 2.5 week trip to Greece. I was wondering if you offer any itinerary planning services that we could pay for. We are feeling slightly overwhelmed and would love to work with you if you offer that.
Fred Hill
Sorry Fred, the blog keeps me busy enough. Good luck with your trip.
Hi, I plan to rent a car and drive from Athens to Delphi and Meteora. Do you recommend buying full coverage insurance that covers tires, windshields, scratches, etc.? Thanks.
If your credit card offers car rental insurance (which mine does) then that’s what I’d use. If not, then yes, I’d buy rental car and driver insurance.
Hello Dave
Can you rent a car from the airport without having a flight? Can you access the pick up/customer service without having flown into the airport? Thanks!
Yes, the rental car parking lot and kiosks are outside of the security area and accessible to everyone.
Hi Dave, great site — thanks.
I note you recommend rental car pickup at the airport in Athens. But what if I’m starting in downtown Athens — having already been there a few days — and then need a rental car to go to Delphi, Olympia, Nafplio, etc.. (I have plenty of time.) Given that the airport is east of Athens, and my first destination (Delphi) is northwest, would it not make more sense, under those circumstances, to rent the car, say, from the Hertz location at the Hilton in downtown Athens?
Thank you.
Yes, in that case, I would pick it up from downtown Athens.
We have 2 weeks in Greece. We land at the Athens airport and have a car booked for one week (8 nights) when we’ll return to the airport to fly to Santorini. For our week on the mainland we’d like to visit Athens, Delphi, the Meteora, and as much of the Peloponnese as possible. A few questions:
What is driving in Greece like?
What is parking in Athens and other big cities like?
Is there a best route for driving to Delphi, and then from Delphi to the Meteora, and then the Peloponnese?
Is there a best route for driving into Athens?
Any must-see sites that we might not know about along our itinerary?
Thanks.
For me, driving in Greece, despite many peoples’ observations, is actually quite fine. It is potentially a little different to your own perception of what ‘good driving’ may mean to you, but as long as you go with the flow, you will be fine. It can be a little less ‘ordered’ than in your home country, but this is the norm, so drive with the local style. Don’t be surprised if people cut in on you, or if Greek drivers seem a little less predictable to what you are used to. This is the norm here.
Your weeklong mainland itinerary looks a tad too adventurous and you will be doing a lot of driving. The difficult one is Meteora as it is a fair way north and a decent day’s driving. Still you can do it if you go there first, then back-track to Delphi and from there to the Peloponnese. In the Peloponnese the two main archaeological areas on opposite sides: Olympia and Epidavros/Mycenae so again plan for some lengthy driving. The best route is Athens -> Meteora -> Delphi -> Nafpaktos -> Olympia -> Epidavros/Mycenae -> Athens. You are not going to be able to get to the southern Peloponnese or anywhere else in the Peloponnese.
Parking in Athens or any major town can be fraught with frustration. Multi-storey carparks are few and far between and street parking can be difficult. In Athens in particular don’t hesitate to use the block lots – empty building sites that cars are parked in like biscuits in a packet. Just hand your car to the operator and he will park it for you. Charges are not too expensive.
The best route for driving into Athens if you are coming from the Peloponnese is to follow the main highway from Corinth until you hit the Ring Road. You can follow the Ring Road all the way around Athens to the airport if you wish to miss Athens on the way back. If you are planning on staying in central Athens once more, then your safest bet is to follow the Ring Road to the main junction at Metamorfosi then turn onto the Piraeus freeway. Follow this to say Leoforos Athinon then turn left to get to the Centre.
There are plenty of could-see sights as you wend your way around the country. One might be taking a trip on the rack and pinion railway to Kalavryta on the north coast of the Peloponnese. If you were to forego Olympia, you might make it to Monemvasia on the southeastern tip of the Peloponnese, but it’s a fair drive. Nafplio is good to spend a night in and it’s the best base for Epidavros and Mycenae.
I want to rent a car for Athens, Delphi, and the Peloponnese. Do you recommend booking in advance or going to one of the booths at the airport and getting a car there?
I would book in advance for pickup at the airport. I know some people have gotten terrible (expensive) deals when walking up to the counter and booking on the spot. Much better to reserve cars in advance.
Hi Dave
Is October a good time for traveling at islands? And do the ferries work normal or with reduced services?
Thanks in advance
Ferry schedules are reduced in October (compared to July and August) but it’s still possible to get almost everywhere you’re going. Early October still has good beach weather. By late October the hot days are usually gone but the weather is still great for sightseeing.
Do you recommend renting a car at the Athens airport or at a different location in or near Athens?
Renting from the Athens airport is easiest, offers the largest choice of cars, and often has the best rates.