Car Rental in Greece: The Complete Guide & Expert Tips

Updated: May 10, 2026
Greece › Greece Rental Cars
By Santorini Dave

See Also

• Athens Airport – Car Rental
• Heraklio – Car Rental
• Mykonos – Car Rental
• Santorini – Car Rental

• Note: I always use Booking.com to book vehicles in advance.

Car Rental in Greece – My Advice

• Booking: Booking.com is my favorite site for booking rental cars in Greece. It’s a good way to compare major brands with local agencies, but always read the rental terms before paying – especially the insurance, mileage, fuel policy, and deposit requirements.
• The Ferry Rule: In almost every case, it’s easier to rent separate cars rather than take one rental car from Athens onto the islands. Many rental companies require prior written permission before a car can board a ferry, and some apply extra ferry coverage or restrictions. Unless you have a very specific itinerary, return the car before your ferry and rent again on the next island.
• Manual vs. Automatic: Most rental cars in Greece are manual transmission. Automatic cars are available, but they are fewer in number, cost more, and sell out first on the islands. If you need an automatic for summer travel, book as early as you can.
• Size Matters: Rent the smallest car that comfortably fits your group and luggage. Roads can be narrow, village lanes can be tight, and parking is limited. A compact car is usually the easiest choice. If you need a minivan or larger vehicle, reserve well ahead for peak season.
• License Requirements: Whether you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) depends on your nationality and where your license was issued. Greece officially recognizes licenses from some non-EU countries, but some rental agencies and insurers may still prefer or request an IDP. For peace of mind, many travelers bring one anyway.
• Where to Rent: The airport is the easiest place to pick up and drop off a rental car because selection is wider and hours are usually longer. But if you’re arriving by ferry or staying in a town center, a port or downtown pickup can be more convenient. Check both before booking.
• Before You Book: Make sure the main driver has a credit card in their own name. Even prepaid rentals place a deposit or authorization hold on the card at pickup, and extras like child seats, one-way rentals, and added insurance can change the final price.

• Check Prices: Athens Airport • Santorini Airport • Mykonos Airport • Rhodes Airport • Kefalonia Airport • Corfu Airport • Heraklion Airport • Chania Airport • Thessaloniki Airport

Rental Car Locations in Greece

Airports in Greece will have the best rental car selection and prices, and are the best place to pick up a rental car. The Athens International Airport has the most rental car companies of any location in Greece.

• Athens – Downtown
  Car rental is not necessary for most tourists staying in central Athens. Budget, Thrifty, Hertz, and Enterprise have convenient locations close to the Acropolis and the Plaka neighborhood.
• Athens – Piraeus Ferry Port
  Well-connected by public transit with central Athens and the airport. Taxis are plentiful. Car rental not necessary for most tourists but there are several car rental companies close to the ferry terminal.
• Athens – International Airport
  Easy place to pick up a rental car. Great selection and cheap prices. A car makes exploring the Peloponnese, Delphi, and the Meteora much easier. There are several car rental companies in the airport terminal.
• Santorini
  Car rental is not necessary for most visitors. The Santorini airport is the best place to pick up a rental car.
• Mykonos
  Car rental is not necessary for most visitors. The Mykonos airport is the best place to pick up a rental car.
• Naxos
  Car rental is not necessary for most visitors. Naxos Town is the best place to pick up a rental car.
• Paros
  Car rental is not necessary for most visitors. Parikia or Naoussa are the best places to pick up a rental car.
• Rhodes
  Car rental makes exploring the island much easier. The Rhodes airport is the best place to pick up a rental car.
• Kefalonia
  Car rental makes exploring the island much easier. The Kefalonia airport is the best place to pick up a rental car.
• Corfu
  Car rental makes exploring the island much easier. The Corfu airport is the best place to pick up a rental car.
• Heraklio (Crete)
  Car rental makes exploring the island much easier. The Heraklion Airport is the best place to pick up a rental car.
• Chania (Crete)
  Car rental makes exploring the island much easier. The Chania airport is the best place to pick up a rental car.
• Thessaloniki
  Easy and convenient place to pick up a rental car. The Thessaloniki airport is the best place to pick up a rental car.

A rental car is often unnecessary for visiting the most popular sights in Greece. But if you want to get away from the crowds and see the less visited spots, then a rental car can be essential.

Car Rental in Greece FAQ

1. Do I need a rental car in Greece?

Not everywhere. In fact, for many Greece trips, the best answer is: rent a car only for the parts of the trip where it clearly helps.
You do not need a car for central Athens, most short stays in Mykonos, or a simple Santorini trip based around Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, or Oia. In those places, walking, taxis, buses, tours, and transfers work better than dealing with parking and narrow roads.
A rental car is much more useful on larger islands and mainland trips: Crete, Naxos, Paros, Milos, Rhodes, Corfu, Kefalonia, the Peloponnese, Delphi, Meteora, and Halkidiki. It gives you freedom to reach beaches, villages, monasteries, wineries, trailheads, and ruins that are awkward or slow by bus.
My rule: do not rent a car because you feel you “should.” Rent one when it solves a specific problem. If your hotel is central and you are mostly doing tours, beach clubs, restaurants, and ferries, skip it. If you want hidden beaches, mountain villages, early starts, or several stops in one day, rent one.

2. Should I rent a car in Athens?

Usually, no. Do not rent a car for sightseeing in central Athens. It is more hassle than help.
The best Athens neighborhoods for visitors, including Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma, Koukaki, Psirri, Kolonaki, and the area near the Acropolis Museum, are walkable and well served by metro, taxis, and tours. Parking is difficult, traffic is heavy, streets can be confusing, and many hotels do not have convenient parking.
A rental car makes sense in Athens only if you are leaving the city for the mainland: Delphi, Meteora, Nafplio, the Peloponnese, Cape Sounion, or northern Greece. Even then, I recommend picking up the car on the morning you leave Athens, not when you arrive.
If you are doing an Athens-only stay, skip the car. If you are going from Athens to the Peloponnese or Meteora, rent one. If you are just doing one day trip, compare the cost and convenience of a guided tour before committing to a rental.

3. Where is the best place to pick up a rental car in Athens, the airport or city center?

For most travelers, Athens Airport is the easiest place to pick up a rental car. It has the best choice of companies, longer hours, easier road access, and fewer city-center driving headaches.
Airport pickup is best if you are landing and immediately driving to the Peloponnese, Delphi, Meteora, Evia, or northern Greece. It is also good if you are returning the car before a flight.
City-center pickup can make sense if you are spending a few nights in Athens first and then driving out. But check the exact location carefully. Some “Athens city” offices are easier than others. Avoid picking up a car in the middle of rush hour or immediately after a long overnight flight.
If your first stop is central Athens, my preferred plan is: airport transfer or metro into Athens, no car while sightseeing, then pick up the rental car when leaving the city.

4. Is driving in Greece difficult or dangerous?

Driving in Greece is manageable, but it is not always relaxing. The difficulty depends heavily on where you are.
Main highways are generally good, especially around Athens, the Peloponnese, northern Greece, and major intercity routes. Tolls are common on the better highways, and driving between major towns is straightforward.
The harder driving is on islands, old villages, mountain roads, and busy resort areas. Roads can be narrow, parking can be informal, scooters may pass unexpectedly, and Google Maps sometimes sends drivers through tiny lanes that are technically roads but not fun in a rental car.
The most stressful places are central Athens, Santorini in high season, Mykonos in high season, old village centers, and steep hotel-access roads. The easiest places are larger islands with open roads, mainland highways, and rural areas outside peak traffic.
Rent a small car, drive defensively, do not rush, avoid night driving on unfamiliar rural roads, and never assume that a road shown on the map is comfortable for all drivers.

5. Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Greece?

I have never been asked for an IDP. But some rental companies still list an IDP in their terms, and individual counter staff can ask for one. An IDP is not a replacement for your driver’s license. It is a translation document. You need to carry it with your actual license. If you bring only the IDP and not your normal license, you will not be able to rent. For U.S. travelers, it is cheap and easy to get through AAA before departure. For the small cost and minimal effort, it’s probably worth having. You may never show it, but it can prevent an annoying rental-counter argument.

6. Can Americans, Canadians, Australians, and UK travelers rent a car in Greece with their home driver’s license?

Usually yes, but bring the right documents and check your rental company’s terms before arrival.
UK licenses are generally straightforward in Greece. EU licenses are accepted. U.S., Canadian, and Australian travelers can rent with their regular license, but some companies may still request an International Driving Permit, especially if the license is not in a format familiar to the rental agent.
The safest advice: carry your passport, your home driver’s license, a credit card in the main driver’s name, and an IDP if your license is from outside the EU or UK.
Also check the name on your booking. The main driver’s name should match the credit card and license. This sounds obvious, but it causes real problems at rental counters when one spouse books the car and the other plans to drive.

7. What documents do I need to rent a car in Greece?

For most Greece car rentals, you need:

• A valid driver’s license held for at least one year, sometimes longer depending on the company.
• Passport or national ID.
• Credit card in the main driver’s name.
• International Driving Permit if required by the rental company or if your license is from outside the EU and you want to eliminate any chance of not being able to rent.
• Rental voucher or confirmation email, especially if booked through a comparison site.

The credit card is the document that surprises people most. Many companies use it for the security deposit, even if you prepaid online. Debit cards may work with some companies, but they often come with stricter conditions, larger deposits, or mandatory insurance.
Also check age rules. Many companies rent to drivers 21 and older, but the best rates are for drivers 25 and older. Senior-driver restrictions are less common than young-driver fees, but they can exist, especially with smaller local companies.

8. What type of car should I rent in Greece, automatic or manual, small or large?

Rent the smallest car that fits your people and luggage. In Greece, small is good.
A compact car is easier to park, easier to pass through village lanes, easier to handle on island roads, and cheaper to rent and fuel. Large SUVs are rarely useful unless you truly need the space. They can be a liability in old towns, hotel driveways, beach roads, and ferry garages.
If you can drive manual, you will have more choice and lower prices. If you need automatic, book early, especially for summer and on smaller islands. Automatics are available, but they sell out faster and cost more.
For couples, a small economy car is perfect. For families, be careful with luggage. A “5-passenger” car in Europe may not fit five people plus large suitcases. If you are traveling with four people and lots of bags, reserve a larger category, but avoid anything bigger than necessary.

9. Is automatic transmission easy to find in Greece?

Automatic cars are available in Greece, but they are not as common as manual cars and cost more.
At Athens Airport, Thessaloniki Airport, Heraklion, Chania, Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini, and Mykonos, automatics are generally easy to find if you book early. On smaller islands or during peak summer, availability can be limited.
If you need automatic, do not wait until arrival. Book in advance and make sure the confirmation specifically says automatic. Do not assume “or similar” means the transmission can change. If automatic is essential, email the rental company before arrival and confirm it.
This is especially important in July, August, and early September. The cheapest automatics disappear early, leaving expensive categories or no availability at all.

10. What insurance do I need for a rental car in Greece?

Most Greece rentals include basic required coverage, but that does not mean you are fully protected. The key number is the excess, sometimes called the deductible. This is the amount you may owe if the car is damaged or stolen.
Common insurance terms include:

• CDW: Collision Damage Waiver. Limits your responsibility for damage but does not reduce it to zero.
• Theft Protection: Limits your responsibility if the car is stolen.
• Excess or deductible: The amount you still owe before insurance covers the rest.
• Full coverage or zero-excess insurance: Reduces or removes the excess, depending on the policy.
• Third-party coverage: Covers damage or injury to others, required by law.

The cheapest online price often comes with a high excess. That does not make it a bad deal, but you need to know what you are accepting.
Before driving away, photograph the car carefully: all sides, wheels, windshield, mirrors, roof, interior, fuel level, and odometer. Small scratches and wheel damage are common dispute points.

11. Can I take a rental car on Greek ferries?

Sometimes, but do not assume you can. Taking a rental car on a Greek ferry requires permission from the rental company.
Many rental contracts prohibit ferry travel unless you have written approval. Some companies allow it but charge an extra fee. Some allow the car on ferries but do not cover damage while the car is on the ferry. Some allow only certain routes. Some do not allow island-to-island ferry travel at all.
The ferry company may be happy to sell you a vehicle ticket, but that does not mean your rental contract allows it. The important question is not “Can the ferry take cars?” The important question is: Does my rental company allow this car on this ferry route, and is it insured while doing so?
If you do take a rental car on a ferry, book a vehicle ticket in advance for busy routes, arrive early, and expect the driver to board the car separately while passengers walk on.
For most island-hopping trips, it is easier to return the car before the ferry and rent another car on the next island.

12. Is it better to rent one car for an entire Greece trip or rent separate cars on each island?

For most travelers, rent separate cars on each island. It is easier, cheaper, and less stressful.
Taking one car from Athens to multiple islands creates several problems: rental-company permission, ferry insurance, vehicle ferry tickets, one-way fees, port parking, boarding stress, and the risk that you are paying for a car on days when you do not need one.
Separate island rentals let you rent only when useful. For example: no car in Athens, two days with a car on Naxos, one day on Santorini, three days on Crete. That is better than paying for a car for the entire trip.
The main exception is a mainland road trip, such as Athens, Delphi, Meteora, Peloponnese, or northern Greece. For those trips, one car makes sense.
Another exception is a tightly connected island route where a specific rental company gives written ferry permission and the car saves real time. But that is the exception, not the default.

13. Can I pick up a rental car in Athens and drop it off on an island, or in another city?

Sometimes, but it can be expensive (or impossible). One-way rentals in Greece depend on the company, location, vehicle category, and season.
Athens Airport to Athens city center is easy. Athens to Thessaloniki may be possible with larger companies. Athens to Kalamata, Patras, Volos, or other mainland cities may be possible but can have a fee.
Athens to a Greek island is much harder. Most companies will not allow it. Others may require ferry permission, extra insurance, and a large one-way drop fee. Even when technically possible, it will cost more than renting separate cars.
Do not build an itinerary around a one-way car rental until you have confirmed the exact pickup, drop-off, ferry permission, and fees in writing.
For most travelers, the cleaner plan is: rent in Athens for the mainland, return in Athens or at the airport, then travel to the islands by ferry or flight and rent locally as needed.

14. Which Greek islands are worth renting a car on?

The islands where a car is most useful are the larger or more spread-out islands.
Crete: Yes, for most travelers. Distances are long, beaches and villages are spread out, and a car makes the island far more rewarding.
Naxos: Yes, especially for beaches, mountain villages, Halki, Apiranthos, and exploring beyond Naxos Town.
Paros: Often yes. A car helps with beaches, Lefkes, Naoussa, Aliki, and flexible exploring.
Milos: Yes, if you want to see the beaches properly. Roads vary, and some areas may require care, but a car is very useful.
Rhodes: Yes, especially for Lindos, beaches, wineries, and the interior.
Corfu: Yes, if staying outside Corfu Town or exploring beaches and villages.
Kefalonia: Yes. It is large, mountainous, and very car-friendly for independent travelers.
Santorini: Maybe. Useful for exploring wineries, beaches, Akrotiri, and Pyrgos, but not essential if staying on the caldera and doing tours.
Mykonos: Maybe, but often more hassle than expected in high season. Taxis, buses, hotel shuttles, and beach transfers may be easier.

15. What should I know about parking in Greece?

Parking is one of the main reasons not to over-rent in Greece.
In Athens, parking is difficult and not worth the trouble. Choose a hotel with parking if you will have a car, or better, avoid having a car while staying in the center.
On islands, parking varies by town. Beach parking is informal and easy outside peak season, but crowded in July and August. Popular towns like Oia, Fira, Naoussa, Parikia, Mykonos Town, Chania Old Town, Rethymno Old Town, Lindos, and Corfu Town can be very difficult.
Do not assume your hotel has parking. “Nearby parking” can mean a public lot several minutes away. If you are staying in an old town, caldera village, or pedestrian zone, ask your hotel exactly where guests park and whether the route to reception has stairs.
Look for blue or marked paid parking zones in cities, avoid blocking driveways, and do not copy local drivers who park casually on corners or sidewalks. Rental cars are easy targets for tickets.
Best advice: book hotels with parking when renting a car, rent a small car, and avoid driving into old town centers unless you know exactly where you are going.

16. Are cheap Greece car rentals online legit, or will there be hidden fees?

Many cheap Greece car rentals are legitimate, but the lowest price is not always the best deal.
Very cheap rates can come with high deposits, strict fuel rules, limited mileage, late pickup fees, debit-card problems, expensive insurance pressure at the counter, or inconvenient off-airport pickup locations. None of these are necessarily scams, but they can turn a cheap booking into an annoying one.
Before booking, check:

• Pickup location: airport terminal, shuttle, or off-site office?
• Opening hours: what happens if your flight or ferry is late?
• Deposit amount: how much will be held on your card?
• Excess amount: how much are you liable for?
• Transmission: manual or automatic?
• Fuel policy: full-to-full is best.
• Mileage limits: unlimited is easiest.
• Ferry policy: allowed, prohibited, or permission required?
• Second driver fee: included or extra?
• Reviews: especially recent reviews for the exact pickup location.

I do not mind booking inexpensive cars in Greece, but I avoid mystery terms. The best rental is not always the cheapest one. It is the one with clear insurance, a fair deposit, the right pickup location, and no surprises when you arrive.

Read More

• Where to Stay in Santorini
• Where to Stay in Mykonos
• Where to Stay in Naxos
• Where to Stay in Paros
• Where to Stay in Crete
• Where to Stay in Athens