You’ve just planned your dream vacation to Greece. Maybe it’s your first time visiting, or you’re coming briefly to view a second home that you’re interested in buying. You realize taxis aren’t an option to get everywhere – it will be expensive. And public transportation won’t give you the flexibility to visit all the small towns, museums, and tavernas you want to visit. Maybe it’s the height of summer and just the thought of walking everywhere makes you dizzy.
It’s becoming clear: You need a car for your trip to Greece. In this guide, we give you the best tips on renting a car in Greece, and helpful hints for getting around safely on Greece’s mainland or on the islands.
Benefits of Rental Cars in Greece
Driving in Greece has many advantages. Traveling Greece by car means you have the freedom to explore at your own speed, and to discover sights off the beaten track. Many epic stops in the Peloponnese, in the north in Meteora, and in less touristed areas like Epirus are only accessible by car or bus. Greece has a lot to offer for road trippers.
How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Car In Greece?
The cost of a rental in Greece depends on many factors, like the size of the vehicle, how long you are renting, and where you are picking up the car. Generally, you can expect to pay 30-100 euros daily for a basic rental car.
What Documents do I Need to Rent a Car?
To rent a car in Greece, you will surely need the following:
- A valid driver’s license
- Valid passport (don’t bring an image, you need the hard copy)
- Credit or debit card for payment
- Any necessary insurance documents
What Road Conditions Can I Expect?
Greeks are fast drivers. Even on country roads, they might try to overtake you. In areas with many turns, this can be dangerous – but they prefer not to wait.
Despite their impatience on the road, Greeks are very helpful when you ask for directions. Their directions might not be 100 percent accurate every time you ask, but their willingness to help is what matters.
Greek streets are generally narrow. In the past, streets in old towns were created for humans and not for cars. Sometimes cars park on both sides of the road, making the road even narrower. It benefits to rent a small car so you have an easier time. Roads can be poorly maintained, so be aware of potholes and bumps, especially when you are outside of the city.
Tolls in Greece
On the big highways, Greece has several toll booths that collect small amounts – the price ranges from 1 to 3 euros on average per toll booth. If you are planning a long road trip, we recommend including this cost in your planning. For example, the route from Athens to Thessaloniki will cost about 31 euros in tolls.
At the booths, you can pay by cash or by “e-pass”. The e-pass feature is only available for locals because it requires a Greek bank account. When you enter a booth, make sure it has a sign for cash payment on it. There are no tolls on the Greek islands or in Crete.
Picking up your Car
If you are picking up your car from the airport, plan to do so about 60 minutes after your flight lands. Returning your rental car can take up to 30 minutes.
Automatic vs Manual
In general, automatic cars are more expensive than manual cars, because manual cars are more common. You need to specify your choice when you book.
International Driver’s License
As a foreigner driving in Greece, you will need a valid EU Driving License or International Driving License to rent a car.
Visitors with a license from the USA, Canada, Australia, UK and Gibraltar, do not need an International Driver’s Licence to rent a car in Greece. Just present the license from your country of origin.
Visitors who have a license from a European Union country, or from Switzerland, Norway, Lichtenstein and Iceland (which are not in the EU), do not need an international driving license to rent a car in Greece.
Boarding the Ferry with a Car in Greece
If the Greek islands are in your travel plans, driving your own car gives you more flexibility when you arrive. It means you can drive to some of the best beaches in the Greek islands and explore small villages. Some islands, especially the smaller ones, have limited public transport options.
Although some ferries allow for cars and motorcycles, this is not true for all types of boats. Read more about different ferry types in our transportation article. Small ferries on local routes or high speed boats don’t always have a car deck.
Some car rental companies let you drive the rental car onto a ferry, but not in every case. And in many cases, you pay a fee every time you take the rental car onto a ferry.
Now you’re ready to rent a car in Greece! The next step is the most exciting. Now that you have a car, it’s time to pick your next destination for a road trip in Greece. Read about the best road trips in Greece here.
