Athens car rental information
| Pick-up location | Athens |
|---|---|
| Car types | Compact, Compact SUV, Economy, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Mini, Passenger van |
| Rental locations | 197 |
| Airport locations | 72 |
| Popular agencies | GREEN MOTION , ADDCAR RENTAL , Centauro, Lets Drive, CarWiz |
Cheap car rentals in Athens
| Economy | $11/day |
| Compact | $13/day |
| Intermediate | $19/day |
| Mini | $10/day |
| Passenger van | $47/day |
| Compact SUV | $20/day |
| Intermediate SUV | $22/day |
Top tips for renting a car in Athens
- Athens, Greece, is well known for its rich cultural heritage and amazing history. To visit the city’s historic locations and breathtaking architectural works, you will need to get cheap car rentals in Athens for ease of travel from one location to another. You can visit the Acropolis, one of the city's most popular sites, and the Lycabettus Hill, which is among the most beautiful viewpoint in the city. The Edem beach, which is closest to the city, is about 6 mi away and takes about 20min to reach using a rental car.
- Travelers who would want to rent a car in Athens must meet the minimum age of 21 years to rent a car. However, the legal age for driving your car is 18 years, but restrictions apply when it comes to renting a car. You are also required by law to have a valid driving license. It is important to note that you cannot hire a car using your debit card. It is also important to note that third party liability and fire insurance is mandatory though mostly included in the car rentals.
- There are several parking spaces in Athens for the car rental in Athens, Greece. It is much easier for you to park the car on the city’s outskirts but if you need parking much closer to Athens, most parking is paid. Athens has parking rules that differ slightly with other Greek cities. The city uses designated P signs with markings to show whether the parking is paid, free or reserved for governmental, police or commercial vehicles. If you are looking for free parking, most of the street parking on Sundays do not have any charge attached.
- Need to pick up a rental car after landing in Athens? Fortunately for visitors, the rental car counters are right within the main terminal building. Simply follow the signs to the rental car center located on the arrivals level of the main terminal, after baggage claim.
- Drivers in Athens should be careful of pedestrians crossing the street at random times, as jaywalking is extremely common in the city, especially on the smaller streets in the downtown area.
- Rush hour in any major city can be an inconvenience and, unfortunately, Athens is no exception. Morning rush hour typically lasts from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., while the afternoon rush hour lasts from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, on a positive note, traffic is not much of a problem outside of Athens’ downtown core. So, if you plan on checking out the nearby sites, then you shouldn’t have too much of a problem as long as you avoid the tourist buses.
- Looking forward to exploring Athens? Well, renting a car is definitely one of the best ways to get around. For instance, if you want to go from the Acropolis and Parthenon to a seaside stroll by the Bay of Zea, you could spend an hour on public transport, or you could drive there in twenty minutes. If you plan on visiting the countryside, there simply is no better way than at your own pace in your own vehicle.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in Athens for $25 or less
- Book your rental car in Athens at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Economy rental cars in Athens are around 38% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Athens
What type of car is recommended for driving in Athens?
Due to the mostly narrow, winding streets in Athens, smaller vehicles are highly recommended. Small cars are the norm in Greece anyway, so even outside of Athens it is highly recommended that you stick to a compact car.
What’s the speed limit in Athens?
Speed limits, unless otherwise specified, are 50 km/h (31 mph) on residential roads and in cities, 90 km/h (56 mph) on country roads, and 110 - 130 km/h (68 - 81 mph) on highways.
Where are the best places to park in Athens?
Finding an ideal streetside parking spot in Athens is a bit of a Sisyphean task. Double parking is the norm and the roads are cramped and full of cars duking it out for any available space. So save yourself the hassle and stick to parking garages. They are by far the best option because you can simply park and then hop on public transport to get to your final destination. Parking garages are particularly recommended for those who plan on visiting the city center, as traffic jams are the norm.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Athens?
On average a rental car in Athens costs $38 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Athens found in the last 2 weeks is $8.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Athens?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at ADDCAR RENTAL ($10/day), GREEN MOTION ($11/day) and Exer Rent a Car ($12/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest rental car price was found at ADDCAR RENTAL Agion Anargiron 74 Koropi Athens null (12 miles from city center).
What is the best rental car company in Athens?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental company in Athens is Sixt (8.3, 122 reviews).
Can I rent an automatic car in Athens?
Yes, automatic cars are available in most car renting companies in Athens. As cars with manual transmission are more common in many countries, you might have to pay an additional charge for renting an automatic car.
How much is gas price in Athens?
The average gas price in Athens is $7.56 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $91 and $121, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Athens?
Economy (Skoda Citigo or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Athens.
Which car rental companies are at Eleftherios V. airport (ATH)?
Car rental companies onsite at Eleftherios V. airport include GREEN MOTION, Centauro, Rhodium, Caldera, ADDCAR RENTAL, Europcar, Autounion Car Rental, CarWiz, Alamo and Thrifty.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at Eleftherios V. airport (ATH)?
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Eleftherios V. airport to off-airport locations include GREEN MOTION, Rhodium, Caldera, Europcar, Autounion Car Rental, Alamo, Thrifty, Avis, Sixt, and Hertz.
How can I find car rentals near me in Athens?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does an Economy car rental cost in Athens?
An Economy car rental in Athens costs $43 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Athens?
An Intermediate car rental in Athens costs $72 per day, on average.
How much does a Mini car rental cost in Athens?
A Mini car rental in Athens costs $35 per day, on average.
What is the most popular rental car location in Athens?
In Athens, cars are most frequently rented at AbbyCar Car Rentals Athens Airport (13 miles from city center).
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Athens?
On average a rental car in Athens costs $265 per week ($38 per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Athens?
On average a rental car in Athens costs $1,138 per month ($38 per day).
Should I get insurance when renting a car in Athens?
Most car rental providers in Athens offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Athens, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in Athens?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 75 car rental agencies in Athens.
Which car rental companies in Athens have updated their vehicle cleaning and safety policies because of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Some car rental companies in Athens which have updated their car rental health and safety policies due to COVID-19 to make sure vehicles are clean and disinfected include Europcar, Alamo and Thrifty
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Athens?
Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).
Why should I use KAYAK to rent a car in Athens?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Athens so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
What does a foreign International require to rent a car in Athens, Greece?
All the visitors to Athens, Greece must have a valid driving license from their home country to legally rent and drive a car rental. You should also have an International Driver’s License and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you are a foreigner and a state-issued driving license.
Which driving laws should I consider when driving in Athens?
If you are driving in Athens as a foreigner, you should pay special attention to the traffic rules governing the different roads. Understand the speed limits within (30mph) and outside (55mph) within the urban limits, on the expressways (110km/h), and motorways (130km/h). Always wear a seatbelt while driving, don’t drink and drive and avoid using your phone while driving.
Athens car rental reviews and directory
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
9.0
Wonderful
35 reviewsCleanliness
9.1
Comfort
9.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.2
Value for money
8.9
3 locations in Athens
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very good
May 2021
Pros:
Staff was awesome!Cons:
Could have been detailed clean10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2019
Pros:
very friendly staff,helefullCons:
perfect10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2019
Pros:
Got upgraded, drop off was easy. Friendly staff.Cons:
When we arrived the baby seat wasn’t installed and we needed to walk around to find one and install it in the car. Took almost an hour.8.4 Very good
Apr 2019
Cons:
The car had damage all over it when I picked it up. It otherwise worked fine though.10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2019
Pros:
Staff was friendly.Cons:
Car could have been in cleaner condition3.6 Poor
Nov 2018
Cons:
Windshield wiper spray didn't work, oil looked like it had never been changed.Sixt
8.3
Very good
98 reviewsCleanliness
8.5
Comfort
8.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.1
Value for money
8.3
3 locations in Athens
Filters
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
2.0 Poor
Oct 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
2.0 Poor
Oct 2022
8.0 Very good
Sep 2022
8.0 Very good
Sep 2022
Alamo
10.0
Wonderful
1 reviewCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.9
Value for money
10.0
One location in Athens
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2021
Payless
9.6
Wonderful
4 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
10.0
Value for money
10.0
One location in Athens
Filters
Reviews
2.4 Poor
Jul 2017
Pros:
It was kinda cheapCons:
Booked a ford mondeo got an old run down skoda fabia2.0 Poor
Apr 2017
Cons:
It's been more than 10 days and I have not got my deposit back which is about €1500 my name is THEOTOKis7.6 Good
Sep 2016
Cons:
Car had 150,000 kilometers on it!!Avance Rent a Car
8.8
Very good
4 reviewsCleanliness
8.8
Comfort
8.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.5
Value for money
8.0
4 locations in Athens
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Jul 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2021
Budget
8.7
Very good
20 reviewsCleanliness
8.6
Comfort
8.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.8
Value for money
8.5
3 locations in Athens
Filters
Reviews
9.6 Wonderful
Feb 2020
Pros:
Staff very friendlyCons:
None10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2019
Pros:
Fast process and good attitude from the employees.Cons:
Everything was good5.2 Fair
Jul 2019
Pros:
The staff was very polite and helpfulCons:
We recieved a very low grade gps unit it could not identify even the drop-off point the Thessaloniki airport. In addition from i could understand we received a different class car than the one we ordered. The was great but smaller than we ordered.6.0 Okay
Jul 2019
Pros:
Easy to get at airportCons:
Return at counter was long. Counter was not identified Avis budget. Could have been any company Car was very small and many scratches Hidden costs. For one hour difference upon return I was charged an extra day8.8 Very good
Sep 2018
Pros:
Front Desk people were very courteous and friendly. They even upgraded me for free because the argument I had with the parking person.Cons:
Park person that brought the car threatened me because I exchanged some words with him when trying to enter the rental parking lot and he wasn't letting me in as he was unparking another rental car.10.0 Wonderful
Aug 2018
Pros:
Pick up was great. No issues with car.Autounion Car Rental
7.0
Good
2 reviewsCleanliness
7.0
Comfort
7.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.0
Value for money
7.0
6 locations in Athens
Hertz
6.4
Okay
1 reviewCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
6.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.0
Value for money
6.0
12 locations in Athens
Locations in Athens
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Reviews
6.4 Okay
Jun 2019
Cons:
The staff at both pickup and drop of location are very good. The problem we have is that the air conditioning is not working and we have spend long time to drive it back to get the car replaced.Europcar
5.6
Fair
2 reviewsCleanliness
6.0
Comfort
5.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.0
Value for money
6.0
6 locations in Athens
Avis
5.2
Fair
13 reviewsCleanliness
5.2
Comfort
4.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.2
Value for money
5.2
4 locations in Athens
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
May 2018
Pros:
Friendly and knowledgeable staffCons:
Car accelerated slowly2.0 Poor
Sep 2017
Cons:
I rented a car two days -- it was supposed to be ready at 9am and when I showed up at 2pm to pick it up I had to wait 45 min until I made other plans and had to cancel the rental with Avis. 10 people working in that office and being told every 5 minutes "it's coming" - it is just unacceptable! Never again.2.0 Poor
Jul 2017
Pros:
Kayak follow up on customer satisfactionCons:
I reserved a car which can hold specific number of passengers (8) Kayak reservation was clearly stated number of passengers 8 but Avis rep said Kayak made a mistake and I need to pay an additional$99 euros for this 4 day rental over and above the agreement. Even if there is discrepancy Avis should pick this up with Kayak and not put a gun on customer's head when he/she has no other choice. Additionally car has multiple scratches and dents, over all renting a car in 3rd. World countries is always risky and unpredictable.5.2 Fair
Jun 2017
Pros:
We were given a new car with a broken cigarette lighter port. As a consequence about 1/2 hour into our trip the gps lost power and we spent 3 hours lost in the suberbs of Athens lost8.0 Very good
Nov 2016
Pros:
The customer service was excellent, and they even give you free coffee from a fancy Illy machine while you wait.Cons:
The wait while they pulled up the car was a little long (about 15 minutes). The office on Siggrou is a little tricky to access since you have to drive up onto the sidewalk and then out into oncoming traffic. The car was pretty touchy and it would stick between gears, but I suppose that is what I get for renting the cheapest option.2.0 Poor
Sep 2022
GREEN MOTION
4.5
Mediocre
22 reviewsCleanliness
5.3
Comfort
5.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.5
Value for money
4.8
4 locations in Athens
Filters
Reviews
5.9 Fair
Jun 2021
2.0 Poor
May 2020
Cons:
They were terrible at communicating, gave false information and would not respond to questions or inquiries. Then, I tried to cancel and they were impossible to work with.8.0 Very good
Feb 2023
2.0 Poor
Jan 2023
6.0 Okay
Dec 2022
8.0 Very good
Oct 2022
Dollar
4.4
Mediocre
2 reviewsCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
6.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
2.0
Value for money
2.0