Overview
Wondering if you should rent a car in Athens? If your plans involve staying within the central areas of Athens (such as Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma, Kolonaki, or Exarchia), relying on public transportation or taxi services might be sufficient for navigating the city.
For those of you who are interested in a self-guided exploration of iconic landmarks, scenic routes, and charming villages, renting a car is most economical and convenient option as it lets you explore Athens at your own pace and discover Greece’s rich cultural heritage.
Before you go ahead and reserve your rental car, we recommend reading through our guide to Athens Airport car rentals below.
Fast Facts
Language: Greek.
Local Currency: The local currency in Athens is the Euro (EUR). We recommend withdrawing euros at one of the Athens Airport ATMs before arriving at your desired accommodations.
Driving Rules: The law states that driving must always be on the right-hand side of the road.
Greece Country Code: +30 We recommend taking a look at these dialing instructions in case of emergencies.
Speed Limits: 50 km/h (31 mph) in the city, 110 km/h (68 mph) on open roads and 120km/h (75 mph) on major highways and roads.
Average Athens Gas Prices: Check the latest gas prices in Athens (Regular, Premium & Diesel). Note to tourists — Please remember that Athens gas prices are shown in liters, not gallons. There are approximately 3.78 liters in 1 gallon.
Types of Car Rentals
Athens car rental options include everything from economy cars to full-size vans and SUVs, with daily rental rates as low as $3.24 USD per day.
🌟 Pro Tip: Deeply discounted rates can be found with unlimited mileage when searching for weekly car rentals!
| Vehicle Type: | Model: | Rates P/D: |
|---|---|---|
| Mini | Fiat 500 or similar | $3.24 |
| Economy | Skoda Fabia or similar | $4.38 |
| Economy Elite | Suzuki Swift or similar | $4.72 |
| Compact | Suzuki Baleno or similar | $5.93 |
| Mini Elite | Smart ForFour or similar | $7.05 |
| Compact Elite | Volkswagen Golf or similar | $7.22 |
| Intermediate | Peugeot 301 or similar | $7.85 |
| Standard | Fiat Tipo STW or similar | $14.48 |
Note: The two most important things to remember when renting a car at Athens Airport is to always book in advance of your arrival and don’t be afraid to play with dates to find the best rates possible.
Car Rental Companies
The Athens International Airport is home to a wide variety of car rental agencies including Alamo, Avance, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, Keddy, Exer, and more.
| 🚙 Car Rental Company: | ⭐ Rating (1-10): | 💰 Rates: |
|---|---|---|
| Alamo | 9.6 stars | 🔍 Check Rates |
| Avance | 8.9 stars | 🔍 Check Rates |
| Budget | 8.7 stars | 🔍 Check Rates |
| Exer | 8.8 stars | 🔍 Check Rates |
| Enterprise | 8.1 stars | 🔍 Check Rates |
| Europcar | 8.2 stars | 🔍 Check Rates |
| Hertz | 7.8 stars | 🔍 Check Rates |
| Keddy | 7.7 stars | 🔍 Check Rates |
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you’ll find a list of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to car rentals at Athens Airport — from rental car requirements to vehicle types, insurance coverage, recommended car rental agencies, and more.
What are the requirements to rent a car at Athens Airport?
Renting a car in Athens will require you to provide proof of a valid driver’s license, a major credit card in the driver’s name, and usually requires that the driver is at least 21 years of age. Some rental agencies might require you to be 25 years of age or older. Always be sure to check with the rental agency before signing a car lease agreement.
Do I need an international license to rent a car in Athens?
In most cases, showing proof of a valid driver’s license from your home country is usually sufficient. That said, we recommend getting an International Drivers Permit (IDP) before arriving in Athens as a backup in case of an emergency.
How much money does it cost to rent a car in Athens?
Athens Airport car rental rates can be found for as low as $3.24 USD per day. Of course, rates vary depending on dates of travel, duration, type of vehicle, car insurance, and more.
How do I make a car rental reservation at Athens Airport?
We recommend booking your Athens Airport rental car online in advance by clicking here or by filling out the car rental widget located at the top of this page.
What type of car should I rent in Athens?
The type and size of the rental car that you rent in Athens will depend on the size of your group as well as your budget.
Here are six different types of vehicles you can rent at Athens Airport:
| Car Rental Type: | # of Passengers | Model / Make: |
|---|---|---|
| Small Car (Mini, Economy) | 1-3 | Fiat 500 or similar |
| Medium Car (Compact) | 3-5 | Ford Fiesta or similar |
| Large Car (Standard, Intermediate & Full-Size, Premium) | 3-5 | Fiat Tipo or similar |
| SUVs (Standard, Intermediate, Full-Size, Premium) | 5-7 | Kia Stonic or similar |
| Van (Mini, Compact, Full-Size) | 5-7 | Nissan Evalia or similar |
Do I need insurance for a rental car at Athens Airport?
We highly recommend purchasing full coverage car insurance for visitors who are planning on renting a car in Athens. At just $6.47 USD per day, this is an absolute no-brainer. Learn more about what full coverage car insurance means and what it covers below.
