Athens itself is not a pleasant city to drive in, but the Peloponnese, mainland Greece's archaeological sites, and the dramatic coastlines that surround the capital are best explored by car. The strategy is simple: use the metro within Athens, and rent a car when you are ready to explore beyond the city limits.
Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) is located 33 km east of the city center in Spata. Rental car desks are in the arrivals hall, and the rental car parking area is a short walk from the terminal. The airport is connected to the city by the Attiki Odos toll motorway, which provides a fast and efficient route into and around Athens, avoiding the congested surface streets. The toll from the airport to the city center is about €3.
Greece is one of Europe's more affordable car rental markets, with economy cars available from €15-€30 per day. Local Greek companies like AutoUnion, Goldcar Greece, and Drive often undercut international brands. However, carefully review insurance terms with local operators, as some have higher excess amounts.
Athens presents unique driving challenges that even experienced European drivers find exhausting:
The Athens metro (3 lines, clean, efficient, €1.20 per trip) and suburban railway to the airport are far more practical for city exploration.
Once clear of the city, Greek driving improves considerably. The national motorway network has been upgraded with EU funding, and the main routes are modern toll roads. The Olympia Odos to Patras and the Moreas Motorway through the Peloponnese are excellent. Tolls are reasonable, typically €2-€4 per toll station. Secondary roads vary widely in quality, from smooth asphalt to potholed tracks in rural areas. Mountain roads can be narrow and winding, especially in the Peloponnese interior.
The ideal months are April-May and September-October. Spring brings wildflowers, comfortable temperatures (20-25°C), and green landscapes before the summer heat parches everything brown. Autumn offers warm seas for swimming, the olive and grape harvest, and far fewer tourists at archaeological sites. July and August bring extreme heat (35-42°C) that makes visiting exposed archaeological sites uncomfortable. Air conditioning in rental cars is essential, not optional, and most companies include it as standard.
A unique advantage of renting in Athens is the ability to drive your car onto a ferry and take it to the larger islands. The port of Piraeus (10 km from Athens center) and Rafina (near the airport) serve the Cyclades, Dodecanese, and Eastern Aegean islands. Taking your car to Crete, Naxos, Paros, or other large islands avoids the need for a separate island rental. Ferry car transport costs €40-€80 one way depending on the route and season. Verify with your rental company that ferry transport is permitted, as some exclude it.
Greek fuel costs around €1.70-€1.95 per liter, with island and rural prices typically €0.10-€0.20 higher than in Athens. Many smaller stations are cash-only, so carry euros. Insurance excess in Greece is typically €500-€1,000, and deposits are €500-€800. Greek rental companies are generally straightforward about insurance, though counter upselling is common. Speed limits are 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on national roads, and 50 km/h in towns. Speed cameras are increasing but still less prevalent than in Northern Europe. Always carry your driving license, passport, and rental agreement, as police checkpoints are common on national roads.
You can pick up a rental car at these airports near Athens:
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| Zone | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Central Athens (Plaka/Syntagma) | €2-€4/hr | Very limited on-street parking. Many streets are pedestrianized. Virtually impossible to find a space in peak hours. |
| Municipal Garages | €10-€20/day | Garage near Syntagma Square and Monastiraki. Fill up fast during weekday mornings. |
| Private Parking Lots | €8-€15/day | Scattered around Omonia, Metaxourghio, and Kerameikos areas. Walk 10-15 min to center. |
| Airport Parking | €12-€18/day | Long-stay parking at Athens Airport. Free shuttle to terminal. Book online for discounts. |
Traffic note: Athens has some of the most chaotic traffic in Western Europe. The city sprawls across the Attica basin with a road network that cannot keep up with demand. Rush hours (7:30-10:00, 14:00-15:00, 17:00-20:00) create severe gridlock. The Athens Ring (Daktylios) restricts vehicles with odd or even license plate numbers on alternating days in the city center, though rental cars from outside the Attica region are generally exempt. Greek drivers are assertive, often ignoring lane markings and using horns liberally. Motorcycles and scooters weave constantly between cars. The Attiki Odos ring motorway is a modern toll road that efficiently bypasses the center. Double parking is endemic.
Compare car rental prices in Athens → →Book your Athens rental online at least 2 weeks ahead — airport desk walk-up prices are typically 30-50% higher.
Compare prices from top rental companies at ATH pickup locations.
The ancient sanctuary of Apollo on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, once considered the center of the world. The archaeological site, museum, and mountain setting are among Greece's most impressive.
The dramatic Temple of Poseidon perched on a cliff 60 meters above the Aegean Sea. Arrive in late afternoon for one of Greece's most celebrated sunsets. The coastal drive from Athens is scenic.
Greece's first capital city, an elegant Venetian-influenced port town with a dramatic hilltop fortress (Palamidi, 999 steps), charming old town, and nearby Mycenae and Epidaurus ancient sites.
Rental companies in Greece charge $15-30/day for excess reduction at the desk. Standalone policies cover the same thing for a fraction of the cost — and you can buy before you go.
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These policies reimburse you if the rental company charges your card for damage. They do not replace the rental company's basic insurance (CDW/TP) which is always included.
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Data and regulations verified against official sources. Last checked 2026-04-25.
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