Car rental in Greece

Greece attracts tourists with ancient landmarks, Blue Flag beaches, and scenic roads winding between mountain villages, olive groves, and coastlines. However, reaching many corners of the country by public transport can be challenging, while taxis are expensive. Car rental in Greece solves this problem, saving time and making your vacation more enriching.

Traveling by car through Greece isn't just convenient—it's an opportunity to immerse yourself deeper in the region's culture and nature. You can create your own itineraries, stop at locations that capture your interest, and quickly adjust plans based on weather or mood.

Advantages of Localrent Car Rental

Car rental is a popular service in Greece, but choosing among hundreds of rental companies isn't easy: they all have different terms, prices, and fleets. The Localrent service unites local companies, while its filters help you quickly select a vehicle. Here's why travelers choose Localrent:

1. Transparent pricing without hidden fees — the final amount is known upfront.
2. Precise filters — search can be customized by price, year of manufacture, engine type, payment method, and other parameters.
3. Extended insurance included in the cost for most vehicles.
4. Huge selection — from budget compact hatchbacks to convertibles, premium sedans, 9-seat minivans, and crossovers.
5. Unlimited mileage — most vehicles have no restrictions.

With Localrent, you see offers from different companies, while transparent rental conditions eliminate unpleasant surprises.

Requirements for Car Rental in Greece

To arrange car rental, you'll need a standard document package:

• Passport
• Valid driver's license

Electronic licenses and document copies are not accepted — originals only.

Each vehicle has its own driver conditions and requirements. You can rent a car in Greece from age 21 with 1 year of driving experience, but such offers are limited. Optimal conditions apply to drivers over 23 with 3+ years of experience. Specific requirements are listed in each vehicle card.

Car hire prices in Greece

The average cost of a one-day car rental. The number is calculated based on the bookings of the previous three years. It takes into account the rental of cars across all classes.

The demand for car rental services in Greece

The occupancy rate of the car rental fleets by month. For example, most cars are being rented in August, which means that this month has the smallest amount of available vehicles. The higher the percentage of the car fleet workload, the earlier it is worth booking a car to choosing the best option at the best price.

Traffic Rules and Driving Specifics in Greece

Road Conditions and Navigation Tips

Greek roads are well-maintained, especially in major cities and main highways. However, in mountainous areas and small villages, expect narrow, winding sections with steep descents. Engine braking is essential here to prevent brake pad overheating.

Peak traffic periods to avoid:

• Morning rush: 7:30 am to 9:30 am in major cities
• Evening congestion: 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm
• Friday afternoons experience heavier traffic toward resort areas

Speed Limits and Traffic Management

Maintain speed limits strictly:

• In cities — 50 km/h
• Outside urban areas — 90 km/h
• On highways — 130 km/h

Speed cameras are prevalent, with fines reaching hundreds of euros for violations.

At uncontrolled intersections, traffic from the right has priority, while bus and tram drivers always have right of way. Yellow arrows on traffic lights permit right turns even on red signals, but yield to those with green lights.

Essential driving insights:

• Urban drivers frequently ignore turn signals and change lanes abruptly
• Shoulder lanes are often used for overtaking
• Maintain calm, keep distance, and prepare for unexpected maneuvers
• Stay patient during typical Mediterranean driving scenarios
  

Parking in Greece

Parking in Greek cities requires attention: rule violations result in fines or vehicle towing. This is especially important in tourist zones where free spaces are scarce.

Color-coded parking guidance:

• Blue lines indicate paid zones — pay via terminals or mobile apps
• White lines allow free parking, but spaces fill quickly during season
• Yellow lines mean strict prohibition — never leave your car here, even briefly

Distance requirements:

• 3 meters from fire hydrants
• 5 meters from intersections
• 15 meters from bus stops

Practical Parking Tips

• Always check signs — rules can change between neighboring blocks
• In narrow streets, park without blocking traffic flow
• Use paid parking near attractions, especially during peak tourist season
• Greek drivers sometimes ignore rules, but tourists should follow regulations strictly

Parking fines are substantial, and vehicle towing adds unnecessary vacation complications.

Gas Stations in Greece

When traveling through Greece in a rental car, consider local gas station characteristics. Mainland prices are often 10–20% lower than on islands due to complex logistics. Tourist routes and resort areas typically have higher fuel costs.

Station frequency varies by location:

• Main highways: frequent stations
• Mountain areas and small islands: limited options
• Popular islands like Santorini: 30–40 km between stations
• Remote Peloponnese areas: sparse coverage

Typical service procedure:

1. Attendant assistance — most stations offer full service; specify amount, liters, or request full tank
2. Payment options — Greeks often use cash, especially in provinces; change delivered to your car; card acceptance varies; keep 20-50€ cash ready; full tank payments typically made after service
3. Night operations — terminal-based self-service available

Station schedules:

• Urban areas: major chains (Shell, BP) usually 24/7, switching to automatic service at night
• Rural areas: many close by 8:00 pm
• Islands: some stations close by 7:00 pm

Travel planning tip: Keep tank at least half-full in remote areas — the next station may be closed or too distant.

How to Book a Car in Greece

Find and book a car in Greece online through Localrent:

1. Specify rental parameters — Choose pickup city; if returning elsewhere, indicate in "Return" field; set filters for vehicle parameters, payment method, desired options, and other criteria.
   
2. Select vehicle — For mountain roads, choose cars with powerful engines; for narrow island streets, select compact models.
   
3. Review conditions — Open the vehicle card and study details including technical specifications, insurance features, driver requirements; add necessary options like child seats.
   
4. Confirm booking — Enter driver details and contact information; ensure license and passport validity covers rental period.
   
5. Pay deposit — Make prepayment (15–20% of total) by card; receive voucher with manager contacts via email; save this for pickup.
   

During vehicle collection, inspect body, wheels, interior, and trunk. All scratches, dents, and wear must be noted in the report. Check headlights and air conditioning functionality. Note fuel level — return vehicle with same amount. Sign contract, pay remaining balance, and receive keys.

Where to Travel with Your Rental Car

Ferry travel to/from islands requires prior authorization. If your Greek itinerary includes such crossings, contact us before completing booking. We'll match you with vehicles approved for ferry transport.

1. Meteora in Thessaly Region The road from Kalambaka to Meteora monasteries follows paved serpentine routes with breathtaking views of floating rocks and medieval retreats. Visit at least two monasteries like Great Meteoron or Varlaam, though some walking is required.
2. Delphi in Central Greece The route from Athens takes 2.5 hours. This ancient city with Apollo's Temple and archaeological museum sits on Mount Parnassus slopes. Stop in mountain village Arachova for local cheeses and wool products.
3. Nafplio in Peloponnese Greece's first capital features Palamidi Venetian fortress and waterfront views of Argolic Gulf. Convenient base for reaching ancient Epidaurus or Mycenae, with wide, well-marked connecting roads.
4. Sithonia Peninsula in Halkidiki 1.5 hours from Thessaloniki, Sithonia offers pine forests, crystal-clear bays like Kalamaci or Kavourtripes, and villages such as Neos Marmaras. Coastal roads are perfect for leisurely road adventures.
5. Mount Olympus in Thessaly Base village Litohoro is accessible via paved highway from Katerini. Even without trekking plans, drive the serpentine to Prionia parking for views of gorges and Aegean Sea.

Greece offers hundreds of magnificent car routes, but plan with two rules: avoid dirt roads and coordinate ferry crossings with rental companies. For island travel during season, book ferry tickets early — vehicle spaces fill quickly.

Vehicle Pickup Locations

Collect your rental car at convenient locations: airport, city rental office, or request address delivery. Available options depend on specific vehicles: some offer all 3 pickup points, others provide 1 or 2 options.

Vehicle cards show all available pickup and return locations during booking. Choose locations matching your itinerary. After booking confirmation, receive voucher with company manager contacts for meeting arrangements.

Recommendations for Car Rental in Greece

To ensure your Greek road trip brings only positive emotions, consider these local characteristics. Here are several tips to avoid mistakes and save time.

Choose Vehicle Based on Trip Plans

Mainland travel: Select mid-class cars comfortable for long city-to-city drives, cheaper than crossovers. Examples: Athens–Thessaloniki highway or Peloponnese mountain regions handle such vehicles well.

Island travel: Rent compact models. Narrow village roads and limited parking make small cars ideal choices.

Transmission Selection

Automatic advantages:

• If accustomed to left-hand traffic, automatic simplifies right-hand driving adaptation
• Mountain roads benefit from automatic transmission — no gear-shifting distraction on steep climbs
• However, small automatic cars may struggle with climbs unlike compact manual vehicles

Manual considerations:

• Greece has more manual transmissions, especially among compact and mid-class vehicles
• If automatic is essential, book early, particularly during peak season

Route Planning with Toll Roads

Toll roads exist only on mainland — highways like Athens–Thessaloniki or Corinth–Patras. Each section operates under different companies with slight price variations.

Toll payment guidance:

• Choose lanes with human symbols for card or cash payment
• Electronic transponder vehicles use yellow-signed lanes with car and wave symbols (Wi-Fi-like icon)
  

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Rental in Greece