How to find a cheap car hire deal in Athens
Pick up a cheap rental car in Athens for around £21 a day and hit the road happy. We do the hard work for you by searching the best rental providers, making booking quick and easy.
£8 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in Athens.
Planning a longer trip and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? £51 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Athens car hire. Try booking around three weeks before you go.
Check out the offers available with Centauro, Green Motion and Right Cars. They're some of the top providers in the city.
Whether you choose Centauro or another supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Athens car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Select 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes need to move vehicles from one location to another, which means you can score some great one-way prices on a car for rent in Athens.
Avoid any surprise charges by booking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, and pay only for what you use.
Want to explore without worrying about how many miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra costs.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking first place for value is this company, with average prices of £37 a day.
Next up is this provider, which offers daily rates of around £48.
The third option also helps keep costs down. Expect to pay roughly £63 a day for one of their rentals.
If you're unsure which ride is right for you, choose something from the Economy rental category. It's the most frequently booked type of vehicle in Athens.
Flying to Athens? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Athens, get moving sooner by picking up a car hire at Athens International Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 32 kms (20 miles) and takes about 35 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Athens
Small: These cheap rental cars in Athens may be small in size, but they're big on practicality. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, fuel efficient, and perfect for city runs or weekend trips.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the just-right ride you need in your life. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are great for small families and couples.
Large: You've got the suitcases, the kids, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the space to carry it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for longer drives, this Athens car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a wide-angle view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating trickier terrain or cruising along wide-open highways, many offer all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Athens that makes light work of heavy loads. Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's equipment, luggage or whoever's along for the ride.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your Athens car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it's a smart add-on if you'd rather play it safe. Just remember that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can make all the difference on the road. Think about which features will make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Athens.
Good to know
Age requirements can vary by supplier (and even car type), so be clear on the rules before you book. Some companies in Greece may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you're outside the typical age range, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to explore your options.
If you've got the kids in tow, check if you need to add a child car seat to your Athens car hire booking. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when collecting your rental car: an official driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with room to cover the excess. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Your booking will flag any other must-haves.
Driving in Greece can take some adjustment if it's your first time. Be aware that traffic travels on the right side of the road.
Keep within local speed limits of about 45kph (30mph) through urban areas and around 125kph (80mph) on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.
In Greece, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you intend to drink, pass the keys to someone else or use public transport instead.
Try to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother run in general. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the euro (EUR) here. Along with your credit and debit cards, consider having some cash handy for smaller purchases.
Best hotels in Athens for drivers
Athens Homes is also a good option if your plans involve plenty of driving. It features parking, plus a tennis court and an airport shuttle. Check in here and you'll be roughly 0.80 kms (0.50 miles) from the city centre.
Need more ideas for your trip? Browse the lineup of hotels in Athens. You can narrow things down using the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If you're driving electric, you can use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
After you've found a car hire deal in Athens and the right hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Acropolis of Athens, The Parthenon and Erechtheion are classics for any first-time visitor.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Athens
Acharnes has some great accommodation options such as Semiramis and Theoxenia Palace. Both are practical choices for guests with cars.
Up for a bonus adventure? Volos is a popular road trip destination that's around 161 kms (100 miles) northwest of Athens. Consider making a few pit stops at Ancient Temple and Mount Pelion.
Drift off to sleep in Volos at either Belina Hotel or Domotel Xenia Volos. They've got a bed waiting for you and a place for your wheels too.
