Renting a Car in Athens: What You Need to Know (and What They Don’t Tell You)
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Driving in Greece can feel overwhelming at first—but then, somewhere along a coastal road with the sea stretching out beside you, it becomes kind of magical.
While public transportation in Athens is decent and gets the job done, there’s nothing quite like the freedom of having your own car. The ability to pull over at a random beach, detour into a tiny village, or chase a sunset without checking a bus schedule—it changes everything.
That said, renting a car in Athens comes with a few quirks. Some are obvious, others… not so much.
This post is all about renting a car in Athens.
Renting a Car in Athens
Do You Need an International Driver’s License?
Short answer: probably yes.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is basically a translated version of your license that makes things easier for authorities abroad. You can get one pretty easily before you leave (in the U.S., places like AAA issue them), and it’s valid for a year.
Full honesty: I’ve never personally gotten one. But from what I’ve seen and heard, Greece has been getting stricter about requiring it—especially with rental companies. So this is one of those better safe than sorry situations. It’s a small errand before your trip that could save you a big headache later.
City Rental vs. Airport Rental
This is where a little strategy can save you money and stress.
Renting in the city:
This is the more convenient option if you’re planning to spend a few days exploring Athens first. You don’t need a car in the city (honestly, you really don’t), so waiting to rent one can save you money on unnecessary rental days—not to mention parking headaches.
The downside? It’s usually more expensive per day.
Renting at the airport:
This is almost always cheaper—especially if you book in advance. The lowest prices are often from rental companies located just off-site from the airport, which means a quick shuttle ride.
The catch is convenience. If you want to explore Athens first, you’ll have to go back out to the airport to pick up your car, which isn’t exactly fun after you’ve already settled into the city.
A little strategy tip:
If your trip includes both Athens and road-tripping, think about when you actually need the car. Sometimes the best move is:
- Explore Athens first (no car)
- Then head to the airport to pick one up
And return it there before your flight
Grab your FREE
✨Ultimate Greece Travel Starter Guide!!!✨
Skip the overwhelm — I pulled together the must-knows so you don’t have to dig through a million sites.
Booking Tips (That Will Save You Money)
Book in advance if you can. Prices go up, and automatic cars (more on that in a second) are limited.
Also, pay attention to pickup and drop-off locations. Returning your car somewhere different—like picking up at the airport and dropping off in the city center—usually comes with an extra fee.
It’s not always a dealbreaker, but it’s something to factor into your plan.
Driving in Athens (Mentally Prepare Yourself)
Driving in Athens is like driving in New York… but worse.
Lanes are more like suggestions. Stop signs are sometimes treated as yield signs. And motorcycles will absolutely weave between cars like kids running late for class.
It can feel chaotic at first—but oddly, there’s a rhythm to it. You just have to stay alert, be decisive, and accept that things won’t always work the way you expect them to.
The good news? Once you’re out of the city, it’s a completely different experience. Open roads, coastal views, mountain drives—it’s the kind of driving that makes you forget the stress of getting out of Athens in the first place.
Manual vs. Automatic Cars
Most cars in Greece are manual.
If you need an automatic, you’ll definitely want to reserve it in advance—and expect to pay more for it. They’re just less common, so they go quickly.
Fuel, Insurance, and the Fine Print
Most rental companies use a “return it how you got it” fuel policy (usually full-to-full). Give yourself extra time before drop-off to fill the tank properly—this is not something you want to rush at the last minute.
Insurance is required, but what’s included varies. Rental companies will offer additional coverage for a daily fee, but you might already be covered through your credit card.
Definitely check this ahead of time.
I learned this one secondhand: my mom once had to drive all the way back to Athens mid-trip to swap out a rental car because her insurance only covered 30 days—and she didn’t realize it. Most trips aren’t that long, but it’s a good reminder that every policy has its limits.
Grab your FREE
✨Ultimate Greece Travel Starter Guide!!!✨
Skip the overwhelm — I pulled together the must-knows so you don’t have to dig through a million sites.
Navigation Tips
I use Google Maps for everything—but download your routes for offline use before you leave Wi-Fi.
Even if you have international data, the cell signal can get spotty once you’re out of major areas. Having offline maps downloaded is one of those tiny things that makes a big difference when you’re somewhere remote and just trying to find your way.
Final Thoughts
Athens traffic is basically a sport.
But if you can get through it, you unlock a completely different side of Greece. One where you’re not tied to schedules, where the best moments aren’t planned, and where the journey becomes just as memorable as the destination.
It might feel intimidating at first—but it’s worth it.
