From the winding roads of the Peloponnese to the rocky shores of Crete, here’s everything you need to know about renting a car in Greece!
The best way to explore the sun-kissed islands and rocky coastline of Greece is on a self-drive tour. Skip the public transportation, rent a car and hit those winding Grecian roads on your next trip to the Aegean.
From the ancient ruins of Olympia to the beaches of Crete, renting a vehicle provides the freedom to travel off the beaten track, explore remote Greek villages and find hidden coastal spots still devoid of tourists. Travel in your own time and at your own pace, without worrying about missing the last bus home!
Of course, whether you’re navigating winding mountain roads or interpreting the local road laws, driving in Greece does come with its own set of challenges. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about renting a car in Greece, ensuring that your journey across the mainland or the islands is as smooth and stress-free as possible, leaving you with less time to worry and more time to explore the ancient history.
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Should you drive in Greece?
Whether you should drive in Greece depends largely on your travel plans, comfort with local driving conditions, and where you intend to go.
Greece’s diverse geography – from mountainous regions to coastal towns and islands – can make driving an appealing option for those seeking flexibility. Renting a car allows you to explore areas not easily accessible by public transport, such as secluded beaches, rural villages and archaeological sites far from the usual tourist trail. If your itinerary includes visiting the Peloponnese, Crete, or smaller islands where buses run infrequently, driving can be the most efficient way to travel.
Driving in Greece, particularly in rural areas and on islands, can be challenging due to narrow, winding roads, steep inclines, and unpredictable local driving habits. While highways between major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki are generally in good condition, country roads can be less maintained, with sharp curves and limited signage. If you’re an experienced driver comfortable with tight spaces and sudden changes in road conditions, this may not be an issue. However, those who find such driving stressful might prefer alternative transportation.
We won’t lie, but Greek driving habits can seem chaotic to visitors. Overtaking on narrow roads, flexible interpretation of road markings, and aggressive driving in cities like Athens are common. It’s important to stay alert and drive defensively.
In large cities, such as Athens and Thessaloniki, traffic congestion and limited parking can make driving a hassle. Many urban areas have restricted parking zones, and finding a spot can be difficult. On the islands, parking tends to be easier, especially in off-season months, but in peak summer season, popular spots can still be crowded.
Renting a car in Greece can be a cost-effective way to travel. However, fuel costs, tolls, and parking fees should be factored into your budget. Additionally, during the high tourist season, rental prices increase and availability can become limited so early booking is advisable.
Where to rent a car in Greece
You’ll find a wide range of options depending on your location and travel itinerary. Whether you’re arriving at a major city, port, or airport, renting a car is relatively straightforward. It’s easy to book online before you depart with companies like leiebilguiden – Kreta to ensure you’re ready to go as soon as you land. You can even sort out all those added extras beforehand, be it GPS, child seats and insurance. Below are the main places where you can rent a vehicle in Greece:
1. Airports
Major airports are well-equipped with car rental agencies, both international and local. Renting a car at the airport offers the convenience of starting your road trip immediately and ensures easy pick-up and drop-off.
- Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos): As the busiest airport in Greece, it has a wide selection of car rental companies.
- Thessaloniki Airport (Makedonia): Serving northern Greece, this airport also offers a range of car rental options. It’s a good starting point for exploring the region of Macedonia, Halkidiki, or heading to nearby Bulgaria or North Macedonia.
- Heraklion Airport (Crete): For travellers headed to Crete, renting a car at Heraklion or Chania airport is ideal for exploring the island’s varied landscapes, including beaches, gorges, and historical sites.
- Santorini, Mykonos, and other island airports: Many of the major islands have their own airports with rental car services available. This is particularly useful if you want to explore beyond the main towns or travel during off-peak hours when public transport is less frequent.
2. City Centres
If you’re spending a few days in a major city before venturing into the countryside, renting a car in the city centre might make sense, although we’d also recommend looking at public transport options.
- Athens: Car rentals can be found throughout the city, including in popular tourist areas such as Syntagma and Monastiraki. However, due to heavy traffic and limited parking, it’s often best to use public transport within the city and rent a car only when you’re leaving.
- Thessaloniki: This northern city offers car rental locations downtown, near major hotels, and the central train station. Thessaloniki is smaller than Athens, making it easier to navigate by car, although city traffic can still be busy.
- Heraklion and Chania (Crete): These cities offer both airport and city centre car rentals. Renting in the city is useful if you plan to stay a few days before exploring Crete’s rural areas.
3. Ports
If you’re arriving by ferry, many ports offer convenient car rental options, especially on popular islands. Renting a car directly at the port saves time and hassle when transferring from the ferry to your accommodation.
- Piraeus Port (Athens): Piraeus is the main port of Athens and the gateway to the Aegean islands. Several rental agencies are located near the port, making it easy to hire a car if you’re catching a ferry and plan to drive once you reach your destination.
- Island Ports: Ports on islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros have car rental desks or agencies nearby. For a seamless experience, you can arrange for a car to be ready upon your ferry’s arrival. In high season, it’s recommended to book in advance.
Insurance coverage
Understanding the different types of insurance coverage is crucial to ensure that you’re adequately protected in the event of an accident or damage. Car rental insurance in Greece can be complex, with varying levels of coverage provided by rental companies and optional extras that can greatly affect the overall cost.
Here’s a look at the common types of insurance you’ll encounter and tips on choosing the right coverage.
1. Basic Insurance Coverage (Third-Party Liability Insurance)
All car rentals in Greece include Third-Party Liability Insurance (TPL) by law. This covers damage or injury to other people and their property in the event of an accident where you are at fault. It’s important to note that this basic coverage does not cover damage to your rental car or injuries you may sustain.
- What it covers: Injuries to other people (third parties), and damage to other vehicles or property.
- What it doesn’t cover: Damage to your rental vehicle, theft of the car, or personal injuries.
2. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Most rental agencies offer a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), often included in the base price of the rental. CDW limits your financial responsibility for damage to the rental vehicle, but it usually comes with a significant excess (deductible), meaning that in the event of damage, you are still responsible for a portion of the repair costs.
- What it covers: Damage to the rental vehicle in the event of a collision, but not full coverage.
- Excess: Typically, the excess ranges from €500 to €1,500, depending on the rental company and the type of car. This means you’ll be responsible for up to this amount before the CDW kicks in to cover the rest.
- What it doesn’t cover: CDW often doesn’t cover damage to tyres, the undercarriage, windshields, or mirrors, nor does it cover theft.
3. Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW)
To reduce or eliminate the excess, some rental companies offer a Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW). This extra insurance comes at an additional daily cost but can significantly lower your financial liability, often reducing the excess to zero or a very small amount.
- What it covers: Same as CDW but with a much lower or zero excess.
- Cost: SCDW can add €10–€20 per day to your rental costs, depending on the car and rental company.
- What it doesn’t cover: Like CDW, SCDW may still exclude damage to tyres, undercarriage, and glass unless otherwise specified.
4. Theft Protection (TP)
Theft Protection (TP) covers the rental vehicle in case it’s stolen, but like CDW, it often comes with an excess. This coverage may be included in the base rental price or offered as an add-on.
- What it covers: Financial protection in case the rental vehicle is stolen.
- Excess: Similar to CDW, there’s usually a deductible, which can range from €500 to €2,000, depending on the vehicle.
- What it doesn’t cover: Theft of personal belongings from the vehicle is typically not covered.
5. Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) is an optional coverage that provides compensation for medical expenses and personal injury resulting from an accident. While this is not commonly included in standard rental agreements, it can be purchased as an additional extra.
- What it covers: Medical expenses and compensation in case of injury to the driver and passengers in the rental vehicle.
- Cost: This is usually a low-cost option, adding a small amount to your daily rental fee.
6. Full Insurance / No Excess Coverage
Some rental companies offer Full Insurance or No Excess Insurance, which is the most comprehensive coverage available. It typically includes CDW, TP, SCDW, and sometimes additional protections such as windscreen, tyre, and undercarriage coverage. With this option, you are fully protected, and your excess is zero, meaning you won’t be liable for any damages or theft.
- What it covers: Full coverage, including theft, collision damage, and specific parts like tyres and windows, with no financial liability in most cases.
- Cost: This is the most expensive option, often adding €15–€30 per day to your rental cost, but it provides peace of mind.
7. Credit Card Insurance
Many credit cards, particularly premium cards, offer car rental insurance as part of their benefits, provided you use the card to pay for the rental. This can include coverage for damages, theft, and even excess waiver. It’s essential to check the specific terms of your credit card before relying on it, as some policies only apply in certain countries or have limitations on vehicle types.
- What it covers: Varies, but often includes collision damage, theft, and excess waiver.
- What it doesn’t cover: Often excludes luxury or high-value vehicles, and may not cover damages like windscreen, tyre, or undercarriage issues.
8. Exclusions and Important Considerations
Regardless of the insurance package, there are common exclusions to be aware of:
- Driving Off-Road: Damage caused while driving off-road or on unpaved roads is generally not covered. Stick to paved roads unless you’ve confirmed with your rental agency that off-road driving is allowed.
- Negligence: If you damage the vehicle through reckless driving, such as driving under the influence or violating traffic laws, the insurance may not cover the costs.
- Uninsured Areas: Some areas of the vehicle, like tyres, windshields, the undercarriage, and mirrors, are often excluded from basic insurance. Check if your rental company offers extra coverage for these parts.
- Ferry Travel: If you plan to take the rental car on a ferry between islands, confirm that the insurance covers ferry travel. Some companies prohibit cars from being transported by ferry or require additional coverage.
Expenses to consider when renting a car in Greece
There are several expenses to take into account beyond just the basic rental fee. These costs can vary depending on factors such as the type of vehicle, rental duration, location, and insurance coverage. Here’s a breakdown of the key expenses you should be aware of:
- Daily rental fee: €20–€100+, depending on the vehicle and season
- Insurance costs: Basic insurance is often included, but limited coverage
- Full coverage or no excess insurance: Adds €15–€30 per day
- Fuel: €1.80–€2.20 per litre
- Tolls: €2–€5 per toll station
- Parking fees: €1–€4 per hour in cities
- One-way fees: €30–€100+
- Additional driver fees: €5–€10 per day
- Young driver surcharge: €10–€20 per day for drivers under 25
- GPS or child seats: €5–€10 per day
- Ferry fees for taking the car to islands: €20–€50 per route
- Security deposit: €500–€2,000 held on your credit card
- Damage or cleaning fees: €30 to €500 or more, depending on the extent of the damage!
There you have it, the ultimate guide to renting a car in Greece! Where will your Greek road trip take you?
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