Greece – Car Rental

What are the rules and requirements for renting a car in Greece?

To hire a car in Greece, you must be a minimum of 21 years of age — though the exact threshold can differ depending on the vehicle class — and your licence must have been valid for at least one year. Drivers who are younger than 25 are often subject to a young driver surcharge on top of the base rental rate. It is always worth checking the precise criteria of your chosen supplier, since policies differ between companies.

Certain providers will only rent to drivers aged 23 or above, and those between 21 and 24 may face a daily surcharge added to the standard rate. Some agencies also apply an upper age ceiling, commonly around 70 or 75. If you are interested in premium or luxury vehicles, the age and experience requirements are generally set higher than for standard categories.

A credit card registered in the renter’s name is essential for the deposit; debit and prepaid cards are not typically accepted. This deposit is pre-authorised on your card and released once the vehicle is returned undamaged. In some cases a company may accept a debit card, though this often comes with a larger deposit or additional conditions.

You must keep your driving licence, any applicable international permit, and all car hire documents on your person whenever you are driving. Photocopies are not adequate. Fire cover and third-party liability insurance are legal requirements and are included in every rental agreement.

Seat belt use is compulsory throughout Greece, and operating a mobile phone while driving is illegal unless you are using a properly installed hands-free setup. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.05 grams per 100 millilitres of blood — tighter than in many other nations, so caution is essential. Always verify the most current regulations with the Greek Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (gov.gr) before your trip.

Which major car rental companies operate in Greece, and where can I find them?

Every major international car hire brand has a presence in Greece, with Avis, Budget, Europcar, Enterprise, Thrifty, Hertz, Sixt, and others all active in the market. Athens International Airport hosts rental desks from multiple companies in the arrivals hall, with the vehicles themselves accessible by a short walk or shuttle ride from the terminal building.

Here is a summary of the main operators and their websites:

Greece also benefits from a solid network of homegrown and regional operators worth looking into. Avance is one of the country’s leading local rental businesses, having traded since 1992 across more than 150 locations, including counters at major airport terminals. Greek Eco Cars has been serving both mainland Greece and the islands for over half a century, with a multilingual website and partnerships with major international names including Avis, Thrifty, and Hertz.

Travellers heading to Crete will find rental desks at both Heraklion Airport — ideal for central and eastern parts of the island — and Chania Airport, which serves the west. In northern Greece, picking up a car at Thessaloniki Airport is a practical choice for anyone wanting to explore the region, including the Halkidiki peninsula or the slopes of Mount Olympus. Aggregator platforms such as Auto Europe and Discover Cars let you compare rates from multiple providers simultaneously.

How does car rental pricing work in Greece, and what should I watch out for?

The price you pay to rent a car in Greece is shaped by several variables, with the time of year and your chosen destination carrying the most weight. Popular tourist areas such as Athens and the well-known Greek islands command higher rates than less-visited regions, and costs during peak season — particularly July and August — can be substantially elevated compared with shoulder or off-peak periods.

At the budget end of the market, daily rates can start from around €6–7, though a more realistic expectation during mid-season is €20–50 per day. In high season, small cars can average €40–70 per day. These figures are illustrative only; always check live rates directly with suppliers or through a comparison tool, as prices shift considerably throughout the year.

Drivers under 25 renting a car are typically subject to a young driver surcharge of around $12–15 USD per day (as of 2025). These additional fees are generally capped at either seven or ten days.

Fuel policies differ between rental companies, so it is important to clarify the arrangement at the time of booking. The most widely used policy is “full-to-full,” meaning you collect the vehicle with a full tank and must return it at the same level. Bringing it back below full will usually result in a charge at above-market fuel rates for the shortfall. According to one comparison platform, comprehensive insurance costs approximately $7.38 per day (as of March 2025), and purchasing full coverage online ahead of your trip is generally cheaper than buying it at the counter on the day.

Adding a second driver to the rental requires them to present their licence and identification; some companies levy an extra daily fee for each additional driver. One-way rentals within Greece are possible between certain locations but may attract additional charges. International one-way rentals originating in Greece are not permitted.

Rather than quoting a single all-inclusive price, many Greek rental companies advertise a base rate that excludes optional extras such as Collision Damage Waiver top-ups, theft protection, and satellite navigation. Always review the complete cost breakdown before confirming a reservation. Should a dispute occur, the Greek National Tourism Organisation (Visit Greece) and the Greek Consumer Ombudsman can offer guidance on your rights as a consumer.

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Greece?

Whether an IDP is necessary in Greece hinges on the country that issued your driving licence. The rules were clarified in 2021, making the position considerably clearer for many travellers — though individual rental companies may still impose their own requirements, so confirming with your supplier before you travel is always advisable.

Since 5 November 2021, driving licences issued by Australia, Canada, Gibraltar, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America are formally recognised for the purpose of hiring a car in Greece, so holders of these licences no longer require an International Driving Permit. Drivers holding a valid licence from any European Union member state, or from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, are equally exempt from the IDP requirement.

The legal basis for this recognition is found in Law 4850, Article 25, Paragraph 3, published in the Greek Government Gazette A 208 on 5 November 2021.

For all other nationalities, an International Driving Permit is required and must be carried alongside the original national licence at all times. An IDP must be obtained in the same country where your domestic licence was issued and cannot be acquired after arrival in Greece, so you should apply before departure through your national automobile association or the relevant issuing authority.

Some rental companies may request an IDP regardless of your country of origin, and having one can prove invaluable if you are involved in a road incident and language is a barrier with police or insurers. Even where your licence is legally recognised, carrying an IDP offers an additional layer of practical protection. Always verify the current requirements with both the Greek transport authority (gov.gr) and your chosen rental company before departure.

What types of roads and driving conditions should I be prepared for in Greece?

Traffic in Greece travels on the right-hand side of the road. The quality and character of the road network varies enormously — from well-engineered motorways to steep, narrow tracks winding through mountain terrain. Well-maintained toll roads such as the Egnatia Motorway in the north and the Athens–Thessaloniki motorway stand in contrast to the rural and island roads, which can be steep, poorly surfaced, and unlit after dark.

On three-lane highways, the middle lane is designated for overtaking only. Driving with full-beam headlights switched on inside towns and urban areas is strictly prohibited — a rule that can take unfamiliar drivers by surprise.

Navigating dense urban traffic in cities such as Athens or Thessaloniki can be genuinely demanding. Road discipline is often loose, parking spaces are hard to come by, and one-way streets are common. For getting around city centres, public transport tends to be a more sensible choice than a hire car.

Many petrol stations across Greece keep limited hours and may close early on weekends and public holidays, making it important to refuel whenever you have the opportunity rather than waiting until you are running low. Petrol prices in Greece are higher than the European average; in March 2025 the mean price was approximately €1.79 per litre.

If you intend to travel with your rental car on a ferry to one of the Greek islands, be aware that while vehicles can be transported from the mainland to islands provided the car is returned to Athens, CDW insurance cover is void for the duration of the ferry crossing. You must inform your rental company before boarding any car ferry with a hired vehicle. On smaller islands, roads can be extremely narrow, making a compact car or small SUV a more practical choice than a larger vehicle.

What insurance do I need when renting a car in Greece?

Fire cover and third-party liability insurance are mandatory under Greek law and are included with every rental. Third-party liability protects against claims arising from injury to other people or damage to their property — but it provides no protection against damage sustained by the rental vehicle itself.

In practice, most renters will encounter the following insurance options at the counter:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): This caps your financial exposure for damage to the hired vehicle, though you will ordinarily remain liable for an excess (deductible) even with CDW in place.
• Theft Protection: This covers you in the event that the rental car is stolen, although personal belongings left inside the vehicle are typically excluded from cover.
• Super CDW / Zero Excess: An upgrade offered by many suppliers that can reduce your deductible to zero. It is the most comprehensive option available and delivers genuine peace of mind.
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): An optional add-on that covers medical costs or injuries sustained by the driver in an accident.

Before accepting any insurance upsell at the rental desk, check whether your credit card already provides CDW cover in Greece — many do. For complete reassurance, purchasing zero-excess or excess reimbursement insurance beforehand is usually cheaper than what is offered at the counter and can save you considerable inconvenience if you need to make a claim.

Do not assume that your credit card will automatically cover you. The rental car protection offered by credit card providers varies significantly between issuers; some exclude Greece entirely, some exclude certain vehicle types, and others require you to decline the rental company’s CDW before the card’s cover activates. Read your card’s terms carefully and confirm the details with your card provider before collecting your vehicle.

At the time of pickup, always conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle in the presence of a company representative. Ensure that every pre-existing scratch, dent, or mark is recorded on the checkout form and acknowledged in writing before you sign anything. The odometer reading and fuel level will also be noted. Taking a comprehensive set of timestamped photographs of the entire vehicle before driving away is strongly recommended.

Are there any specific rules for expats or long-term residents renting cars in Greece?

Short-term visitors to Greece are straightforwardly subject to the requirements set out above. If you are relocating to Greece or intend to stay for an extended period, however, your situation regarding driving licences and rental eligibility becomes more complex.

If you are taking up permanent or long-term residence in Greece, you are expected to comply with local licensing regulations regardless of whether you continue to hold a valid licence from your home country. Like many countries, Greece requires residents who enter employment or formally establish residency to obtain a locally issued licence.

Holders of EU and EEA licences can generally continue driving on their home licence for the duration of their residency in Greece, as mutual recognition applies across EU member states. Non-EU licence holders should review the exchange requirements carefully, however. Converting a foreign driving licence to a Greek one must be initiated either through the appropriate Greek consular office or via the Greek transport authority. The precise process and documentation required depend on your country of origin, so consult the official guidance on non-EU licence exchange at gov.gr for current requirements (as of 2025).

Once you are a settled resident holding a valid Greek or EU licence, renting a car follows the same standard procedure as for any visitor. The principal distinction is that some rental companies may ask to see your Greek residence permit or registration certificate alongside your licence and passport or identity document. Always check the exact documentation requirements with your chosen supplier in advance.

How do I rent a car in Greece step by step?

1. Check your licence eligibility: Establish whether your driving licence is accepted in Greece without an IDP, or whether you need to arrange one before you leave home. Consult the Greek transport authority and your intended rental company for up-to-date guidance.
2. Book in advance: Reserving online ahead of your trip gives you access to promotional rates and the opportunity to compare options thoroughly. Prices are frequently lower when booked early, particularly during the busy summer period.
3. Choose your insurance: Settle on your level of cover before you reach the counter. Investigate whether your credit card includes CDW protection, or buy a standalone excess insurance policy online — this is generally more affordable than the counter price.
4. Gather your documents: Bring your valid driving licence, passport or national identity card, a credit card in your own name, your booking confirmation, and an IDP if one is required for your licence.
5. Inspect the vehicle at pickup: Walk around the car with a company representative, identify any pre-existing damage, and make certain everything is recorded on the checkout form before you sign. Take a full set of dated photographs of the vehicle from every angle.
6. Understand the fuel policy: Clarify the fuel arrangement — the standard policy is full-to-full — and factor in enough time on your return journey to fill the tank at a petrol station before handing the car back.
7. Return the car: Bring the vehicle back to the agreed location on time. If you need to extend your rental period, notify the company as soon as possible. Retain all receipts and ask for written confirmation of the vehicle’s condition at the point of return.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Greece?

The minimum age for renting a car in Greece is generally 21, though this threshold can vary depending on the vehicle category, and your licence must have been held for at least one year. A young driver surcharge typically applies for drivers under 25, and some companies set their own minimum age at 23. Always verify the specific requirements of the supplier you plan to use at the time of booking, as policies are subject to change.

Can I take a rental car from Greece to another country?

Most standard vehicle categories rented in Greece can be driven to Western European destinations without restriction, but insurance regulations impose limits on luxury vehicle categories and travel to certain countries. Cross-border travel may be permitted by special arrangement with the rental company, and an additional fee may be applicable. Collision and theft protection cover typically lapses once the vehicle crosses out of Greece, meaning the renter bears full responsibility for any damage or loss that occurs abroad. Always notify your rental company before crossing any international border.

What happens if I am involved in a road accident in Greece?

If you are involved in an accident, pull over immediately, contact the police on 100, and call your rental company’s emergency number. Under Greek law, a road traffic collision resulting in injury or death to another person may result in criminal proceedings against the driver. Photograph the scene thoroughly, exchange contact and insurance details with other parties involved, and refrain from making any admission of fault at the scene.

What if I return the car with less fuel than I collected it with?

The majority of Greek rental companies apply a full-to-full fuel policy. Returning the vehicle with less fuel than it had at collection will result in the company charging you to top up the tank, typically at rates well above standard pump prices. To avoid this cost, stop at a petrol station shortly before drop-off and retain the receipt as evidence. Bear in mind that many Greek petrol stations operate reduced hours and may be closed on weekends and public holidays, so allow enough time to refuel on your way back.

Are there restrictions on taking a rental car to the Greek islands?

A rental vehicle may be transported from the mainland to island destinations by car ferry, provided it is ultimately returned to Athens, but CDW insurance is invalidated for the duration of the ferry journey. You must always inform your rental company prior to travelling by ferry with a hired car and confirm how this affects your insurance cover during the crossing. Vehicle availability tends to be more restricted on smaller or more remote islands, so advance booking is especially advisable in those cases.

Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Greece?

A credit card in the driver’s name is almost always required to place the rental deposit. Debit and prepaid cards are generally not accepted. Ensure your card has sufficient available credit to accommodate the deposit amount, and note that it may take several days or even a couple of weeks after the vehicle is returned for the pre-authorised hold to be lifted from your account.

Do I need to exchange my foreign driving licence for a Greek one as a new resident?

Holders of EU and EEA licences residing in Greece are generally able to continue driving on their original licence, as it is mutually recognised across EU member states. Non-EU licence holders typically need to convert their licence to a Greek one after establishing residency. This conversion process must be initiated through the relevant Greek consular office or the Greek transport authority. Since requirements vary by country of origin, always refer to the official gov.gr guidance for the most current information (as of 2025).

Is it worth using a comparison website to find car rental deals in Greece?

Absolutely — aggregator platforms are among the most efficient tools for securing competitive rates and gaining a clear picture of the total rental cost, including insurance and supplementary charges. Sites such as Auto Europe, Discover Cars, and Booking.com consolidate offers from numerous suppliers and allow direct side-by-side comparisons. Booking online in advance also unlocks promotional deals and special offers that are unlikely to be available if you simply walk up to a rental desk on the day.