How to find a cheap car hire deal in Athens
Searching for a cheap rental car in Athens? The booking magic happens here. With prices averaging $74 a day, we compare all the best offers so you can choose fast, spend less, and hit the road happy.
$10 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in Athens.
For longer trips, pick up a weekly rental from $27 and fit more into your itinerary.
Consider this your cheat code for when to book. Three weeks in advance gives you the best shot at finding the best price on a Athens car hire.
Line up your ride with Centauro, Green Motion or Right Cars. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Athens car hire policy, whether you go with Centauro or any other supplier. Some companies treat it as an optional extra instead of bundling it in.
Choosing a one-way car hire is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes need to move vehicles from one location to another, which means you can bag some fantastic one-way prices on a car for rent in Athens.
Spend less on fuel by choosing a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and bring it back full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Hit the highway without watching the miles and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you explore further.
Best value car hire options right now
You get the best value with this company, with average prices at $35 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $82, this provider comes in next.
The third option also comes in as one of the cheaper suppliers. Drive off in one of their rentals for roughly $55 a day.
If you're having trouble deciding which wheels are right for you, consider something from the Economy rental category. It's the most commonly booked vehicle type in Athens.
Flying to Athens? Think about an airport pick-up
Start exploring Athens sooner by booking a car hire at Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport. The city centre is about 32 kilometres away from this airport, which is a drive of around 35 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Athens
Small: Whether you're darting along city streets or simply planning a quick trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to easy handling and great mileage.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to handle in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're a great all-rounder.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this Athens car hire category. Also known as full-size, they've got the engine power for lengthy trips. The extra space and comfort make them a popular choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a better view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're weaving through remote countryside or cruising along wide-open highways, many offer all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Athens that makes light work of heavy loads. Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's supplies, baggage or big groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something you should consider. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a hefty excess fee. Different Athens car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi, 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
Rental age requirements aren't always the same across the board. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could encounter extra costs or restrictions. Check what applies with each supplier before booking your car hire in Greece.
Travel plans include the kids? Car seat rules differ from place to place, and the right setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Be sure to add the right one to your Athens car hire reservation.
Come prepared to avoid delays at pick-up. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no copies) and another form of photo ID. Have a credit card ready for the deposit too. If extra documents are required, they'll be listed in your booking.
If you're unfamiliar with driving in Greece, remember that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's usually around 45kph in built-up areas and 125kph or so on highways. Always follow the posted signs.
In Greece, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you expect to drink, get someone else to do the driving or arrange a taxi or ride-share instead.
Aim 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) for everything you buy on your trip. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cards and cash for more flexibility when paying.
The language most often spoken in this country is Greek.
Best hotels in Athens for drivers
Offering parking, Melo Athens takes the guesswork out of where to leave your car. This hotel is about 0.80 kilometres from central Athens and also comes with an airport shuttle and luggage storage.
Alternatively, take advantage of the parking at Civitel Esprit. The city centre is roughly 10 kilometres from this stay, which also features room service and an outdoor swimming pool.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in Athens and pick the stay that suits your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.
After you've found a car hire deal in Athens and your hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. The Parthenon, Acropolis of Athens and Erechtheion give you a real taste of the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Athens
Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Athens and then take off to Salamina. About 21 kilometres west of Athens, Ancient Port of Salamis and Hot Island Beach are standout attractions that make the drive more than worth it.
Still got fuel in the tank? Set out for Volos, about 161 kilometres northwest of Athens. From Ancient Temple to Mount Pelion, your journey will end on a high note.
Book a room at Domotel Xenia Volos or Hotel Admitos. Use one of them as your base and enjoy everything Volos has to offer. They also offer parking.
