Car Rental in Athens, Greece
How to Book a Car in Athens with Drivelity: Only 5 Simple Steps
You need to fulfil 5 simple steps to book a car in Athens, Greece:
- Select the city: Athens (pick-up, drop-off locations) and rental dates in the search field;
- Press Filters and select the vehicle type, car brand, gear box, deposit/no deposit, payment method, etc.
- Choose the best deal from the listing;
- Click View and fill in the details including additional services (if needed);
- Pay an advance 15-20% of the rental cost and confirm your booking.
The voucher will be sent to your email after successful prepayment. It confirms the rental and includes the final price in EUR and terms. Pay the rest of amount when you pick up the car.
Cheap or Luxury Car Rental in Athens Without Deposit and Credit Card
Athens is one of Europe’s most fascinating travel destinations combining ancient history, beautiful beaches and easy access to some of Greece’s most iconic attractions. Whether you are visiting for weekend getaway or planning a longer Greek adventure, choosing a rental car in Athens can make your trip far more flexible and enjoyable.
While Athens has public transportation options such as buses, metro lines and taxis, renting a car gives travelers the freedom to explore beyond the city center. A rental car allows you to discover hidden beaches, mountain villages, archaeological sites and scenic coastal roads without depending on schedules or tour groups.
Drivelity is an international booking platform which connects you with local car rental companies in Athens, Greece. We offer cheap or luxury car rental in Athens, Greece at the best prices. Our service has a huge selection of vehicles in our fleet ranging from economy class cars to 4×4 SUVs (5, 7, 8, 9 seater), minivans, elite, premium, convertibles and luxury cars. You can rent cars in Athens, Greece with low or without deposit for short term (daily, weekly) or long term! No credit card is also required for most offers.
Car Rental in Athens, Greece: No Deposit
- No blocking money on the card
- Quick and hassle-free pickup process
- More budget-friendly travel
Car Rental in Athens, Greece: No Credit Card
- No credit card is required
- Fewer transactions mean lower fees
- Full control over spending with no risk of spontaneous overpayments
You can find all the information about “No deposit” and “No Credit Card” options in each car’s description.
Rent a Cheap or Luxury Car in Athens City and Airport
You can choose pickup and return locations during booking a car in Athens, Greece. For example, select car delivery to airport, port, hotel, mall, etc. You need to specify exact delivery address of preferred location. For example, Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) or Piraeus Port.
Select a Vehicle Type for Rental in Athens, Greece
- Economy Cars. Ideal for solo travelers or couples. These cars are fuel-efficient and easy to park in busy city areas.
- Standard cars. Provide comfortable and reliable option for both city travel and long-distance trips with spacious interiors, efficient fuel consumption and smooth handling.
- 4×4 SUVs. Perfect for families or travelers planning mountain or countryside trips.
- Convertibles. Ideal for enjoying Athens sunny climate and scenic coastal drives especially during summer holidays and romantic escapes.
- Minivans. Great for larger groups traveling together around Greece.
- Luxury Cars. Suitable for business travelers or visitors who seek extra comfort and premium features.
Hire a Car in Athens, Greece: Why Choose Drivelity?
- We work with the best verified local car rental companies in Athens, Greece and provide a huge selection of vehicles for any request;
- Convenient search filter by types of cars (economy, standard, luxury, Vans, SUVs, convertibles), brand, model, engine size, gearbox (manual, automatic), etc.
- Payment methods accepted by Drivelity: cash, debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.
- Unlimited mileage; additional options: second driver, child safety seat, winter pack, etc.
- Insurance: Basic Coverage, Full Coverage, Full Coverage Plus;
- Car delivery to hotel, mall, airport, port, etc.
- You avoid hidden fees. The final rental price is indicated in voucher;
- Low deposit/no deposit. There are many offers with deposit under 300 €. Sometimes it is absent at all;
- No credit card is required. You don’t need to have a credit card to hire a car in Athens, Greece;
- Free cancellation. Full refund if cancellation is made more than 24-48 hours before receiving the vehicle;
- 24/7 support. We monitor all the stages of car rental and assist if you have any questions.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Athens, Greece?
You need to provide original versions of the following documents (photocopies or scanned copies are not accepted):
- Passport.
- Valid Driver’s License.
In Greece, you can usually rent a car from age 21 with at least 1 year of driving experience though options are limited. The most favorable rental conditions are typically available to drivers aged 23 and older with 3 or more years of driving experience. You can find age and driving experience requirements in each car’s description.
Driving Rules in Greece
- Carry your driving license, passport/ID and insurance documents at all times. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required depending on your country of origin.
- Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
- Follow speed limits: typically 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads and 120 km/h on highways unless otherwise signposted.
- Maintain safe distance, stay in your lane and use indicators when turning or changing lanes.
- Obey all traffic signals; running a red light results in strict fines.
- At roundabouts, vehicles already inside generally have priority unless otherwise indicated by signs.
- The legal alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l blood alcohol content (lower for new or professional drivers) with strict penalties for violations.
- Traffic cameras are widely used to monitor speeding, seatbelt use, mobile phone use and other infractions.
- Use of a mobile phone is allowed only with hands-free system while driving.
- All passengers must wear seat belts at all times.
- Children must use appropriate child restraint systems according to age, height and weight regulations.
- Give way to emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens immediately.
- Parking is permitted only in designated areas; blue zones require payment and visible ticket. Illegal parking can result in fines or towing.
- Aggressive driving, unsafe overtaking and misuse of road shoulders are penalized under Greek traffic law.
Best Places to Visit in Athens, Greece
Here are some top sights to visit in Athens, Greece:
- Acropolis of Athens – The iconic hilltop citadel with the Parthenon and sweeping city views.
- Parthenon – Ancient temple dedicated to Athena, the symbol of classical Greece.
- Acropolis Museum – Modern museum with world-class archaeological finds from the Acropolis.
- Ancient Agora of Athens – Once the heart of public life in ancient Athens.
- Plaka – Old town district with narrow streets, tavernas and souvenir shops.
- Monastiraki Square – Lively area known for markets, street food and views of the Acropolis.
- Syntagma Square – Central square with tGreek Parliament and changing of the guard.
- National Archaeological Museum of Athens – Greece’s most important archaeological museum.
- Athens Riviera – Scenic coastal road with beaches, marinas and seaside cafes.
- Cape Sounion – Famous for Temple of Poseidon and sunset views over Aegean Sea.
- Lake Vouliagmeni – Thermal lake with mineral waters perfect for relaxing stop.
- Glyfada – Upscale beach suburb with restaurants and nightlife.
- Vouliagmeni Beach – One of the most popular organized beaches near Athens.
You can also travel by rental car to Piraeus, Alimos, Glyfada, Koropi, Rafina, Voula, Thessaloniki, Kallithea, Hanioti, Pefkohori, Nikiti, Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos, Malia, Alexandroupoli, Corfu, Kos, Rhodes, Kalamata, Kavala, Kefalonia, Leptokarya, Lesvos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Skiathos, Thasos, Zakynthos, etc.
Practical Tips for Renting a Car in Athens, Greece
- Learn the traffic rules. Familiarize yourself with Greek driving regulations beforehand to avoid fines. Always keep your driver’s license and vehicle documents with you in case the traffic police request them.
- Inspect the car. Check the vehicle thoroughly inside and out when you pick it up. Take photos or videos and make sure any scratches or damage are recorded in the handover report.
- Be mindful of the heat. High temperatures can cause mobile phones, tablets and food to overheat or spoil. Avoid leaving electronics or perishables inside the car.
- Island travel. Choose compact rental cars. On narrow village roads with limited parking, small vehicles are the most practical option.
- Monitor fuel level. Keep track on your fuel level especially on rural roads in Greece where gas stations can be scarce. If you’re driving in mountainous regions it’s safer to rent a car with a larger fuel tank.
- Choose the right insurance. Make sure your rental includes sufficient coverage especially for collision and theft.
- Pick the right vehicle. Consider the size and type of car for your itinerary especially if you plan long highway drives.
FAQ
Can I rent a car in Athens, Greece without credit card?
It depends on local rental company’s policy. You can find rental options that allow payment in cash or with debit card on our website.
Can I rent a car in Athens, Greece without secirity deposit?
Some car rental companies in Athens, Greece may offer zero deposit options. Availability depends on factors such as the vehicle type, rental period, insurance coverage and the supplier’s terms and conditions. Be sure to review the deposit policy in the booking details before finalizing your reservation.
Why are prices on Drivelity website lower than on other aggregators?
Drivelity car booking service works with local rental companies which offer low car rental prices.
Which car models are popular for rental in Athens?
For country trips and mountain routes, mid-class cars with 1.4L+ engines such as Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Passat are commonly rented. For city and island travel, compact models like Nissan Micra and Fiat Punto are more suitable. The best choice depends on your planned routes and driving conditions.
What is a minimum age and driving experience to rent a car in Athens, Greece?
The drivers aged 23+ with at least 3 years of experience have access to the widest range of rental cars in Athens, Greece. Younger drivers from 21 years old can still rent but vehicle selection is limited for them. Age and experience requirements are listed in each vehicle description.
Do you offer child seat when booking through Drivelity?
Yes, we offer different types of seats for children (for additional fee): child safety seat (up to 1 year old), child safety seat, child booster seat.
What options do you offer when renting a car in Athens?
You will find the following options among the car rental offers in Athens available through the Drivelity comparison platform (for additional fee):
- the second driver in contract;
- personal accident insurance;
- theft protection;
- winter pack;
- unlimited mileage;
- child safety seat (up to 1 year old), child safety seat, child booster seat;
- city delivery;
- free cancellation (up to 24–48 hours before vehicle pickup).
What are the car rental prices in Athens, Greece?
The approximal car rental prices in Athens, Greece are:
- from 15€ per day (economy cars)
- from 40€ per day (standard cars)
- from 30€ per day (SUVs)
- from 50€ per day (vans)
- from 190€ per day (convertibles)
- from 70€ per day (luxury)
Is basic insurance included in car rental price?
Yes. Basic Coverage is usually included. You can also order Full Coverage or Full Coverage Plus additionally.
Is delivery to Athens International Airport, Piraeus port and pickup at hotel available?
Yes. Some car rental companies in Athens, Greece may offer car delivery to Athens International Airport (ATH), Piraeus port and vehicle pickup at your hotel.
What to do if my route includes ferry crossings?
If your route involves ferry crossings, please inform our support team before making a booking. While many rental companies permit vehicles on ferries, they may require additional insurance or higher deposit. Traveling by ferry without prior approval can breach the rental agreement.
Do I have to return the car with full tank?
The rental car must be returned with the same fuel level when it was handed over to you. If the vehicle is returned with less fuel than required, you will be charged for the difference based on the company’s fuel rates.
Useful Information
Parking
Athens offers mix of street parking, paid municipal zones and private garages especially around the city center, historical sites and coastal areas. Prices in central districts typically range from about €1–€3 per hour, while private parking lots and garages charge higher daily or hourly rates.
Parking Types
- Free parking exists mainly in outer neighborhoods but it is increasingly rare in central Athens and near tourist attractions.
- Paid parking zones are common in the city center with meters or app-based payment systems and time limits depending on the street.
- Private parking garages are widely used for convenience in busy areas like Syntagma, Monastiraki and near major hotels.
Parking rules in Athens are shown through road markings and signs: blue zones are usually for residents or permit holders while white zones are for paid or short-term parking. Yellow markings mean no stopping or loading areas and all “No Parking” signs must be strictly respected especially in central areas. Parking is also forbidden within about 5 meters of intersections or crossings and blocking driveways is not allowed. Illegally parked cars are often towed in busy districts.
Fueling
Athens has a well-developed network of fuel stations with major operators including Shell, BP, EKO, Avin Oil and Aegean Oil. Fuel stations are widely distributed across the city, suburbs and along major highways connecting Attica with the rest of Greece.
Petrol (gasoline), diesel and LPG (autogas) are the main fuel types available. Fuel prices in the Athens area typically range around €1.85 to €2.10 per litre depending on fuel type, location and global oil prices.
Highway stations and service areas tend to be slightly more expensive than urban stations. Fuel quality is consistently high and regulated across Greece. Pump color coding is generally standardized: green pumps usually indicate unleaded gasoline (95 and 98 octane) while black pumps indicate diesel. LPG stations are marked with “LPG” or “Autogas” signage and are commonly found at larger stations. Most fuel stations in Athens operate during regular daytime and evening hours while 24/7 service is mainly available at major highway routes and motorway service areas, where prices may be slightly higher but convenience is greater for long-distance travel.
Toll Roads
Toll roads in Greece are common on major highways including routes around Athens such as the Attiki Odos motorway. Toll fees depend on the specific road section and vehicle type but for a standard rental car they are typically a few euros per passage while motorcycles are charged less. Apart from these main toll highways connecting Athens with other regions of the country, most local and secondary roads are free to use. Greece’s road infrastructure has improved significantly in recent years with well-maintained motorways linking major cities. However road conditions can vary in mountainous and rural areas, where routes may be narrower, winding and less consistently maintained. Driving a standard rental vehicle on unpaved roads is generally not permitted. In addition to potential insurance exclusions, these routes can present safety risks due to sharp bends, loose gravel, steep gradients and occasional rockfalls making them unsuitable for regular vehicles and inexperienced drivers
Before booking a car in Athens, choose the pickup location. Available options can usually be viewed during the booking process by selecting the “Pickup” field. Depending on the supplier, vehicles can be collected at Athens International Airport (ATH), from city center locations, or in some cases delivered directly to your hotel. Pickup points, meeting procedures and any additional delivery fees vary by supplier so it’s important to review the details in your booking confirmation carefully.