So what’s the deal with renting a car in Greece and the Greek Islands?
Deciding to rent a car on any trip I always think is a big decision.
But as many parts of Greece currently don’t have Uber and lots of landmarks are out of the way, I will always recommend getting a car hire in Greece!
Renting a car in Greece is the best way to see the country, but there are some things you should know before you jump behind the wheel of your rental car.
Driving in Greece can be stressful.
And It is even harder if you don’t know what you are doing, so it’s important to be prepared.
In this guide, I will give you the best tips on renting a car in Greece and driving safely while you’re there.
By the end of the article, you’re going to feel comfortable with the whole Greek car rental process — and have all the information about driving a rental car in Greece that will boost your confidence.
Planning A Trip To Greece? Use The Resources Below!
► Accommodation– I Recommend Booking.Com
► Local Tours– I Recommend Viator.Com
► Car Rental– I Always Use DiscoverCars.Com
Is renting a car in Greece worth it?
Renting a car in Greece can be a great way to explore the country at your own pace. And it is totally worth it!
Whether you’re planning on driving along the stunning coastline, visiting charming villages in the countryside, or exploring ancient ruins in the city, renting a car is an affordable and convenient option that allows you to save money and see a lot.
It also means you can do your trip on your terms. No waiting for a tour guide or having to make sure you get the last bus back.
And I always find that the most beautiful sites in Greece are in more rural locations and include some sort of hill.
So having a car is super helpful, especially in the summer!
How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Car In Greece?
The cost of renting a car in Greece will vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of vehicle you choose and the length of your rental period.
Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from around €29-99 ($30-100) per day for a basic rental car.
However, this price may change depending on your location and the time of year.
To ensure you get the best deal when renting a car in Greece, it’s important to do your research ahead of time and shop around for the best rates from different providers.
You may also be able to save money by opting for an economy-sized or smaller vehicle instead of a larger, more expensive model.
✅The best way to compare rental deals, especially in Greece is by using Discover Cars. They are fantastic for finding the best rates for your trip!
Best Car Rentals In Greece
If you are reading a guide about hiring a rental car in Greece, chances are you will want to know the best car rental companies to use. I’ve got your back!
Here are some of the best car rentals in Greece you should consider booking:
👉 Overall Best Car Rental Option In Greece
👉 Best Rental Option In Athens-CarQ
👉 Best Car Rental in Kos–SIXT
👉 Best Car Rental in Santorini–Avance
👉 Best Car Rental Option In Corfu–CarQ
👉 Best Car Rental In Rhodes–Autocandia
👉 Best Car Rental Option In Naxos–Thrifty
Is driving in Greece difficult?
I have driven in several parts of Greece and the roads are fairly easy to navigate.
However, Greek drivers have a reputation for being reckless and unfortunately, I do agree with this 🤐
Just make sure you stick to the speed limits, take your time on the mountain roads and be aware that Greek drivers have a habit of overtaking into oncoming traffic.
Car Rental Insurance In Greece
When travelling to Greece, one of the most important things to do is to make sure that you have good car rental insurance.
Renting a car when visiting Greece is an incredibly convenient and cost-effective way to explore this beautiful country, but it also comes with certain risks.
Whether you’re navigating winding mountain roads or driving on busy city streets, accidents can happen at any time.
Fortunately, there are a number of different car rental insurance options available that can help to protect you while driving in Greece.
Some of these include comprehensive collision coverage, as well as roadside assistance and liability protection.
You can buy full coverage insurance through your car rental company for very little!
✅ I always get my insurance through Discover Cars as it is only a few euros extra a day! ✅
Greek Driving Laws Visitors need to know
Whether you’re visiting Greece for business or pleasure, renting a car is often the best way to get around and explore.
However, it’s important to be aware of the laws and regulations that apply when driving in Greece.
Here are some of the most important laws you should know before renting a car in Greece:
✔️ Greece has a general speed limit of 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on highways, and 130 km/h on the motorway (unless it says otherwise)
✔️ Unlike many countries, there is very little allowance for speeding. So do not go over the speed limit or you will be fined (you may find this hard to believe when you see some Greeks drive though..)
✔️ The limit is very low (0.5) so it is best to avoid alcohol at all if you are driving
✔️ Seat belts are mandatory for both front and back seat passengers
✔️ At a stop sign you must stop and give way
✔️ Any use of mobile phones is illegal
✔️You need to wear suitable shoes when behind the wheel in Greece
I highly recommend not breaking any driving laws in Greece as the fines are high, with most being around €700.
What documents do I need to hire a car in Greece?
When renting a car in Greece, it’s important to have the proper documentation and information ready.
In order to rent a car from a reputable provider, you will typically need to provide:
✔️ A valid driver’s license
✔️ Valid passport
✔️ Credit or debit card for payment purposes (Credit Card is the best way to pay as they will not charge you for the deposit)
✔️ Any necessary insurance documents.
Some providers may also ask you to fill out an online form or provide additional information, such as your home address, phone number, email address, etc.
It’s always a good idea to have this information handy before you start the rental process, as it can help speed things up.
Can US citizens hire a car in Greece?
Greece is a popular travel destination for American citizens, and many visitors want to know if they can rent a car while in Greece. The answer is yes!
There are a number of car rental companies that cater to American visitors, and you can usually find a car to rent at most major airport locations.
In addition, many car rental companies offer online reservations, so you can book your car before you even leave the United States.
Before renting a car in Greece, be sure to brush up on your driving skills and knowledge of the local traffic laws.
To make life easier, take a screenshot of the Greek Driving Laws Visitors Need to Know section before your trip ☝️
You’ll also need to have a valid driver’s license and Passport.
With a little planning and preparation, renting a car in Greece will be super easy.
Do you need an international driver’s license to rent a car in Greece?
Good question! There is a lot of confusing information about needing an international driver’s license in Greece around.
If you are visiting Greece for less than 6 months, you usually can use your valid driver’s license in Greece.
But this does depend on what country your driver’s license is from.
✔️ If you are from the EU, you can use your driver’s license in Greece with no issues
✔️ If you are from the UK, you can use your driver’s license with no issues
✔️ If you are from the US, you can also use your driver’s license with no issues
✔️ National Driving Licenses issued in Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Israel, Russia, and Ukraine are also accepted.
An International Driving License is required from all other countries.
Note: If you are planning on staying for longer than 6 months or hold temporary residency, you will be required to get a Greek driver’s licence.
Renting a car in Greece without an International driver’s license
If you hold a driver’s license from one of the countries above, you will not need an international driver’s license so you will have no issue renting a car on your Greece trip.
However, if your license is from a country that is not listed above, by Greek law you need to purchase an International driver’s license.
Even though some rental companies may say it is fine to rent a car without one, if the police catch you, you could face a fine of €1000.
Visiting the Greek Islands with a Rental Car
One of the best parts of visiting Greece is exploring its stunning Islands.
If you haven’t left the mainland and jumped on a ferry before, I urge you to book your tickets now!
The ferry is a fantastic way to see many of the Islands in a small amount of time. And another great thing about taking the ferry in Greece is that you can also bring your car.
But you probably have a few questions about getting the ferry with your rental car or visiting the Greek Islands with a rental car as a whole. I know I did when I was first planning it.
To help you decide if you want to visit the Greek Islands with a rental car, here are a few things you should consider:
Do I need a car rental when visiting the Greek Islands?
No, but it helps!
Many of the Greek Islands do not have options like Uber or Lyft so you are left with using taxis and bus services to get you around. These are great options, but the cost can start to add up, especially if you are using them every day.
But the great thing about hiring a car in Greece is that you don’t need it for your whole trip if you don’t want to.
There are many companies that allow you to rent a car for as little as 24 hours. So you can use your rental car to explore, without being committed to it for your whole holiday.
Should I hire a different rental car for the Islands I am visiting or just one car for my Greece trip?
I would honestly say that this depends on how confident you are about driving in Greece.
The ferries can get crowded, especially in the summer months. So It can get pretty stressful. And you may not want the hassle of having to find car parking spots and navigating every Island you visit.
However, taking a rental car to all your destinations in Greece will guarantee you transport once you get there. This will save you a fair bit of money.
And if you are only on one Island for a few hours, it’s the only way to see a lot of places in a short amount of time.
Just keep in mind if you are taking the same rental car around Greece, you need to use a company that allows you to leave it at a destination other than the one you first picked it up from (unless you are flying from the same airport you arrived at).
No matter what you decide, there are plenty of hire car options in Greece and all of its Islands for you to decide from.
Can I pick up and drop off the rental car at different locations?
You should have no problem doing this at all! This is done all the time, especially with international rental companies,
If you are planning on using a local Greek company to rent your car, it’s worth double-checking that you can do this as they may not have a drop-off location at your end destination.
Final thoughts about hiring a car in Greece
There’s no better way to explore the Greek Islands than by car.
With a rental car, you can go at your own pace and make sure you don’t miss any of the island’s hidden gems.
It can also save you a lot of money!
And, with so many car rental companies to choose from, it’s easy to find a car that fits your budget and needs.
To find the car that fits your every need during your trip, my #1 company to use when hiring a car rental in Greece is Discover Cars.
No matter if you decide to rent a car for a day or 3 weeks in Greece, you will not regret it!
I hope this post was useful to you! To help you make the most of your Greece trip, here are more relevant articles:
✔️ Can You Drink The Water In Greece?
✔️ The Best Corfu Car Rental Options Reviews, Prices & More
✔️ The Best Hotels In Kos: Top Areas To Stay & Things To Do
✔️ The Best Luggage For All Types Of European Travel
✔️ The Best Cabin Baggage For Ryanair Flights
Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.
