Looking for a cheap car rental in Athens? With Economybookings, you can quickly compare trusted providers to find the best deal across the city and surrounding regions.
The city’s historic centre is walkable and well served by public transit. However, having a rental allows you to discover the wider Attica region, nearby coastlines and classic Greek road trips at your own pace. With rental hubs at the airport and around the city, you can pick up a vehicle for less and explore before many day‑trippers even arrive.
Tips when renting a car in Athens
- Hire a car if you plan to explore beyond the central historic area. Inside Athens, transit and taxis are often easier.
- Be aware of rush‑hour congestion on major roads like the Attiki Odos ring road (A6). Sitting in traffic can remove much of the benefit.
- Athens International Airport (ATH) is a good location to pick up your rental as it offers many providers and easy access to the main motorways.
- Choose a small car if you plan mainly to stay on city streets or older neighbourhoods. Choose a higher‑clearance vehicle if you’ll drive into the mountains or into rural areas.
- Read the rental agreement closely to check whether tolls, fuel policy, insurance, and young‑driver surcharges apply.
- Before driving off, walk around the vehicle, inspect it for damage, and take photos or video. This helps avoid disputes when returning it.
Driving tips in Athens
- Drive on the right‑hand side of the road and overtake from the left.
- Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
- Children under 12 or under about 135 cm should not ride in a front seat and must use appropriate child restraints.
- Uphill traffic may have priority over descending traffic on narrow mountain or rural roads.
- Be extra cautious at roundabouts. Follow posted priority signs. Rules can differ by junction.
- Parking inside central Athens can be tight. Look for authorized lots or metered parking zones and note that regulations differ by street and municipality.
- If you drive in winter or mountainous zones, check whether snow chains or winter tires are required — in certain conditions, local authorities may enforce them.
- Ensure you have your driver’s licence, passport, rental agreement, and proof of insurance with you while driving.
Speed limits
Here are typical speed limits in Greece and around Athens:
- Urban/municipal areas: 50 km/h unless otherwise posted.
- Outside built‑up areas and on regular national roads: approximately 90 km/h.
- On expressways or motorways: up to 130 km/h where posted, though limits may vary by road.
Always follow the posted limit for any given road, as Greek law enforcement is active.
Road signs
- Road signs in Greece follow European conventions, and you’ll find both Greek and English text (or transliteration) on major routes.
- Speed limits, parking restrictions and other regulatory signs are clearly marked in kilometres per hour and with standard symbols.
- When driving out of Athens toward islands or rural areas, you’ll still find consistent signage, but expect more frequent use of Greek‑only text on smaller local roads.
Tolls and restricted zones
- Yes — there are toll roads around Athens. The ring motorway system Attiki Odos (A6) is tolled.
- Most tolls in Greece are paid at booths, by card, or by electronic transponder, depending on the road.
- Within Athens itself, there’s no congestion‑charge zone like some major world cities, but parking restrictions in central historic areas and pedestrianized zones are strictly enforced.
- Always check if your rental car includes a toll transponder or if charges are billed later.
Discover Athens by car
Athens is a vibrant city of ancient history, buzzing neighbourhoods and Mediterranean seaside escapes. A rental car gives you the keys to go further. Drive through the city to landmarks like the Acropolis of Athens and the historic Plaka district, and then head out to places like Cape Sounion for sunset on the Aegean, or explore the coast of Attica.
A leisurely drive east along the scenic coastal road toward Rafina or the beaches around Glyfada is an easy day trip.
Venture west via the Attiki Odos motorway to explore the countryside, or north into the mountains for dramatic views and quieter roads.
With a car, you’re free to explore offbeat villages near Athens, or take day trips to Delphi or the Peloponnese.
When to Visit
Athens enjoys a Mediterranean climate, and each season offers a different feel:
- Spring (April to June): Mild weather, fewer crowds, perfect for city and countryside drives.
- Summer (July to August): Hot and busy, so if you rent a car, plan early morning or evening drives to avoid heat and traffic.
- Fall (September to October): One of the best times — warm, colours starting to change, and good road trip weather.
- Winter (November to March): Milder than many northern destinations, but you may encounter snow or ice on mountain routes. Check conditions if you plan to drive outside the city.
Languages & Communication
English is widely used on road signs, car rental paperwork, and tourist‑facing services across Athens. While you’ll undoubtedly hear Greek in shops, restaurants and neighbourhoods, getting around with English is straightforward. Many rental agencies cater to international travellers and provide full instructions in English.
Currency & Payments
Greece uses the Euro (€) as its official currency. When renting a car in Athens, you’ll need a major credit card (often for the deposit). Fuel stations, toll booths, and parking machines accept major cards.
Cash may still be necessary in some smaller local garages or rural areas — so it’s always wise to keep a little on hand.
Top driving routes from Athens
- Scenic drive from Athens to Cape Sounion, on the southern coast, with coastal views and the Temple of Poseidon.
- Westward toward the Peloponnese via Corinth and the canal, offering country roads, olive groves and historic towns.
- Northward into the hills and mountains behind Athens for a mountain escape — e.g., Mount Parnitha.
- Along the Athens Riviera — from Glyfada to Vouliagmeni — is perfect for beachfront stops and sunset drives.
