Guide for Tourists: Navigating Car Rentals in Greece
Renting a Car in Greece: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025
Renting a car in Greece offers the freedom to explore the country at your own pace, but it's essential to be well-informed about the driving culture, regulations, and best rental companies.
Choosing the Right Rental Company
To find the best car rental companies in Greece for 2025, consider the following steps:
- Check customer reviews on trusted forums such as TripAdvisor, where companies like Autoclub, Anna cars, and The Best are highly recommended for their low costs, excellent customer service, and flexibility in specifying car models. Larger companies like Hertz offer cars by class but not by specific model.
- Use comprehensive comparison websites like Booking.com and DiscoverCars, which provide access to multiple rental suppliers, price comparisons, and verified customer reviews. Popular and reputable suppliers in Greece include Autounion, Centauro, Avance, Europcar, Budget, Thrifty, and Hertz.
- Prioritize companies with strong customer feedback such as Autoclub (for budget options) and Centauro (for reliability and transparent pricing). Booking early (ideally about 4 months before your trip) can help secure better rates and availability.
Navigating the Greek Roads
Greece has a reputation for wild driving, so it's crucial to be vigilant. Drivers often disregard pedestrian crosswalks, so if you stop, you risk getting hit from behind. Speed limits vary: 50 kph (30 mph) in urban areas, 90 kph (55 mph) in rural areas, 110 kph (70 mph) on the expressway, and 130 kph (80 mph) on the motorway.
If you're unfamiliar with manual cars, it's safer to get an automatic one in Greece. However, automatic cars are more expensive to rent.
Practical Tips
- Pick up your car about 60 minutes after your flight arrives at Athens Airport.
- Many gas stations in Greece only accept cash. Gas prices are quoted in Liters (€1.61 per liter in Greece as of now).
- Allow at least 3 1/2 hours to return your rental car at Athens Airport.
- An international driver's license is essential to rent a car in Greece. A valid EU Driving License or an International Driving License is required.
- Seat belts are mandatory, and fines for not wearing them start at €80.
- Car seats are compulsory for children under 4 years old.
Renting a Car for Greek Islands
Some rental companies do not allow taking cars on island ferries, while others charge extra for it. It's best to confirm this with your rental company beforehand.
Safety and Emergency
In case of an accident or breakdown, call the Greek car rental company's emergency roadside assistance number. If you encounter any trouble, remember that the European Emergency Phone Number (112) hasn't been fully implemented in Greece. Alternative numbers are 100 for the police, 166 for an ambulance, or 199 for the fire department.
Rental cars can be taken to Greek islands via ferry. Greek pedestrians often don't follow traffic rules, so be extra cautious.
By following these tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience in Greece. Happy travels!
[1] TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/CarRentals-g187912-Greece.html [2] Booking.com: https://www.booking.com/carrental/ [3] DiscoverCars: https://www.discovercars.com/car-rental/greece/ [4] The Best: https://www.thebest.gr/ [5] Centauro: https://www.centauro.gr/en/greece/athens-airport/centauro-athens-airport
Exploring the Greek Lifestyle Beyond the City
With a rental car, you can delve deeper into Greece's culture, exploring hidden villages and scenic coastlines that are inaccessible by public transport.
Advantageous Travel Options
When planning your travel itinerary for 2025, consider incorporating a diverse range of vehicles, such as economy-friendly cars for city exploration and spacious SUVs for off-road adventures, to cater to your lifestyle and destinations.
