Car hire in Athens, Greece

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in Athens

Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Athens car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Select your Athens pick-up location

There are 132 car hire locations in Athens. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in Athens

Hiring a car in Athens: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyCentauro
Most popular carEconomy, 4-5 doors
Average daily price$81
Best time to book4 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Athens

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Athens car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Athens

  • Whether you need a compact for cruising the city streets or an SUV for a road trip, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Athens. Choose from options averaging $81 a day and get going for less.

  • March is the cheapest month to rent a car in Athens. With average daily rates of $17, you can keep your spending in low gear.

  • It's all about timing when it comes to finding a cheap rental car in Athens. Book around three weeks before you travel to score the best price.

  • Get behind the wheel with Centauro, Green Motion or Right Cars. These are some of the most reliable providers offering car hire deals in Athens.

  • The coverage Centauro or another supplier offers for your Athens car hire can vary, so always go over the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra charge.

  • Choosing a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for cheaper deals. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when browsing for a car for rent in Athens. Providers sometimes have to move vehicles between branches, which means you can lock in some awesome one-way prices.

  • Cut down on fuel costs by choosing a car hire in Athens with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.

  • Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you go the distance.

  • If you're flying into Athens, you might prefer to skip the city pickup and grab one of the car rentals in Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport instead. Throw your luggage in the back and cruise straight to your first stop.

Compare car hire types in Athens

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Athens may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, fuel efficient, and perfect for city driving or short trips.

  • Medium: Not too big, not too small, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are popular with couples and small families.

  • Large: Long drives are effortless in this Athens car hire category. Also known as full-size, they pack plenty of power for open-road performance. The extra space and comfort make them a top choice for groups of friends and families.

  • SUV: SUVs are made for plans that change mid-journey. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and rugged backroads alike.

  • Van: Choose this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Athens that can handle the big jobs. With options like commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's supplies, luggage or large groups.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something to think about. If your car is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying an expensive excess fee. Different Athens car hire providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.

  • Take your ride to the next level with nifty extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. These add-ons can make your trip easier and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Athens.

Good to know

  • Younger driver? Check each supplier's age requirements before booking your car hire in Greece. Rules can vary, and certain restrictions or fees could apply. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to browse your options.

  • If you've got the kids in tow, check if you need to add a child car seat to your Athens car hire reservation. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Athens

  • Don't leave town without visiting some of the city's biggest highlights, like Acropolis of Athens and The Parthenon. Snap up a car hire deal in Athens and then start putting together your sightseeing hit list.

  • If you're after a place to stay in Athens while you explore, consider Athens Golden City Hotel or Selina Athens Theatrou.

  • Navigate your way to Acharnes. Around 14 kilometres north of central Athens, you'll find popular sights like Holy church of the Twelve Apostles and Cable Car Station Regency Casinos.

  • You'll be looked after like a regular at Dekelia Hotel and Parnis Palace, two reliable accommodation options in Acharnes.

  • Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Athens and then set off for Salamina. About 21 kilometres west of Athens, Ancient Port of Salamis and Hot Island Beach are standout attractions that make the drive totally worth it.

  • Villa Lina Salamina and Treasures B&B are comfortable places to stay in Salamina if you're hanging out for a while.

  • Why slow down now? Motor on to Volos, around 161 kilometres north-west of Athens. From Ancient Temple to Mount Pelion, it makes for a well-rounded adventure.

  • Snooze the night away in Volos at Aegli Hotel Volos. Domotel Xenia Volos also makes bedtime something to look forward to.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Athens will set you back around $81 per day or $81 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Athens is an intermediate crossover (similar to SUVs). The most popular is Economy, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire companies in Athens are currently VOLTA and Let's Drive.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Athens is currently March.
On average, around $81. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Athens is $78.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Athens for a whole month is $1,771. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Athens, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Athens that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Athens.
Most places – Athens included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is $16 per day. The average price per day is around $81.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Centauro, Abbycar and Green Motion offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Avis as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Athens.