The best way to hire a car in Athens through FindYCar

The best way to hire a car in Athens through FindYCar

Hire a car in Athens with minimal effort and just a few minutes of your time, like this:

  1. Select the desired vehicle type and browse current offers.
  2. Click "Book now" for a similarly qualified car. Add extras, payment type, and any other required details.
  3. 20% or 100% prepayment to confirm your card payment using "Pay Now".
Location

Location

  • You are free to specify any location you prefer to collect your vehicle (this could be a city, airport, or delivery)
  • Enter the start and end dates of the rental and perform a search.
Booking

Booking

  • Choose a car and add additional services (insurance, no deposit)
  • Book a car through our website and make the payment online
  • You will receive an email voucher with the rental company’s contact details and pick-up instructions.
Pick-Up

Pick-Up

  • When collecting the car, you will need to present your voucher, passport, driving licence, and a credit card (if a deposit is required)
  • Sign the rental agreement, collect the car, and enjoy your trip.

Cheap Car Hire in Athens: The Best of FindYCar

Car Hire Athens
Car Hire Athens

Often called the cradle of Western civilisation, the Greek capital is a place where marble temples crown ancient hills and modern cafes buzz beneath the shadow of the Acropolis. Visitors follow Socrates' footsteps, explore world-class museums, and dive into Greek urban life. Beyond the urban core, treasures such as the mystical monasteries of Meteora and the pristine beaches of the Peloponnese lie just a few hours away.

Having your own car opens up a completely different Greek experience, turning a city-based break into a journey through mythology, history, and stunning landscapes. Choosing car hire in Athens opens the door to total freedom, allowing you to:

  • Discover the breathtaking Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion for sunset views over the Aegean Sea
  • Explore charming seaside towns along the Riviera, such as Vouliagmeni or Porto Rafti, at your own pace
  • Head into the Peloponnese to visit Mycenae, Epidaurus, and Nafplio within a comfortable day-trip distance.

Unlimited mileage, no credit card, fully comprehensive insurance, cash payments, no deposit, free cancellation, and other useful options can improve your road trips wherever you go. Find your best add-ons on FindYCar today.

What is the cost of car hire in Athens?

The capital offers vehicles for every budget, with prices rising in summer and dropping during the quieter winter months. Knowing typical rates for car hire in Athens helps prevent surprises and keeps your spending on track:

  • Economy cars: €25-€41 per day
  • Mid-range cars: €44-€73 per day
  • SUVs and people carriers: €82-€129 per day
  • Luxury cars: €137+ per day

Strategic planning and informed decisions can significantly reduce your mobility costs while maintaining total freedom to explore Greece's treasures. Consider these effective money-saving tactics:

  • Do not leave booking until the last minute.
  • Search using FindYCar's smart search feature.
  • Hire for more than 4 days (long-term car hire)
  • Avoid airport pick-ups.

Also, you should compare prices before clicking "Book now":

Table of hire prices for popular cars in Athens by season

Car model Body type Passengers Luggage capacity Price per day (low season) Price per day (high season)
Toyota Aygo Mini / Economy 4 1-2 €20 €30
Hyundai i10 Economy 4 1-2 €22 €35
Fiat 500 Compact 4 2 €25 €40
Volkswagen Polo Compact 5 3-4 €28 €45
Toyota Corolla Saloon / Estate 5 3-4 €35 €60
Nissan Qashqai SUV 5 4 €40 €70
Hyundai Tucson SUV 5 4 €45 €75
Ford S-Max People carrier 7 4-5 €55 €95
BMW 1 Series Premium hatchback 5 3-4 €65 €105
Mercedes C-Class Luxury saloon 5 3-4 €85 €140

⚠️ Note:The prices shown are indicative and may vary depending on pick-up location in Athens (city centre vs Athens International Airport), hire company, booking date, insurance options, and hire duration. The table reflects average market prices and does not guarantee availability at the listed rates.

Chart of car hire prices in Athens: seasonal analysis based on verified bookings

Our experience shows that car hire prices in Athens vary significantly throughout the year. The lowest rates are in January and November at 12 €, which is about 10% of the annual peak. February and March are also relatively affordable, with prices of 13 € and 14 € respectively.

The highest prices are seen in July and August at 40 € and 42 €, almost 3.5 times higher than winter rates. This reflects the peak season in summer when demand for cars increases significantly. In percentage terms, July and August rates are about 280-300% of the lowest prices in January and November.

Our results are based on statistics collected from verified bookings through our FindYCar website. All car types and classes were included in the calculation, as well as bookings with no deposit and no credit card. This provides the most accurate picture of the Athens car hire market throughout the year.

12 €
JAN
13 €
FEB
14 €
MAR
20 €
APR
17 €
MAY
21 €
JUN
40 €
JUL
42 €
AUG
21 €
SEP
16 €
OCT
12 €
NOV
16 €
DEC

Hiring a car in Athens: What documents do I need?

Anyone can enjoy travelling Greece's sunny roads with:

  • Driving licence
  • Credit card and booking confirmation (optional)
  • Passport.
Traffic Rules

Traffic Rules

Local traffic presents unique urban challenges, including aggressive driving styles and complex one-way systems throughout historic districts. Drive safely in the capital when hiring a car in Athens by following these essential rules:

  1. Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
  2. Blood alcohol limits are 0.05% for standard drivers, dropping to 0.02% for those licensed for less than two years.
  3. Bus and taxi lanes are clearly marked and off-limits to private vehicles during posted hours.
  4. Speed limits are 50 km/h within city boundaries, reduced to 30 km/h in residential neighbourhoods and school zones.
  5. Headlights or daytime running lights are recommended but not legally required during clear daylight hours.
Parking

Parking

To park in the heart of the capital, look out for blue-bordered street zones, which generally cost between €2 and €3 per hour.

If you are staying longer or visiting the Acropolis, the underground car parks beneath Syntagma Square or the Museum are excellent choices - they keep your vehicle protected from intense heat for a daily rate of €15 to €25.

Petrol Stations

Petrol Stations

Major routes such as Kifisias and Vouliagmenis Avenues are well served by 24-hour brands like BP, Shell, and Elin, making it easy to refuel at any time.

Expect to pay €1.80 to €1.90 per litre for unleaded, and while cards are standard at these main stations, it is sensible to keep some cash for pumps in outer residential districts.

Toll Roads

Toll Roads

Driving on the Greek mainland uses a modern toll network where fees are paid at physical barriers or via electronic tags.

If your journey takes you towards Corinth, expect a charge of €2.80, while the longer trip to Thessaloniki costs around €8.20.