Car hire in Athens, United States

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Find cheap car hire in Athens

These are the lowest Athens car hire prices we found over the next 30 days and are subject to change.

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There are 22 car hire providers in Athens. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

Driving in Athens: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need
Bring your licence, passport and credit card.
To rent a car in Athens, you’ll need a full driving licence, passport and credit card. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your licence is not in English or issued outside the EU.
Navigating city driving
Expect congestion and confusing junctions.
Driving in Athens involves heavy traffic, lane-weaving scooters and mixed signage. Use a sat nav to avoid bus-only routes and to stay out of the central restriction zones.
Tolls, emissions zones and charges
Athens has traffic restrictions and toll roads.
Some central roads in Athens are restricted during peak hours based on number plates. Toll roads in Athens and beyond use cash or card at booths — check your hire car’s access in advance.
Parking your car in Athens
Parking is scarce in the city centre.
Street parking in Athens is limited and often requires a local app or ticket from kiosks. Use hotel garages or public car parks when possible — avoid tight backstreets where turning is difficult.
Finding fuel or charging points
Fuel is available — EV charging is limited.
Petrol stations are common in Athens. EV charging stations in Athens are still growing — use Electromaps or Blink to locate one near your accommodation or planned route.
Local driving style and tips
Driving is busy but manageable with care.
Local driving rules in Athens are generally followed, though the city has a fast pace and lots of scooters. Stay alert in traffic, give way when unsure, and plan ahead to avoid peak hours.
Find Athens car hire deals

The most popular car rental companies in Athens

Budget
Enterprise
Hertz
Avis
Turo
Surprice

What's the most popular car to hire in Athens?

Based on recent Skyscanner data, the Ford Explorer is the most popular car to hire in Athens, with prices starting from R 873 per day. The Chrysler Pacifica and similar models are also popular drives in Athens.
Ford Explorer
Ford Explorer17% chose this
Chrysler Pacifica
Chrysler Pacifica10% chose this
Mazda CX-50
Mazda CX-5010% chose this
Toyota Sienna
Toyota Sienna10% chose this
Most popular carFord Explorer
Why?Spacious, practical, good for families

Athens's cheapest car hire providers

Turo has the cheapest car hire in Athens right now, with prices from R 873 per day. You'll save an average of R 184 per day when you book with them.
Turofrom R 873 per day
Hertzfrom R 952 per day
Avisfrom R 1 052 per day
Enterprisefrom R 1 167 per day
Cheapest providerTuro
Book with them to save aroundR 184 per day

Hiring a car in Athens: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyBudget
Most popular carLarge, fullsize pick up truck
Average daily priceR 1,841
Best time to book2 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

  • Travel at your own pace with a cheap rental car in Athens. With prices averaging R 1,841 a day, you get freedom without the high price tag. From fuel-savers to people movers, we'll help you pick the right wheels at a price that works.

  • R 873 is the cheapest daily price listed for a rental in Athens.

  • Staying a while and want to explore beyond the usual highlights? R 6,107 is the best rate for a weekly rental.

  • To land the best price on a Athens car hire, it's smart to book in advance. Rates tend to climb as your travel dates get closer, and leaving it too late could mean missing out.

  • Budget, Avis and Dollar are some of the most popular providers in the city. They're a great starting point for comparing offers.

  • The coverage Budget or another supplier includes with 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.' Providers often need to move vehicles between branches, which means you can score some awesome one-way prices on a car for rent in Athens.

  • Avoid any surprise charges by choosing a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, and pay only for what you use.

  • Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you roam without limits.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You'll find the best value with this company, with average prices at R 1,454 a day.

  • Next up is [this provider](this provider](https://www.skyscanner.co.za/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/avis/640)), offering daily rates of around R 1,456.

  • The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly R 1,451 a day with this supplier.

  • The Large rental category is a reliable choice if you're not quite sure which wheels are right for you. It's also the vehicle type that's booked the most in Athens.

Compare car hire types in Athens

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Athens may be small in size, but they're big on practicality. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, great on mileage, and a match made in heaven for city driving.

  • Medium: A top choice when you want something that's easy to drive but with some added perks. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra room compared to smaller options.

  • Large: Long drives are effortless in this Athens car hire category. Also known as full-size, they're built with bigger engines for better driving. The extra legroom and comfort make them an excellent choice for groups of friends and families.

  • SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel fix for wanderlust. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and country routes alike.

  • Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Athens big enough for a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van has space to spare. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group trips, moving or business use.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Adding excess insurance to your Athens car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of theft or an accident. Insurance policies can vary between rental providers, so compare before you book.

  • Level up your ride with extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. They can make your trip easier and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Athens.

Good to know

  • The minimum age to rent a vehicle in the United States is generally 21 years old. However individual providers may do things differently, so always go over your rental company's terms to be sure you satisfy the requirements.

  • If you're bringing the kids along, check if you should add a car seat to your Athens car hire booking. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.

  • Bring the right documents to avoid delays at pick-up. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no copies) and a second photo ID. Also bring along a credit card with room for the security hold. If anything else is expected, it'll be listed in your booking.

  • Get familiar with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, test the lights and blinkers, and get comfortable with its handling before you set off. And remember to stick to the right side of the road in the United States.

  • Local speed limits are usually about 40kph in urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.

  • A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The safest way to stay legal to drive is to avoid drinking altogether.

  • One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 5pm. Make life easier by steering clear of rush hours in general.

  • You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) here. Along with your credit and debit cards, consider having some cash handy for minor purchases.

Best hotels in Athens for drivers

  • Pull in and get ready to relax at The Bell Athens By Kasa Living. Offering parking as well as express check-in and a lobby bar, this hotel is around 0.32 kilometres from central Athens.

  • Fairfield Inn & Suites Athens-University Area keeps guests happy with parking and features like express check-in and Wi-Fi. It's roughly 3 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Browse the full range of hotels in Athens for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find the right fit. You can also apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to bring up places with on-site charging.

  • You're ready to start exploring now you've locked in a car hire deal in Athens and your hotel. From The State Botanical Garden of Georgia to The Georgia Theatre and North Oconee River Greenway and Heritage Trail, there's loads to keep you busy here.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Athens

  • Buckle up and make tracks to Atlanta. Around 97 kilometres west of central Athens, it's home to must-sees like Georgia Aquarium and Birth Home of Martin Luther King, Jr.

  • Hilton Atlanta and Atlanta Marriott Marquis are popular accommodation options with parking in Atlanta.

  • Add Sandy Springs to your journey too. Pick up your cheap car hire in Athens and drive around 88 kilometres west to discover hot spots like Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and Big Trees Forest Preserve.

  • Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta-Buckhead and Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead are comfy places to stay in Sandy Springs if you're planning to stick around. Choose one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.

  • Want to stretch this drive a little longer? Knoxville is a popular road trip destination that's about 225 kilometres north of Athens. Make a few pit stops at Ijams Nature Centre and McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture.

  • Drift off to sleep in Knoxville at either Marriott Knoxville Downtown or Hilton Knoxville. They have a room waiting for you and space for your wheels too.

Frequently asked questions

The average car hire cost in Athens is R 1,841 per day or R 12,887 for a seven-day rental. If you're looking for a cheap deal, the lowest price we found is R 873 per day for Medium hire from Surprice. Need a specific type of car? Here's how prices compare:
Economy
Average price: R 1,537 per day.
Cheapest price found: R 1,052 per day.
SUV
Average price: R 1,982 per day.
Cheapest price found: R 1,167 per day.
Premium/Luxury
Average price: R 2,269 per day.
Cheapest price found: R 1,457 per day.
The cheapest car to rent in Athens is Medium, compact. The most popular is Large, fullsize pick up truck.
The cheapest car hire company in Athens is currently Hertz, followed by Avis.
On average, around R 12,887. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Athens is R 6,107.
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. 
If you've booked car hire with free cancellation, you can usually cancel or change your booking without paying a fee. The deadline depends on the car hire company, but it's typically around 48 hours before pick-up. If you cancel after that, you may be charged. If your booking doesn't include free cancellation, you'll need to check the car hire company's cancellation policy. Depending on when you cancel, you might have to pay a fee or you won't get a refund.
Yes. Most car hire companies in Athens offer same-day car hire. If you're looking for last-minute car hire in Athens, search for today's date on Skyscanner to compare what's available.
The best time to book car hire in Athens is usually as early as you can. Booking ahead often means cheaper prices and more cars to choose from. You can sometimes find a good last-minute deal, but it's never guaranteed and availability is often more limited.
A good deal for car hire in Athens is usually around R 1,380 per day or less. That's about 25% cheaper than the average price in Athens, which is R 1,841 per day. The cheapest price we found in Athens is R 873 per day with Surprice for Medium car hire.
It depends on the car hire company. Some companies in Athens will let you drive your hire car abroad, often for an extra fee, while others don't allow it. If you're planning to cross a border, check with the car hire company before you travel. Driving your hire car abroad without permission could invalidate your insurance or break the terms of your rental agreement.