How to find a cheap car hire deal in Greece
Whether you need a small car for scooting around the city or a bigger ride for the open road, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Greece. Choose from options that start from R 336 a day and get going for less.
For extended getaways, R 2,347 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Explore the range of car rentals in Athens. This is where you'll find the cheapest wheels in Greece.
Overall, the most popular city to rent a car in is Santorini (Thira).
If you're unsure which provider to go with, check out Centauro. It's the leading pick among travellers in Greece.
Collect your ride from the airport if you're flying in. Athens International Airport, Crete Heraklion Airport and Thessaloniki Airport offer car hire pickup locations either at the terminal or close by.
You can rent some wheels easily in top cities including Athens, Heraklion, Thessaloniki, Rhodes and Corfu.
Book a one-way rental and potentially pay less. If a city is running low on vehicles, providers often lower the price to encourage returns there. Select 'Return car to a different location' to find those cheaper routes.
Plans stretch a little further? Consider a 30-day rental. Longer bookings can cost less because they involve less paperwork and handling for the company.
Go for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy' to avoid unnecessary refueling costs. It arrives with a full tank and goes back the same way, so your fuel spend stays predictable.
Unlimited mileage lets you focus on the journey, not the odometer. Find this feature under the 'Policies' filter and rack up the miles, not the fees.
Best time to book a car hire in Greece
If you want to get the timing right, book about one week ahead to grab the best price on a car hire in Greece.
February is the most affordable month to rent a car. Expect average daily rates of R 462 then.
July tends to be the most expensive time of year.
Compare car hire types in Greece
Economy: Staying true to its name, this option is designed with value in mind. It combines some of the cheapest rates on offer with strong fuel efficiency to help keep the total spend down. When you'd rather save than splurge, this is the clear winner.
Small: Including mini and economy classes, small cars are made for everyday travel. If you're searching for a cheap rental car in Greece, this is where some of the best deals live. They're perfect for city driving and quick getaways, with low fuel use, easy handling, and enough space for the essentials.
Medium: Medium rentals are the happy middle ground. Bridging the gap between small and large, they offer you extra space and comfort without going all out on size. Compact and intermediate models are part of this lineup.
Large: More people, more bags, more on the agenda. Large cars offer extra passenger space and increased luggage capacity, making them a perfect match for families and long-distance drives. Choose one of these full-size rides when comfort is non-negotiable.
SUV: From motorways to scenic detours, SUVs can do it all. With a higher driving position, configurable seating, and stable performance across a range of terrain, they're ideal for road trips across Greece.
Van: This category of car for rent in Greece includes commercial vans and trucks. With large load capacity and practical interior layouts, they're built to transport bulky items, equipment or larger groups in one go.
Luxury: Ready to take things to the next level? From a standout design to advanced features and strong performance, luxury vehicles kick the entire driving experience into high gear. This is what to book when only the best will do.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your rental car lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of a collision or theft. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so take the time to shop around.
Travel smarter when you rent a car in Greece by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.
Driving in Greece: What you need to know
Age requirements for rentals can vary by supplier (and even car type), so be clear on the rules before you book. Some providers in Greece may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you fall outside the typical age range, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to explore your options.
Travelling with kids? Car seat rules vary according to the location, and the right setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Check if you need to add one to your car rental reservation in Greece.
Bring the right documents to make pick-up quick and easy. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no digital copies) and another form of photo ID. Also bring a credit card with enough available balance to cover the deposit. If anything else is expected, it'll be listed in your booking.
Take a few moments to get used to your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, find the lights and wipers, and get comfortable with its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stick to the right side of the road in Greece.
Make sure you stay within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 45kph in urban areas and 125kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Greece is 0.05%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink at all.
You'll be using the euro (EUR) for all your purchases throughout your trip. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cards and cash so you're covered for every situation.
Greek is the language you'll most often encounter in this country.
