Best Car Rentals in Greece: How to Choose & Book
Finding the best car rentals in Greece is the first step to experiencing the country the way it deserves. The best beaches are rarely on the main road, the most memorable tavernas are tucked into hillside villages, and the ruins that actually take your breath away are nowhere near a tour bus stop. To reach them, you need wheels.
Renting a car in Greece is one of the best decisions you can make for your trip — but it comes with a few traps that catch travellers out every year. Hidden fees, insurance confusion, one-way drop charges, mandatory extras. We’ve pulled together everything you need to know so you can book with confidence and spend your energy on the actual driving, not the fine print.
Whether you’re cruising the mountain roads of Crete, hopping between villages on the Peloponnese, or exploring Rhodes beyond the resort strip, this guide covers how to find the right rental, what to look for in the policy, and which companies consistently deliver.
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Why Renting a Car in Greece Is Worth It
Public transport in Greece works well in the major cities, and ferries connect the islands beautifully. But once you’re on the ground and want to explore beyond the obvious, buses become infrequent, taxis add up fast, and tours lock you into someone else’s schedule.
A rental car gives you the kind of freedom that changes a good trip into a great one. A few things you simply can’t do well without one:
- Reach secluded beaches before they fill up — the most stunning spots in Crete, Rhodes, and the Peloponnese are accessible only by car
- Drive mountain roads through villages that haven’t changed in decades
- Stop whenever you want — for a view, a coffee, a roadside fruit stand
- Move between different regions without being tied to bus timetables
- Carry your luggage directly, no dragging suitcases between stops
The cost is also very reasonable, especially if you book early. A compact car in Greece typically runs between €25–€60 per day depending on the season, the island, and the company.
The Best Car Rental Companies in Greece
Greece has a mix of international chains and strong local operators. Both have their advantages — the international brands offer consistency and easier dispute resolution, while local companies often have better prices and more flexible policies.
International Chains
Europcar — solid coverage across the mainland and major islands, reliable fleet, easy online booking. A reliable default choice if you want a known brand.
Hertz — good availability at major airports, competitive rates when booked in advance. Known for straightforward policies.
Avis — one of the largest networks in Greece with airport and city locations. Slightly premium pricing but consistently decent vehicles.
Budget / Sixt — competitive pricing, especially on compacts and mid-range vehicles.
Local & Regional Companies
Several Greek-based rental companies operate on specific islands and offer genuinely competitive rates — sometimes 20–30% cheaper than the international names. They’re particularly strong in Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu. Companies like Rental Center Crete or Drive Hellas are well-regarded and popular with experienced travellers.
The key with local companies: read recent reviews carefully and make sure the insurance coverage is clear before signing anything.
Comparison Platforms
The easiest way to find the best car rental prices in Greece is to use a comparison site that aggregates results from multiple providers. This way you’re not manually checking five different sites.
Discovercars.com and Rentalcars.com both work well for Greece and include local operators in their results. Always compare at least two platforms before booking.
How to Choose the Right Car for Greece
Greece’s roads vary enormously. Athens has wide modern motorways. Mountain villages have narrow, uneven lanes where wing mirrors become a concern. Island roads in Crete and Rhodes are generally good but can be steep and winding.
A few things to consider when choosing your car:
Go Smaller Than You Think You Need
Most travellers instinctively upgrade to a larger car for comfort. In Greece, a smaller car is often genuinely better: easier to park in narrow village streets, less likely to scrape on tight hairpin bends, cheaper on fuel. A standard compact (like a VW Polo or Toyota Yaris class) handles 95% of Greek roads without issue.
Air Conditioning Is Non-Negotiable
In summer, daytime temperatures regularly hit 35°C+ across most of Greece. Always verify that the car has working air conditioning before driving off the lot.
Manual vs Automatic
Manual (stick shift) cars are the default in Greece and will be cheaper. If you’re only comfortable with automatic, filter for it specifically when searching — availability can be limited in peak season, so book early.
Do You Need 4WD?
For most trips: no. Standard cars are fine for all major routes. The exception is if you’re planning serious off-road exploration in places like the Mani Peninsula or specific mountain trails — but these are edge cases.
Understanding Car Rental Insurance in Greece
This is where most travellers get confused or caught out. Greek car rental insurance is structured in layers, and the default coverage at the lowest price is often bare-bones.
The Basic Breakdown
CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) — covers damage to the vehicle body in a collision. Usually included in the rental price, but with a high excess (the amount you pay before coverage kicks in). Excess can be anywhere from €500 to €2,000+.
TP (Theft Protection) — covers theft of the vehicle. Not always included in base rates.
Super CDW / Full Protection — reduces your excess to zero or near-zero. Costs an extra €10–€20 per day on average, but removes the financial risk.
What’s Often NOT Covered
Read the policy carefully for these common exclusions:
- Tyres, windshield, and undercarriage — many basic policies exclude these entirely
- Damage on unpaved roads — driving on a dirt track can void your coverage
- Roof damage — some policies exclude it specifically
- Theft when the car is left unlocked or keys are inside — this is always excluded
Our Recommendation
Either purchase the full protection (Super CDW) from the rental company, or use a credit card that includes rental car insurance and decline the company’s additional coverage. Many gold/platinum travel credit cards offer this benefit — check yours before you travel.
A third option is to purchase standalone rental excess insurance before your trip from a provider like RentalCover.com. It covers the excess for a flat daily rate and works with any company.
Hidden Fees to Watch Out For
The advertised price and the price you actually pay can differ significantly if you’re not prepared. These are the most common extras:
Young driver surcharge: Drivers under 25 (and sometimes under 27) pay an additional daily fee. This can add €10–€20 per day.
One-way fee: If you pick up in Athens and drop off in Thessaloniki or another city, expect a significant surcharge — sometimes €100–€200+
Airport surcharge: Picking up at an airport costs more than a city-centre location. The difference can be €10–€30 per rental.
Additional driver: Adding a second driver to the contract usually costs extra, even if that seems unreasonable.
GPS / child seat: Both are charged as add-ons. Child seats in particular can cost €5–€10 per day. Consider bringing your own.
Out-of-hours pickup: Collecting outside standard office hours can trigger a service fee.
Fuel policy mismatch: Some companies charge a premium if you prepay for fuel and return the tank empty. Others charge extortionate rates to refuel if you return it anything less than full. Always opt for the ‘full to full’ policy where you take the car full and return it full.
Tips for Pickup and Return
At Pickup
- Walk around the entire vehicle and photograph every existing scratch, dent, or mark before signing
- Take a short video (30 seconds) of the full exterior and interior — this protects you on return
- Check the tyres for visible damage
- Confirm the fuel level shown on your contract matches what’s actually in the tank
- Ask for clarification on anything in the contract you’re not clear on before driving away
At Return
- Return with a full tank if you’re on a ‘full to full’ policy — refuel at the last petrol station before the rental location
- Return during office hours so you can walk the return inspection together with a staff member
- Get written confirmation of the return and keep your copy
- If there’s any dispute, take photos immediately and contact the rental company in writing
Renting a Car on Greek Islands
The logistics of renting on islands are slightly different from the mainland. A few things to know:
Bring a Car on the Ferry, or Rent on the Island?
For short island stays (1–3 days), renting on the island is almost always the better option. Taking your mainland rental car on a ferry is possible but adds significant ferry costs and is only worthwhile for long trips where you’re spending a substantial amount of time on one specific island.
Island-Specific Notes
Crete: The largest island has an excellent road network and is ideal for a car-based itinerary. Multiple rental options at Heraklion, Chania, and Rethymno airports.
Rhodes: Well-connected roads, easy to navigate. Good selection of rental companies at the airport and in Rhodes Town.
Santorini: Roads are narrow and parking in Fira/Oia is limited. An ATV or small scooter is actually a popular alternative here, though a small car works too. Book well in advance for summer.
Mykonos: Similar to Santorini — roads are tight, parking is tight. A small car is perfectly adequate.
Corfu: Excellent roads, beautiful countryside. Highly recommend a car here to reach the northern villages and hidden coves.
Paros / Naxos: Compact enough to explore by scooter if you’re comfortable, but a small car is more practical with luggage.
When to Book and Where to Get the Best Deal
Book Early — Especially for Summer
Car rental availability in Greece tightens significantly from late June through August, particularly on the most popular islands. If your trip is in July or August, book your car at least 4–6 weeks in advance. You’ll also get better rates the earlier you book.
For shoulder season travel (May, June, September, October), last-minute deals can appear, but it’s still safer to book ahead.
The Best Strategy for Finding Low Prices
- Start with a comparison platform (Discovercars.com or Rentalcars.com) to get an overview of the market
- Compare the total price including insurance, not just the headline rate
- Check the rental company’s direct website — occasionally they offer slightly better deals for direct bookings
- Look at both airport and city-centre pickup locations
- Consider renting from a city-centre location and taking a taxi or metro to/from the airport
Explore More: Plan Your Trip to Greece
Greece Ferry Guide: How to Book & Navigate Islands
Best Tours & Excursions in Greece
Getting Around Greece: Ferries, Flights & Cars
How to Plan a Trip to Greece: Step-by-Step Guide
FAQ: Car Rentals in Greece
Do I need an international driving licence to rent a car in Greece?
EU licence holders can rent and drive in Greece without an international permit. Non-EU travellers (including US, UK, Australian, and Canadian citizens) technically require an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their national licence. In practice, many rental companies will accept your national licence alone, but carrying an IDP removes any ambiguity and avoids potential issues with police stops.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Greece?
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a valid licence held for a minimum of 1–2 years. Drivers under 25 are typically subject to a young driver surcharge. Some companies set the minimum age at 23 or 25 for certain vehicle categories.
Is it safe to drive in Greece?
Yes — driving in Greece is safe for most travellers. Roads on the mainland and major islands are generally in good condition. You’ll drive on the right side of the road. The main things to get used to: narrow village streets, mountain hairpin roads, and Greek driving culture, which tends to be assertive. Take your time, drive defensively, and you’ll be fine.
Can I take a rental car from the mainland to the islands?
It depends on the rental company’s policy. Some allow it, but you’ll pay a significant ferry surcharge. Many companies prohibit it entirely, and if you’re caught taking a car on a ferry in violation of your contract, you could lose your insurance coverage. Always check the contract and get written confirmation before attempting this.
What fuel does most rental cars in Greece use?
Most standard rental cars run on petrol (gasoline). Diesel options are available but less common in the compact/mid-range category. Petrol stations are easy to find on the mainland and on major islands. In very rural areas and on smaller islands, always fill up when you have the chance — stations can be few and far between.
Should I buy the rental company’s insurance or use my credit card’s coverage?
If your credit card includes primary rental car insurance (not just secondary), and the policy explicitly covers Greece, declining the company’s CDW can save you €10–€25 per day. Call your card issuer to confirm the exact terms before relying on it. If there’s any uncertainty, purchasing the rental company’s full protection gives you straightforward coverage with no claim hassle.
What’s the cheapest way to rent a car in Greece?
Book early, use a comparison platform to find the best available rate, choose a compact car, opt for a city-centre pickup rather than the airport, and travel in shoulder season (May, early June, September, October) rather than peak summer. These steps combined can cut your rental cost by 40–50% compared to a last-minute airport booking in August.
Are petrol stations easy to find on the islands?
On larger islands like Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu, yes — petrol stations are plentiful. On smaller islands (Paros, Naxos, Zakynthos), stations exist but are fewer. As a rule: never let the tank go below a quarter when you’re exploring rural areas. There’s nothing worse than running out of fuel on a mountain road 20 kilometres from anywhere.
Ready to Book Your Car?
Use a comparison platform to see all available options in one place — including both international brands and local Greek companies. Filter by pickup location, car size, and insurance type to find the setup that works for your trip.
