How to Book Your Athens Car Rental
Renting a car in Athens through Speed Rent a Car is straightforward. Follow these steps to secure your vehicle:
1
Search & Compare
Enter your pickup location (Athens Airport, city centre, etc.), dates, and driver age. Our system searches all available rental cars in Athens from trusted local companies.
2
Select Your Car
Browse options from economy to luxury car rental Athens Greece. Filter by price, transmission type, fuel policy, and no deposit availability.
3
Book Online
Complete your reservation securely online. You'll receive a booking voucher with all pickup details, contact information, and terms directly from the rental provider.
Important: The rental agreement is concluded directly between you and the car hire company. Speed Rent a Car acts as an intermediary platform connecting travellers with local providers. All rental terms, insurance coverage, and payment details are specified in your voucher.
Documents Required for Car Rental in Athens
When collecting your vehicle at any Athens location, you'll need the following documents. Requirements are standard across Greece:
| Document |
Details |
| Valid Driving Licence |
Must be held for at least 1 year. EU licences accepted directly. Non-EU licences may require an International Driving Permit (IDP) — check with your rental provider. |
| Passport or ID Card |
Valid government-issued identification for all drivers listed on the rental agreement. |
| Credit/Debit Card |
Required for security deposit (if applicable) and final payment. Some no-deposit options accept cash — confirm during booking. |
| Booking Voucher |
Printed or digital copy of your Speed Rent a Car confirmation with rental company details. |
Minimum driver age: Generally 21 years old (some companies require 25+ for certain vehicle categories like luxury car rental Athens or large SUVs). Young driver surcharges may apply for drivers under 25.
Driving in Athens — What You Need to Know
Driving in the Greek capital can be challenging during rush hours, but it's manageable once you understand local habits. Here's practical advice for renting a car in Athens:
Traffic and Road Conditions
Athens traffic is famously busy, especially on weekdays between 7:30–9:30 AM and 5:00–8:00 PM. The city centre features narrow one-way streets, aggressive drivers, and limited parking. Once you leave central Athens, road conditions improve significantly. Major highways like the Attiki Odos (A6 ring road) are modern and well-maintained.
Parking in Athens
Street parking in central neighbourhoods (Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma) is scarce and often metered (blue zones). Private car parks are available near major attractions — expect to pay €10–20 per day. Many hotels offer parking facilities (confirm in advance). For hassle-free sightseeing, consider parking outside the centre and using public transport for Acropolis visits.
Greek Driving Rules
- Driving side: Right-hand side of the road
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on secondary roads, 130 km/h on motorways
- Seat belts: Mandatory for all passengers
- Mobile phones: Hands-free only while driving
- Alcohol limit: 0.05% blood alcohol content (0.02% for new drivers)
- Toll roads: Athens–Thessaloniki motorway and Attiki Odos have tolls (€2–8 per section). Pay cash or by card at toll booths.
Fuel Stations in Athens
Petrol stations are plentiful throughout Athens and suburbs. Major chains include BP, Shell, EKO, and Aegean. Fuel types: βενζίνη (petrol/gasoline) and πετρέλαιο (diesel). Most stations accept credit cards. Prices vary but expect around €1.70–1.90 per litre. Many stations close on Sundays — plan refuelling accordingly.
Best Day Trips from Athens by Car
One of the biggest advantages of car hire Athens Greece is the freedom to explore beyond the capital. Here are top destinations reachable within 1–3 hours:
Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon
Drive 70 km south along the scenic coastal road to visit the ancient Temple of Poseidon perched on dramatic cliffs. Stunning sunset views over the Aegean Sea. Allow 1.5 hours each way plus 1–2 hours at the site.
Delphi Archaeological Site
Head northwest for 180 km (2.5 hours) to explore Delphi — the legendary sanctuary of Apollo and ancient Greece's most important oracle. UNESCO World Heritage Site with spectacular mountain scenery.
Nafplio & Epidaurus
Drive 140 km southwest to Nafplio, Greece's first modern capital and one of the country's most charming towns. Combine with a visit to the ancient theatre of Epidaurus (30 km further) — famous for its acoustics.
Meteora Monasteries
A full-day trip (350 km north, 4+ hours) but absolutely worth it. Monasteries built atop towering rock pillars create an otherworldly landscape. Consider an overnight stay in Kalambaka for a two-day itinerary.
Athens Riviera Beaches
No need to go far for beach time. Drive 20–40 km south along the coast to reach organised beaches like Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, and Lagonissi. Crystal-clear waters, beach clubs, and seafood tavernas.
All these destinations become accessible when you rent a car in Athens — giving you flexibility that group tours and public transport simply cannot match.
