Your gateway to Athens Riviera and Cyclades islands starts with affordable car hire at Rafina Port
Perfect for ferry travellers heading to Cyclades islands or exploring Athens coast
Rafina is Greece's second-largest port after Piraeus and a major ferry hub connecting Athens to the Cyclades islands including Mykonos, Santorini, Andros, and Tinos. Located just 30 kilometres east of Athens centre, Rafina offers a practical alternative to the busier Piraeus terminal with easier access and shorter transfer times.
When you rent a car at Rafina Port, you gain immediate freedom to explore the Athens Riviera coastline, visit archaeological sites like Marathon or drive directly to Athens International Airport — all without relying on public transport schedules or expensive taxi services.
Find car rental options in Rafina with no deposit required
Fast collection at Rafina Port or nearby locations
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Speed Rent a Car connects you with trusted local car hire companies offering Porto Rent Rafina services directly at the ferry terminal. Whether you arrive by ferry from the islands or drive from Athens, picking up your rental car in Rafina is straightforward and convenient.
Most car hire companies serving Rafina Port operate from offices within walking distance of the ferry terminal. After disembarking, follow signs toward the car rental area or contact your provider using the details in your booking voucher. Peak season (June–September) brings high demand, so booking in advance ensures vehicle availability and better rates.
Rafina's compact size means you can reach your rental car within minutes of leaving the ferry. Unlike larger ports, there are no long shuttle bus transfers or confusing terminal layouts to navigate.
Once you rent a car at Rafina, several scenic routes open up immediately:
The Athens Riviera coastal drive south from Rafina passes through charming seaside towns like Artemida, Loutsa, and Vouliagmeni before reaching Cape Sounio. This route offers spectacular sunset views over the Aegean Sea and access to numerous beach clubs and tavernas.
| Location | Distance from Rafina | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Athens Centre (Syntagma) | 30 km | 35–45 min |
| Athens Airport (ATH) | 20 km | 20–25 min |
| Marathon | 12 km | 15 min |
| Temple of Poseidon (Sounio) | 75 km | 85 min |
| Schinias Beach | 18 km | 20 min |
Yes — Speed Rent a Car offers car hire options in Rafina with no deposit required. This means you won't need to authorize a security hold on your credit card when collecting your vehicle at Rafina Port.
No deposit rental agreements are concluded directly with the local car hire company. Full terms and conditions appear in your booking voucher. Not all vehicles are available without deposit, so use our booking widget above to filter and compare no-deposit options specifically.
Search "No Deposit" filter when booking to find available cars without security hold
To rent a car at Rafina Port, you need standard documentation as required throughout Greece:
| Document | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Driving Licence | Valid licence held for minimum 12 months (EU licences accepted; International Driving Permit recommended for non-EU) |
| Passport / ID Card | Valid passport or EU national ID card for identification |
| Payment Card | Credit or debit card in driver's name for balance payment (check voucher for accepted methods) |
| Booking Voucher | Printed or digital voucher confirming your reservation |
Most car rental companies in Rafina require drivers to be aged 21 or over. Some vehicle categories (SUVs, luxury models) may have higher age requirements of 25 or 27 years. Young driver surcharges sometimes apply for drivers under 25 — check your booking terms for specific conditions.
Greece follows right-hand traffic rules common throughout continental Europe. Important points for drivers in the Rafina area:
Petrol stations (βενζίνη) are plentiful along main roads connecting Rafina to Athens and the airport. Both unleaded petrol and diesel (πετρέλαιο) are widely available. Many stations close on Sundays, so plan fuel stops accordingly if travelling on weekends.
Your Rafina rent a car unlocks access to some of Attica's most rewarding destinations:
Just 15 minutes north of Rafina lies Marathon, site of the famous 490 BC battle where Athenian forces defeated the Persians. Visit the Marathon Tomb archaeological site and museum, then relax on the long sandy beach at Schinias National Park. The drive follows scenic coastal roads with mountain views.
Drive south from Rafina along the Athens Riviera to discover beach towns, waterfront tavernas, and luxury beach clubs. Stop at Loutsa, Artemida, and Vouliagmeni before reaching Cape Sounio where the Temple of Poseidon overlooks the Aegean at sunset.
The Acropolis, Plaka district, Syntagma Square, and National Archaeological Museum are all within 45 minutes' drive via Attiki Odos motorway. Note that central Athens has parking restrictions — use public car parks near metro stations or consider renting your car in Athens if staying in the city centre longer.
A longer but rewarding drive takes you 150 kilometres northwest to Delphi, one of Greece's most important archaeological sites. The journey passes through scenic mountain villages and takes approximately 2.5 hours each way — ideal for an early morning departure.
Speed Rent a Car offers a full range of vehicle categories for Rafina Port car rental:
Compact models like Fiat Panda or Toyota Aygo — perfect for solo travellers or couples exploring the coast. Excellent fuel economy for longer drives to Athens or Delphi.
View Economy Cars →Mid-size sedans and station wagons with comfortable seating for four adults plus luggage. Ideal for families arriving by ferry from the Cyclades.
View Family Cars →Higher ground clearance and spacious interiors for exploring mountain villages around Attica or carrying sports equipment like diving gear.
View 4x4 Rentals →Large groups and extended families benefit from minivan rentals with ample luggage space for ferry arrivals with multiple suitcases.
View Minivans →All vehicle categories are available with comprehensive insurance options. Check each rental's included coverage and consider additional protection based on your travel plans — particularly relevant if driving mountain roads or visiting remote archaeological sites.
Yes — Speed Rent a Car offers car hire options in Rafina with no deposit required. The rental agreement is concluded directly with the local company, and full terms appear in your booking voucher. Use the "No Deposit" filter in our search widget to find available vehicles.
Rafina Port is approximately 20 kilometres from Athens International Airport (ATH), roughly a 20–25 minute drive via Attiki Odos motorway. This makes Rafina convenient for travellers flying into Athens and continuing to the Cyclades islands by ferry.
Yes — Attiki Odos motorway connecting Rafina to Athens centre and the airport is a toll road. Payment booths accept both cash and credit/debit cards. Keep small change handy or use contactless payment for faster processing.
Many car hire companies allow one-way rentals between Rafina and Athens Airport. Check availability and any additional fees when booking. One-way options are particularly useful if you arrive by ferry in Rafina but depart from Athens Airport.
You need a valid driving licence held for at least 12 months, passport or EU ID card, and payment card in the driver's name. EU licences are accepted; International Driving Permit recommended for non-EU drivers. Minimum age is typically 21 years.
Many petrol stations in Greece close on Sundays, though some along major routes remain open. Fill your tank on Saturday if planning weekend trips, or check station hours in advance. Motorway service stations typically operate seven days.
Taking rental cars on ferries to other islands usually requires prior authorization from the car hire company and may incur additional insurance costs. Always check terms in your booking voucher. For island-hopping, consider separate rentals on each island.
"Perfect solution for our ferry arrival in Rafina. Car was ready within minutes of disembarking, no deposit hassle. Drove straight to Athens Airport the next day with no issues."
"Excellent service at Rafina Port. We used the car to explore Marathon and Sounio before returning to Athens. No deposit requirement made the whole process so much easier than expected."
"Arrived by ferry from Mykonos late evening. Car hire company stayed open for us and we drove to our hotel on Athens Riviera in 30 minutes. Great value and very convenient location."
Petrol prices in Greece fluctuate but generally range around €1.70–€1.90 per litre for unleaded (95 octane) and €1.50–€1.70 for diesel. Fuel stations are plentiful along the Rafina–Athens motorway and in town centres. Sunday closures are common, so plan accordingly.
Rafina town centre has regulated parking zones (blue lines) requiring payment via meters during business hours Monday–Saturday. Free parking is available along the harbour promenade outside peak ferry times. Always observe no-parking signs to avoid fines.
Basic insurance (CDW — Collision Damage Waiver) is typically included in your rental rate. This reduces your liability but does not eliminate the excess/deductible. Full coverage options with zero excess are available at booking or pickup. Check your voucher for exact coverage details.
Rafina Port serves regular ferry routes to Cyclades islands including Mykonos, Santorini, Andros, Tinos, and Paros. Ferry schedules are seasonal with increased frequency during summer months. If you plan to take your rental car on ferries, inform the hire company at booking — prior authorization and additional insurance may be required.
Compare prices from trusted local providers at Rafina Port — no deposit options available