Renting a Car in Greece: What Americans Need to Know

Yes, Americans can rent a car in Greece, and for villages, beaches and long scenic drives it's often the best way to see the country. Come prepared with the right paperwork, and consider skipping the car if your trip is just Athens and Thessaloniki.

Is renting a car in Greece worth it?

It depends on where you're going. In Athens and Thessaloniki, buses and taxis get you around, along with the metro in Athens. Parking is the bigger headache in those cities. Street parking in the major cities is close to nonexistent, and parking illegally can cost you your license plate. If you do drive into town, plan on a tourist lot or hotel parking.

Beyond the cities, a car opens up the country. Many of the major roads wind through scenic hills and small villages, and some of those villages have the most dramatic views along the Mediterranean. You set your own pace, slip away from the crowds at the famous sites, and linger in towns where everyday Greek life carries on.

What license and documents do you need?

Greek law requires visitors to carry a valid U.S. driver's license, and insurance companies may require an international driver’s permit. Get the IDP before you leave home.

At the counter, expect to show your passport, your license and a credit card in the main driver's name. Some companies refuse debit cards, cash and prepaid cards, so check the payment rules before you count on one. Rental companies usually place a temporary hold on the card that can run to hundreds of euros, so make sure your credit limit has room for it.

Many companies set the minimum age at 21, though it can vary by car category, and they ask that you've held your license for at least a year. Drivers under 25 may pay a young driver surcharge, and some suppliers cap the rental age at 70. Read the company's policy before booking.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Greece?

Rates rise in summer and peak in July and August, when demand runs highest. Booking early is a smart way to land a better rate. Smaller cars and skipping extras like a navigation unit keep the bill down.

The daily rate is just one piece of the total cost. Fuel, tolls and parking add up, and so can charges for late returns and damage. Greece has two toll highways, one from Athens to the Peloponnesus and one from Athens to Thessaloniki, and the tolls are modest. Some online listings bury fees in legal language, so read the agreement closely and settle the final details in person at the rental office, where you can see exactly what you'll pay before you sign.

What car rental insurance do you need in Greece?

Beyond that, expect a menu of options: a collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection, which reduce your deductible; personal accident insurance; and at some counters a "super" CDW that can bring the deductible down to zero. Options and rates vary by supplier.

If you plan to rely on your credit card's coverage, call the card issuer before you go and ask exactly what it covers in Greece. Then read your confirmation voucher, which spells out the insurance on your reservation.

What should you check when you pick up the car?

Walk around the car before you drive away and photograph any scratches or dents, plus the windshield and windows, and make sure each one is marked on the paperwork. Some companies try to charge at drop-off for damage that was already there, and your photos settle the argument. Check the fuel gauge against the level written on the rental agreement, too. Under a common policy, you return the car with the same amount of fuel it had at pickup or pay for the missing fuel plus a refueling charge.

What's it like to drive in Greece?

Traffic keeps to the right, as at home. On a three-lane highway the middle lane is for passing, and at intersections, vehicles approaching from the right have the right of way. The open-road limit is about 50 mph (80 km/h). Speeds and distances are all in kilometers, and a GPS app on your phone, the easiest way to navigate anyway, can be set to show miles.

Conditions change fast. City streets are congested and drivers impatient, mountain roads twist sharply, and in many mountain areas goats, pigs and other livestock wander onto the road. Greece has one of the highest traffic fatality rates in the European Union, so drive defensively and take the curves slowly.

Gas stations are full service, with an attendant who pumps for you. Many close in the evening and on Sundays.

What driving laws and safety risks should you know about?

Talking or texting on a phone while driving is illegal. So is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, and police run random alcohol tests. If you stay longer than 185 days, you'll need a Greek license.

Thieves seek out rental cars and break into them for passports, valuables and luggage. Try not to leave valuables in view, and keep your passport with you, which also covers the advice to carry photo ID at all times. Transportation strikes can interrupt traffic, seaports and airports, and forest fires, common in the dry summer months, occasionally close roads, so check local conditions before a long drive.

Can you take a rental car to the islands or out of Greece?

Driving out of Greece takes a special arrangement with the company and may cost extra. Some car categories aren't allowed across the border, and collision and theft protection end there, leaving you responsible for any loss or damage. Confirm the ferry and border terms with your rental company before you book.