Car rental in Athens: tips, prices, routes

Have you ever dreamed of a road trip in Greece? Then follow our guide to rent a car in Athens!

Athens, capital of Greece , is the center of the country's economic, political and cultural life. About 132,049 km2 of land, discover ancient Greek cultures dating back to 3,000 years. What to leave you without a voice, but also without hunger! Indeed, the capital is rich in its history, but also by its rich and varied Mediterranean cuisine. Also, if you want to discover it, why not rent a car in Athens for your stay?

This is probably the easiest and fastest way to visit the city. Do you need additional information to rent a car on site? No panic, we thought about you and this article will definitely help you.

Where to rent a car in Athens?

At the airport

At the airport, several car rentals in Athens are waiting for you. Then, count only 25 minutes, passing through A6 to reach the city centre from the airport. However, to avoid worries or long waiting on your arrival, we recommend that you book online via Rentalcars .

In the city centre

You may have taken the metro, taxi or bus to reach the centre of Athens from the airport. In the city centre, many companies are waiting for you. In particular, you can find Capital rent a car , Acropolis came back because or Europcar .

However, it would be preferable to rent your vehicle at the airport or online . This will avoid you losing yourself in this big city and walking too long.

Route to Athens by car: some ideas of road trip

What better than renting a car in Athens to visit the secrets of the city? Feel free to move and discover in your own way and style its elegant beauty! You don't know where to start? So here are some road trip ideas that we recommend to spend unforgettable moments.

Itinerary from 2 to 4 days in Athens

• The must-sees of your trip: lAcropolis and the Parthenon. Perched on a hill, the place is visible from the four corners of the capital. The Acropolis extends its visitors to the history of ancient Greece, hosting the largest number of vestiges of the time. An unforgettable experience facing the citadel and the temple dedicated to Athena;
• Monastiraki Chip Market: on Sunday morning, enjoy your stroll around the Place Avissynias. This is where the market is: bibelots, books, paintings and clothing, come and find your rare pearl! We recommend you continue your walk through Athinas Street to Psiri. You will find vintage boutiques and galleries hidden among the secret streets;
• The National Archaeological Museum of Athens: Also unavoidable, he exposes the most beautiful works of Antiquity, including one of the largest collections of sculptures in the world. It houses almost 12,000 pieces, from the Bronze Age, passing through the Golden Age of Ancient Greece to the cycladic and classical periods. In short, a treasure to see absolutely;
• No passage to Athens without sunbathing on its beaches! Although they do not illustrate the most beautiful postcards in Greece, they are the perfect solution to local heat. To discover them, to the south of the city. Votsalakia, Alimos, Glyfada, Voula, Kavouri, Vouliagmeni, Kokkino Limanaki or Varkiza, the choice of beaches is wide.

7-day itinerary in Athens

• Have you ever been through the above-mentioned places? Then another place of rest and contemplation awaits you near the beaches of Athens: Lake Vouliagmeni. This is the guaranteed postcard! Between its rocks and the green light of its warm waters, you will live a moment of relaxation as ever... Also know that this lake is known for its therapeutic virtues. In addition, sailing, kitesurfing, kayaking, yoga session and massage are at the rendezvous. It will therefore be a revitalizing and unforgettable journey for the whole family;
• Come back to the very center of the city and discover The Lycabette. The mythology tells us that this hill would have been laid by Athena inadvertently. Indeed, she would have been surprised by two ravens announcing her a bad presage. Thus, she would have released her rock for the fortification of the Acropolis. Accessible on foot, allow a 30-minute walk from its greenery and admire the incredible view it offers on the city! And for the followers of the places of worship, the Lycabette houses on its top the small chapel St Gorge;
• L’Olympiéion, or the Temple of Zeus, himself God of heaven and lightning, is a last must for this route. Built with the fortune raised after the war against the city of Elide (Pisa), it is located in the ancient sanctuary of Olympie. You will find in its architecture scenes of Greek mythology such as the twelve works of Hercules, but also many statues. You can admire that of Zeus in Chryslephantine, considered one of the wonders to be seen in Athens.

Itinerary for two weeks and more

The list cannot be exhaustive as the cultural wealth of the city is great, here are two other pleasures to add to the routes previously cited:

• The first is Olympic Stadium Panathees. His story started over 2,500 years ago. He was the theatre of many gladiator fights, poetry competitions, tank races or pentathlon trials. The place was home to up to 70,000 people, barely 10,000 less than the Stade de France. Today, it welcomes the cultural and sporting events of the capital, continuing to write its history through time;
• So you will always find places to visit in this beautiful city full of History. But walking as much will undoubtedly open your appetite. This is why we also advise you to taste the pleasures of local cuisine. Olive oil, wines, mushrooms, pasta and cheese are the specialties.

How to compare and book your rental car online in Athens?

Now you know what your route will be? Then you only have to rent your car to visit Athens. Do you want the best value for money? See a price comparison for car rentals, such as Rentalcars .

First choose the dates and type of vehicle you want. Then, look for the most suitable offer among the many car rentals online.

How much does a rental car cost in Athens?

Per day

Car rental companies in Athens generally adjust their prices according to the vehicle category. Whether you want to rent at the airport and make the vehicle elsewhere in the city, it will not change the rate. Also, count between 20 € and 30 € per day for your rental.

Per week

Provide an amount between 40 € and 50 € for small vehicles. Otherwise, count around 60 € to 80 € for urban or compact cars.

Driving in Athens: traffic rules to know

• The speed limits remain the same as in France : 50 km/h downtown and 70 to 90 km/h in agglomeration, according to the signs. In addition, note that the limits are to 110 km/h on a fast and 120 km/h on the highway;
• Attention for parking : possible fine if you park less than 12 meters from a bus stop. Similarly if you park less than 5 metres from a pedestrian crossing and a fire hydrant;
• For round pointsthe priority is the one who enters and not the one who is already engaged;
• Pay attention to your conduct : marble is incorporated into the tar, so the soil is more slippery.

Our tips for your car rental in Athens

So that everything goes well during your car rental in Athens, here are some tips. But first of all, please take note of these some important points:

• Adding a full warranty is recommended in most cases;
• Always check the insurance conditions of the vehicle for rent;
• Do not sign a contract written in a language that you do not understand;
• Make sure to take an unlimited mileage for a free route;
• Rent a car in Athens upstream in order to make sure you're on a trip without a drag.

Rent a car in Athens: what conditions do you need?

To rent a car in Athens, must be at least 21 years , but also having your license for at least a year and a half . In addition, some companies may refuse to hire people over the age of 70.

Are you European? Your driver's license will suffice for car rental in Athens. Otherwise, you'll have to have one international driver ' s license . Be aware that each company may have its own rules, to you to check your eligibility for rental.

Limited or unlimited mileage?

In view of the number of monuments to visit, we strongly advise you to take the unlimited kilometers option . Unless you only stay for a weekend, of course.

Do you need insurance to rent a car in Athens?

Always get insurance for car rental in Athens. This will protect you in case of damage, flight, etc.

Where to park in Athens?

Prefer private parking. Indeed, street places are rare and often restricted. It is therefore best to park in these private parking lots, the amount of which is 5 € Half day.

What is the most convenient car category to visit Athens?

No need for a whole lot since you will stay in town. Then take a small city car rental in Athens. This will avoid a lot of parking problems.