Note: This guide focuses only on renting and driving a car in Greece. For ferries, flights, trains, buses, and local transport options, see our Greece Transportation Guide.
Renting a car in Greece can completely change how you experience the country—giving you access to remote beaches, mountain villages, and flexible itineraries that public transport simply cannot reach. However, car rentals also come with hidden rules, insurance traps, and local driving habits that many travelers are unaware of.
This guide explains how to rent a car in Greece safely, what documents you need, which insurance options matter, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to drive with confidence on Greek roads.
Before Renting a Car in Greece: Requirements & Documents
Age Requirements
Most car rental companies in Greece require drivers to be at least 21 or 23 years old. Drivers under 25 should expect a Young Driver Surcharge, which is charged per day and varies by rental company.
Credit Card Deposit
A physical credit card in the main driver’s name is usually mandatory when picking up a rental car in Greece. Debit cards are often not accepted for deposits.
Rental companies place a security deposit (credit card hold) that can range from a few hundred to over a thousand euros, depending on the car category and insurance selected, which is an important detail to factor into your overall trip planning alongside advice in our Travel Tips for Greece.
Driving License & International Driving Permit (IDP)
- EU driving licenses are fully accepted
- Most non-EU licenses are accepted for short tourist stays
- Drivers from countries such as the USA, Canada, and Australia may be required to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their national license
Car Rental Insurance in Greece: What to Choose
CDW (Collision Damage Waiver)
CDW reduces your financial liability in case of damage but usually includes a high excess. Damage to tires, glass, mirrors, and the undercarriage is often excluded.
Full Insurance / SCDW (Zero Excess)
Full insurance—often called SCDW or Zero Excess—eliminates most out-of-pocket costs in case of damage. On narrow island roads and in tight parking areas, this option is highly recommended.
Third-Party Coverage
Always check whether tires, windows, and the underbody are included. These are among the most common damage claims and are frequently excluded from basic coverage.
Choosing the Right Car for Greece
Why Small Cars Work Best
Narrow streets, limited parking, and tight village roads make Mini or Economy cars the most practical choice for most travelers.
Manual vs. Automatic
Most rental cars in Greece are manual transmission. Automatic vehicles are available but more expensive and should be booked well in advance.
Diesel or Petrol?
- Diesel: Better for long mainland drives
- Petrol: Ideal for short island trips
Driving in Greece: Local Rules & Survival Tips
Hard Shoulder Etiquette
On highways, slower vehicles often move slightly onto the hard shoulder to let faster traffic pass. While not officially regulated, this practice is widely observed and is part of the local driving culture travelers should be aware of when considering road safety, as discussed in Is Greece Safe for Tourists?.
Roundabouts
In some Greek roundabouts, vehicles entering the roundabout may have priority unless signage states otherwise—opposite to most European countries.
Speed Limits & Cameras
Speed cameras are common on highways and near city entrances. Fines are issued automatically and forwarded through rental companies.
Fuel Stations and Toll Roads
Fuel stations on islands often close early in the evening, and many are closed overnight. Refuel before long drives, especially outside major towns.
Toll roads operate on major mainland routes such as Athens–Thessaloniki and Athens–Peloponnese. Both cash and cards are accepted at most toll booths.
Taking a Rental Car on Ferries
Transporting a rental car by ferry is not always permitted. Most rental companies require written permission before allowing vehicles on ferries.
In many cases, it is cheaper and easier to return the car and rent a new one on the island rather than paying ferry vehicle fees.
Parking Rules and Strategies
- Blue lines: Paid parking
- White lines: Free parking
- Yellow lines: Restricted or official use
Parking fines are issued by municipalities and are usually paid at local offices or post offices. Unpaid fines may be charged later via the rental company.
Car Rental Pickup Checklist
- Take photos and video of the car before driving off
- Check tires, rims, mirrors, and windshield
- Confirm fuel level and return policy
- Review insurance documents and excess amount
- Ask about ferry restrictions
- Save emergency and roadside assistance numbers
