Car Rentals in Greece: Tips, Costs, and What to Keep in Mind When Renting a Car

With car rentals in Greece, you’ll discover the country just the way we love it: spontaneously, freely, and off the beaten path. We’ve been exploring Greece for over 15 years, have visited more than 50 islands, and during that time have tried just about every mode of transportation: from a small Fiat Panda to rugged SUVs, quads, scooters, and even bicycles.

With a rental car in Greece, you become an independent explorer and are always one step ahead of the crowds.
Tom & Ella

In this post, you’ll get our honest take on what a rental car in Greece really costs today, what you should look out for when booking, which traffic rules in Greece are particularly important in 2026, and whether a quad bike or scooter might be a better option on your island:

Our experiences with car rentals in Greece

We’re huge road trip fans and love exploring on our own. Whether on the mainland or an island, having your own vehicle gives you a sense of freedom and lets you travel at your own pace. We only discovered many idyllic spots, hidden swimming coves, and true hidden gems because we weren’t reliant on public buses.

On large islands like Crete and Rhodes, we preferred to travel in a small rental car in Greece due to the narrow, winding roads in the hinterland. As a couple, we used to explore many smaller islands like Nisyros, Lipsi, Kalymnos, Symi, or Patmos by quad bike or scooter, which is simply pure summer fun.

Now that we travel as a family, we usually rely on our own car, a Suzuki Vitara with all-wheel drive. It has enough room for a child seat, beach bags, and hiking gear, and handles bumpy gravel roads to hidden coves without any drama.

For narrow alleys and winding mountain roads like those on Corfu and Lefkada, however, we were actually glad back then that we only had a small, nimble compact car. You can still squeeze through where SUV drivers are already holding their breath.

Our general recommendation: For most trips, a small car is perfectly sufficient—though on mountainous islands, one with a bit more power is preferable. If you’re traveling far off the beaten path and want to drive on gravel roads to hidden beaches, opt for rugged off-road vehicles like the Suzuki Jimny or comparable models.

A rental car in Greece takes you to places where tour buses no longer stop and where the public bus only passes by three times a week. That’s exactly what makes it so appealing to us: You drive down a winding gravel road, turn behind a pine tree, and suddenly there’s this bay that isn’t in any guidebook.

By the way, we can put your fears about driving in Greece to rest right away. Even if the Greeks drive a bit more aggressively, most roads are less chaotic than in some major European cities. On the islands, it’s actually quite relaxed. Anyone who drives confidently in Berlin, Rome, or Paris will get along just fine in Greece.

#1 How much does a rental car cost in Greece in 2026?

Prices for rental cars in Greece vary greatly depending on the travel season, island, and provider. Three factors determine what you’ll pay in the end: the season (peak or off-peak), the vacation destination (touristy or unspoiled), and the number of local rental companies (monopoly or competition).

Among the most popular Greek islands, car rentals are cheapest on Kos, Rhodes, and Crete (Heraklion). Prices are noticeably higher on Mykonos and Milos, and car rentals are most expensive on Santorini. You can find suitable vehicles, for example, on the Discover Cars* portal:

➲ Search for a rental car for your vacation*

Here’s how much a compact car (e.g., Fiat Panda) with comprehensive insurance and no deductible costs for a week in July from a reputable provider with good customer reviews (as of 2026):

• Athens: starting at 350 EUR per week
• Kefalonia: starting at 365 EUR per week
• Corfu: starting at 300 EUR per week
• Kos: starting at 310 EUR per week
• Crete (Heraklion): starting at 350 EUR per week
• Mykonos: starting at 400 EUR per week
• Rhodes: starting at 260 EUR per week
• Santorini: starting at 500 EUR per week
• Thessaloniki (Chalkidiki): starting at 370 EUR per week

The base rates of Greek car rental companies usually include comprehensive insurance with a deductible (approx. 1,000 EUR in the event of damage). Comprehensive insurance without a deductible costs extra and runs about 5 to 12 EUR per day.

How to get an affordable rental car in Greece

You’ll save money if you rent the car for several days rather than just a single day. Local car rental companies in Greece, in particular, offer tiered rates starting at three or five days or a week. This significantly reduces the daily rate.

This makes perfect sense for the rental company. Just the daily handover and return of the vehicle takes time. If the car is rented for a longer period, the effort involved decreases, and the rental company is happy to pass those savings on to you.

Even if no tiered rates are advertised, it’s worth negotiating. In Greece, no one will hold it against you as long as your expectations are realistic. However, international providers like Avis, Sixt, or Europcar rarely offer such tiered rates.

Example of typical prices during the off-season:

• Car rental for one day = 50 EUR
• Rate starting at 3 days = 40 EUR x 3 = 120 EUR
• Rate for 5 days or more = 35 EUR x 5 = 175 EUR
• Car rental for one week = 30 EUR x 7 = 210 EUR

You’ll also get a better deal if there are many providers competing for customers at a vacation spot, such as on Kos and Rhodes. Even during peak season, you can sometimes get rates as low as 40 EUR per day for a long-term rental.

#2 Local or international? Online or on-site?

The selection of rental cars in Greece is really extensive on the mainland and on most islands. In cities and at international airports, you’ll always find international companies like Sixt, Europcar, or Avis. But especially on the islands, it’s worth checking out regional providers.

These are often a bit cheaper, will deliver the vehicle to your desired location, and give you useful tips for the region when you pick it up. Sometimes local rental companies even have the iconic beach buggies in their fleet, which you won’t find anywhere else.

Even on small Greek islands, we’ve always found at least one rental company offering a few scooters or small cars. For lesser-known islands like Ikaria or Astypalea, we recommend contacting them in advance to reserve a vehicle.

Book a rental car in Greece online or on-site?

During the off-season between mid-September and mid-June, you can often get a rental car on the spot at a fair price. It’s best to negotiate in person, and you can inspect the vehicle beforehand.

During the high season, and especially during the holiday season, it’s worth booking online or reserving via email a few months in advance for very touristy destinations and on islands with few providers. You can find the right vehicle on Discover Cars*:

➲ Book a rental car at a low price*

Comprehensive car insurance with or without a deductible?

So far, we’ve mostly opted for comprehensive insurance with a deductible because the daily rate was cheaper and we feel confident behind the wheel. The deductible is around 1,000 EUR with most providers. In the event of damage, you’ll only have to cover this amount yourself.

In over 15 years of driving rental cars in Greece, we’ve never had any issues with basic insurance and haven’t had to pay for any damage so far. If you don’t mind a higher rental price and prefer to be on the safe side, opt for comprehensive coverage without a deductible. But be careful: even here, not all damages are always covered (underbody, stone chips, tires).

#3 Rental Car, ATV, or Scooter: What’s Right for You?

Quads and scooters are especially worthwhile for small Greek islands with short distances and no major mountains. On islands like Kos, Symi, Patmos, Kalymnos, and Leros, we’ve almost always rented quads (ATVs) in recent years because we simply love the fresh breeze and the open-air feeling. You can easily do without air conditioning and a sound system.

Unlike cars, scooters and quads are usually not rented out with a full tank. With many vehicles, the reserve light is already flashing when you pick them up. To avoid giving the rental company too much fuel when refueling, it’s worth filling up with just a small amount (€5 to €8) at first and topping off later if needed.

Quads have automatic transmissions and are easy to drive even for beginners. They are off-road capable and can handle even rough gravel roads. Caution is advised on curves: If you enter them too fast, you risk tipping over. For confident handling of inclines, we recommend at least 150 cc. A standard Class B driver’s license is sufficient for quads.

Discover the Greek islands by scooter

You should have some experience riding a scooter. For anything over 125 cc, you’ll need a motorcycle license. On windy days, riding a scooter can get wobbly, so it’s better to spend the day at the beach.

Helmets are mandatory in Greece for both types of vehicles. Even though many Greeks enjoy their “freedom” on motorized two-wheelers, helmet compliance is being enforced more strictly on the islands. Rental helmets are provided by the supplier; a Buff scarf is suitable for protecting your hair under the helmet.

Between October and May, the wind chill on motorcycles, scooters, and quads can get really chilly. Either bundle up or opt for a closed-top car instead.

Greece Packing List – What Goes in the Suitcase

Our free packing list for your Greece holiday – print it out or save it to your phone.

To the Packing List for Greece →

#4 Traffic Rules in Greece 2026

Traffic in Greece is different from what you’re used to in Germany. Greeks drive with a certain flair but still look out for one another. Traffic rules are sometimes treated more as suggestions; speed limits are exceeded and signs are ignored. The horn is used frequently, not to be rude, but to get attention—for example, when passing or approaching blind curves.

As a tourist, don’t let the fast-paced driving rub off on you and stick to the rules. Violations can result in hefty fines. In the metropolitan areas of Athens and Thessaloniki, city traffic can get really hectic, and some drivers quickly find themselves in a sweat.

For large cities, we recommend parking your car on the outskirts and taking the bus or metro into the center. This way, you can explore Athens, for example, in a much more relaxed manner.

The most important traffic rules at a glance

• General info: Driver’s license required (EU driver’s license), seat belts mandatory for all passengers
• Highway speed limit: 120 or 130 km/h
• Speed limit outside built-up areas: 90 or 110 km/h
• Speed limit in built-up areas: 50 km/h
• New as of 2024: 30 km/h in residential areas and narrow streets (often not signposted)
• Minimum age for vehicle rental: 21 years old; some rental companies require 23 years old
• Minimum age for scooters or quads: 18 years
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.5 (0.2 for novice drivers and professional drivers)
• Parking regulations: No parking (yellow), paid parking (blue), free parking (white)
• Required equipment: warning triangle, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher
• New as of July 1, 2026: First-aid kit must contain 16 EU-compliant items
• Insurance: Green Insurance Card (for private vehicles)
• Child seat: Required until age 12 or height of 150 cm
• No smoking in the car when children under 12 are passengers (fine up to 1,500 EUR)

What you should keep in mind when driving in Greece

• 🚸 Crosswalks: Drivers do not automatically stop, and pedestrians are often overlooked at crosswalks.
• 🚦 Red lights: Pedestrians simply cross the street, and some cars still drive through red lights.
• 🅿️ Finding a parking spot: In city centers, drivers often gently bump the car in front of them when squeezing into tight spaces.
• 🎫 Parking meter: If the meter is broken, the kiosk around the corner can help with a ticket.
• 🛣️ Narrow streets: Drivers honk to warn of dangerous curves, and they also tend to cut corners.
• 🏘️ Narrow alleys: Often end in a dead end or become so narrow that you can’t fit through.
• 🐌 Slow driving: Driving extremely slowly provokes dangerous passing maneuvers; it’s better to go with the flow of traffic.
• 🌙 Night driving: Potholes, animals on the road, unsecured slopes—if in doubt, drive during the day.
• ↪️ Shoulder: Actively used as a passing lane; slow vehicles pull over to let faster ones pass.

#5 Current Fines in Greece

Those who do not follow traffic rules face high fines. In cases of repeated illegal parking in Greece, the police sometimes even remove license plates or use a wheel clamp. A good-to-know detail: If you pay the fine within 10 days, you usually receive a 50% discount.

An overview of the most important traffic fines in Greece 2026:

• Illegal parking: starting at 80 EUR
• Speeding by 20 km/h or more: starting at 100 EUR
• Speeding by 50 km/h or more: starting at 350 EUR
• Driving under the influence of alcohol: 80 EUR
• Using a cell phone while driving without a hands-free device: 350 EUR + 30-day driving ban
• Driving without a seatbelt: starting at 350 EUR
• Riding without a motorcycle helmet: 350 EUR
• Running a red light: up to 700 EUR
• Missing or incomplete first-aid kit (effective July 1, 2026): 30 EUR
• Smoking in a car with children under 12: up to 1,500 EUR

#6 Gas Prices and Fueling Up in Greece

Gas prices in Greece are among the highest in Europe and are slightly higher than in Germany. Fuel prices on the islands are even higher than on the mainland due to shipping costs.

During the summer months, prices on the islands rise again due to high demand. Prices become noticeably higher, especially at highway gas stations and in tourist centers. You can find current gas prices in Greece on the ADAC website: Fueling Up in Greece (ADAC)

Greece has a well-developed network of petrol stations. Even on small islands, there’s usually at least one gas station, and you’ll find the brands EKO, BP, Shell, AVIN, Aegean, and Revoil almost everywhere. Also keep in mind: Distances, especially on the islands, are quite short. Consequently, you’ll usually only need a small amount of fuel.

Here you’ll find all gas stations on the Greek islands and the mainland: Greece Gas Station Network

#7 Tolls on Greek highways

Greece’s highways have been modernized in recent years and are in good condition. Nevertheless, they are often not very busy, partly due to the high toll fees in Greece. Depending on the section of the route, tolls range from 1.80 EUR to 4.20 EUR and are paid in cash or by card at toll stations (Diodia).

You also pay tolls for individual infrastructure projects such as the Aktio-Preveza undersea tunnel or the Rio-Antirrio Bridge (from Patras to the Peloponnese). However, those planning a round-trip by rental car in Crete are in luck: there are no toll roads here.

→ You can find a current overview of Greek toll roads on the ADAC website: Tolls in Greece (ADAC)

By the way, many rural roads in Greece are in poor condition. In the mountains, some curves are unguarded; driving with foresight helps you avoid potholes and herds of goats. In mountainous regions like Zagori in Epirus, honking before curves is absolutely common and also sensible.

#8 Checklist: What to Look Out for When Renting

To ensure your rental car vacation in Greece gets off to a relaxed start, here’s our checklist based on over 15 years of experience. We go through these points with every rental and have saved ourselves a lot of trouble as a result.

Before booking a rental car for Greece

Compare prices: Rental car platforms like Discover Cars* give you a good overview and allow you to cancel for free.

Read reviews: The black sheep quickly stand out on Google and TripAdvisor.

Choose insurance: Comprehensive coverage with no deductible is the stress-free option. With a deductible, you’ll save a few euros per day.

Check the fuel policy: Full-to-full is the least stressful; other policies often lead to disputes.

Add drivers: Anyone who wants to drive must be listed in the contract; otherwise, the insurance won’t pay in the event of damage.

Have a credit card ready: You almost always need a real credit card for the deposit; an EC/debit card is rarely sufficient.

Pickup your rental car for Greece

Inspect the vehicle thoroughly: Test the brakes, turn signals, lights, and windshield wipers.

Take photos of existing damage: Document the body, windows, tires, rims, and undercarriage, noting the date.

Note the fuel level: Take a photo of the odometer and mileage.

Review insurance documents: What about tires, undercarriage, and glass? Some damages are not covered.

Save emergency numbers: Save the rental company’s roadside assistance and emergency contact numbers to your phone.

Don’t let them talk you into additional insurance: If you booked through our partner Discover Cars with comprehensive coverage, you don’t need anything else.

Can I take the rental car to another island?

Generally, rental car companies contractually prohibit taking their vehicles on ferries from the mainland to the islands or from island to island. However, there are now exceptions: Some providers allow the ferry crossing for an additional fee, but this must be clarified in writing with the rental company in advance.

In our experience, it’s usually more relaxed and cheaper to rent a new vehicle locally at each destination. Depending on the route, the ferry costs for a car can quickly become more expensive than renting a new car for a few days on the island.

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