How to Rent a Car in Greece: Requirements, Insurance & Tips (2026)

Gavin standing beside our rented SUV on the island of Milos. Renting a car in Greece is the best way to see the country.

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Wondering how to rent a car in Greece and what documents or requirements you’ll need? You’re in the right place.

Renting a car in Greece is one of the best ways to explore the country — especially if you want flexibility beyond major cities and islands.

If you travel with a hidden disability like I do, that freedom to adjust plans is a game changer.

After driving in 15 European countries and completing a 4 week road trip through Greece, we understand both the benefits and the concerns about hiring a car.

In this guide, we break down exactly what you need to rent a car in Greece, how insurance works, and practical tips to help you feel confident before you book.

So, let’s do this!

Should You Rent a Car in Greece?

Robyn standing on the dirt road beside the open passenger door of our grey SUV on Milos. There is a small hill with dry vegetation behind her. Renting a car in Greece is the best way to explore off the beaten path destinations.

YES! Greece is a perfect destination for a road trip.

Whether you are traversing the mainland, or exploring the islands, renting a car gives you freedom over every aspect of your journey.

It puts you in the driver’s seat… literally and figuratively!

Benefits of Renting a Car in Greece
👉slower paced travel
👉additional comfort
👉control travel days & times
👉spend time where you want
👉explore off the beaten path

With so many incredible places, historic sights and beautiful beaches (like the beaches in Kalamata) to explore, renting a car allows you to visit those places that public transport doesn’t access.

It allows you to stop at a taverna for local Greek food or discover a less touristy beach.

We love slow travel and prefer to rent a car when visiting a new country. It allows us to choose where we visit, be flexible with our schedule, plan for rest days, and explore at our own pace.

And if you travel with chronic pain like me, renting a car makes travel days more comfortable, and relaxing, and reduces my overall pain.

Greece is a fantastic destination for a road trip, so let’s dive into what requirements are needed to rent a car in Greece.

Renting a Car in Greece: Requirements

Car rental insurance in Greece can feel confusing, but understanding the basics before you book will save you stress and money.

Below we explain what’s required, what’s optional, and what most travelers actually need.

Gavin's International Driver's License and Canadian Passport. Both are a must to rent a car in Malta.

Gavin's International Driver's License. If you're renting a car in Greece, this is a requirement if you live outside the EU.

Valid Passport & Driver’s License

A valid passport is required for identification and must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Greece.

Drivers from outside the EU must hold an International Driving Permit. That means travelers from the United States, Canada and Australia.

Without an IDP, the rental agency can refuse to rent you a vehicle.

You are required to show your International Driving Permit, and home driver’s license if you get into an accident or are pulled over by the police.

✅HELPFUL TIP: An International Driving Permit is easy to obtain from your local registry office and must be done from your home country.

Age Requirements

Most rental companies have an age requirement of 25 – 65 years. If you fall outside this range, there may be an additional fee.

In addition, some rental agencies require that you have 2 years of driving experience. It is important to check the rules of the company you choose to rent from.

Credit Card

A major credit card in the primary driver’s name is required for the rental deposit. Some companies may accept a debit card.

The credit card used to secure the booking must be in the driver’s name.

✅HELPFUL TIP: Have this same credit card on you when you go to pick up your rental car in Greece.

We made this mistake in France when we used my credit card but listed Gavin as the primary driver. It was a huge headache, and we wasted much time trying to solve the problem.

Booking Confirmation

A copy of your reservation confirmation may be required, especially if you booked online.

Usually, a digital copy works fine, but we like to print a hard copy just in case.

✅HELPFUL TIP: If you are renting an adapted car because you are traveling Greece with mobility issues, we strongly recommend printing all documents to present when picking up your vehicle.

Rental Car Insurance

Our small, white rental car parked beside a beautiful stone church in the small town of Lagkadia, Greece. Parking can be tricky when driving in Greece.

Insurance is mandatory when renting a car in Greece. Rental car companies typically include basic insurance coverage in the rental price, which usually consists of Third-Party Liability, Collision Damage Waiver, and Theft Protection.

Third-Party Liability Insurance

Third-party liability insurance covers any damage or injury caused to other drivers in the event of an accident.

⛔It does not cover damage to your rental car or any injury you sustain in the accident. You will need additional coverage for that.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)

This limits how much you have to pay for damage to the rental car. The rental agreement will detail what damage is covered on the vehicle.

Even with a CDW, it is common to pay a deductible (a flat fee amount) out of pocket if there’s damage. This will be stated in the rental agreement.

⛔CDW does not cover everything. For example, it might not cover damage to the tires or windows. It also does not cover theft or personal injuries.

Theft Protection (TP)

This protects the car in case it is stolen. It usually comes with a deductible that is stated in the rental agreement.

Personal Accident Insurance (additional)

This covers medical expenses for injuries you or your travel companions sustain from an accident.

✅HELPFUL TIP: Personal Accident Insurance is an additional coverage that you must add to your booking. It is not automatically included.

Full Coverage Insurance

This includes coverage for lost keys, towing expenses, refundable theft deductible, and damage to the body, undercarriage, wheels, and windshield of the rental car.

We choose full coverage insurance for every rental car. You can’t control other drivers; therefore, it is best to protect yourself in every way possible.

Rental Car Companies

We use Discover Cars whenever we book a rental car.

Discover Cars compare prices between local and international rental car companies. They have additional features you can add to your booking, like insurance, GPS, car seats, etc.

Discover Cars includes:
✅unlimited mileage
✅Theft Protection
✅Third Party Liability
✅Collision Damage Waiver
✅Roadside Assistance

We always go with full coverage insurance.

According to Discover Cars, the approximate cost of full coverage is approximately $10/day (as of January 2026).

It is cheaper to book full coverage insurance online than when you pick up your vehicle. If you wait, the price may have increased.

⛔It is important to find out exactly what is covered before booking any rental car. Do not assume your credit card will cover you in Greece.

Luckily, we never had a ding on our rental car. And because we purchased full coverage insurance, the representatives didn’t inspect the car too closely upon return.

This made returning our vehicle a much easier process.

We have sampled a couple of different rental car agencies over the years but usually find that Discover Cars offers the best selection for price, comfort, and customer service.

🚗Find the Best Deals with Discover Cars
✔️compare prices
✔️easy booking process
✔️offers comprehensive insurance
✔️excellent 24/7 customer service
➡️Reserve your rental with Discover Cars here!

Helpful Tips for Renting a Car in Greece

Where to Rent a Car From

Our small white rental car beside a large, single tree overlooking the mountains in the Peloponnese region. No one else is on the road.

You want to rent your car from the most convenient location according to your travel itinerary.

Airports and ferry ports are the easiest places to rent from.

On our 4 week trip in Greece, we had 2 separate rental cars. One on the island of Milos and one for our 2 week Peloponnese itinerary.

Athens International Airport

Athens International Airport will have the largest selection of rental companies to choose from.

You do not need a car in the capital. The historic landmarks of Athens can be easily explored on foot, or using public transportation.

✅HELPFUL TIP: If you plan to visit Athens for a few days, then we recommend picking up your rental after exploring the city.

Ferry Ports

You can rent a car from various ferry ports throughout Greece, but they will have a smaller selection of vehicles.

All Greek islands are connected by an extensive ferry system, and some even have airports.

We chose to explore the Greek islands of Sifnos and Milos. We rented a car from the ferry port on Milos and were happy with the vehicle and customer service.

Taking a Rental Car on the Ferry

Most well–known companies allow rental cars on ferries. We saw many people take their rental car on the ferry to Sifnos island.

It is important to disclose this information ahead of time as there may be additional insurance costs.

Use your best judgment, and do what you are comfortable with. This is how close they park cars on ferries. Crazy!

Red, white and silver cars and vans packed tightly together at the back of the ferry from Milos to Sifnos. Ask your rental agency before taking your rental car on the ferry in Greece.

When to Rent a Car

It’s important to consider your itinerary when booking your rental car.

To save money when booking your trip, reserve a rental car for the exact days you need it.

There is no use paying for a car if you are relaxing on the beaches of Sifnos!

We chose to have 2 separate bookings. Our first rental was through Avis for our Peloponnese road trip and our second rental was through Milos Rent, a local company, on the island of Milos.

We used Discover Cars to reserve both rental cars.

🚗Need a rental car? Check availability & prices:
➡️Reserve your rental car here!

One Way vs Return

The beautiful coastline and deep blue sea of the Mani Coast in Greece. Renting a car is the best way to explore the country.

One Way Rental

A one-way rental is when you drop your car off in a different location than where you picked it up.

Whether you will need a one-way rental depends on your Greece itinerary.

When planning your trip, research where you want to visit to create the best driving route possible.

We recommend solidifying your plans before reserving your rental car.

✅HELPFUL TIP: A one-way rental costs extra. From our experience, the price varies between $100 – $300 depending on the company.

Picking up and returning your rental car to the same location is more cost-effective and a great way to spend less money while traveling.

It also increases the variety of rental companies to choose from, as not all companies give the option for a one-way drop-off.

Rental Car Size & Power

Our small white rental car pulled over beside a rocky mountain in the Peloponnese region of Greece. Renting a car in Greece requirements includes having a valid passport.

Size of the Vehicle

Consider the space you need for your journey. How many bags and people are traveling with you? What type of car gives you the most comfort?

If you travel with chronic pain or fatigue, you may require extra space and comfort. We consider all these factors before booking a rental.

Although you can save money with a small car, it may cost you additional pain in the end. And that is just not worth it!

✅HELPFUL TIP: When choosing a vehicle, consider how you can reduce pain and anxiety while ensuring your comfort. Upgrading your vehicle could be the best decision for a successful trip.

Power of the Vehicle

Consider the power of the vehicle. A more powerful, often larger, car will handle highway speeds and pass other cars more effectively.

We made the mistake of choosing a cheaper, small car with a manual transmission for our Peloponnese trip.

First, the car couldn’t reach 120km/h on the expressway, leaving us feeling unsafe at times. Second, it struggled to get up the mountainous hills.

Not a smart decision!

Research your destination thoroughly and choose the most suitable vehicle for your journey.

Cost of Renting a Car in Greece

Gavin standing beside our dusty SUV in Greece. We wrote Milos 2021 in the dust on the back windshield. Renting a car in Greece requirements includes being 25 years old.

For our 4-week road trip in late July through the Peloponnese, we used Discover Cars to find the best price for the type of car we wanted.

👉Our Avis rental car cost was $102/day, and included all additional insurance coverage (CDW, THW, & PAI).

👉The cost of our rental car from Milos Rent was $86/day, again with all additional insurance.

✅HELPFUL TIP: If you travel outside of the high season, your rental prices will be significantly lower!

According to Discover Cars, the average cost of renting a car from Athens in April is as low as $26/day! August is the most expensive at $89/per day.

The cost will vary depending on the car and insurance coverage you choose.

Manual vs Automatic

Manual transmissions are the most common in Greece. Therefore, manual cars are much cheaper to rent than automatic ones.

⛔If you are not familiar with driving a manual… don’t start learning in Greece! Stick to what you are comfortable with.

✅HELPFUL TIP: If you are planning an accessible holiday in Greece, you can rent automatic adapted vehicles from major cities.

Gas Prices

The price of gas in Greece is higher than in other popular European countries. The average price in January 2026 was $2.01 per liter (or €1.71).

Many gas stations have reduced hours and closed early on weekends and holidays. It is important to plan and gas up when you can.

Tips for Pick Up & Drop Off

The port of Sifnos, with boats parked to the right, and the white buildings tumble into the blue sea. Many car rental agencies are located near island ports.

You will pick up your rental car from Athens Airport approximately 60 minutes after your flight arrives.

There is good airport signage directing you to the rental agency counters.

If you have not purchased insurance yet, this is when you will need to do so. Just note you may pay a higher fee than what was posted online.

Walk Around

Always inspect the vehicle with a company representative upon pickup.

Point out any damage so it’s noted on the checkout form.

Make sure all scratches and damages are documented before signing the final paperwork. The mileage and fuel level will also be recorded.

Take Pictures

It is smart to take pictures of the exterior and interior of the car. Make sure the photos have a time stamp.

If something were to happen, you could prove the damage was already there before you drove away.

Returning the Vehicle

Returning your rental can take up to 30 minutes, so arrive at the airport at least 3.5 hours before your departure.

There will be signage directing you to the rental return booth.

Walk around and inspect the vehicle with a company representative. They will make note of any visible damage, fuel level, and mileage.

Grab all personal items from the car. Once they sign off, you are good to go! (and enjoy one more traditional Greek meal😉)

Greece Driving Tips

A dirt road on the island of Milos. Just be aware that renting a car in Greece, some roads are not paved.

A fire alert road warning. Be aware when renting a car in Greece that natural disasters may occur at any time.

Road Conditions

The roads in Greece are good, though they can vary from region to region.

Athens

From the airport, expect a bit of traffic. Athens can get crazy busy, so avoid peak traffic hours when you can.

Keep coins on you for toll fees.

Roads are well marked, and lanes are a good size.

Athens has a lot of one-way streets, so you follow your GPS. Parking can also be tricky. We recommend checking that your hotel has parking available.

Mainland Greece

The mainland is easy to drive, and highways are in excellent condition. Similar to driving in Malta, people tend to drive uncomfortably fast compared to Canada or the US.

Don’t get overwhelmed and take your time.

Consider a more powerful vehicle that can keep up with traffic if you are driving on several highways or mountainous roads.

Secondary highways are paved but can get very windy.

Greek Islands

Having visited Santorini, Crete, Sifnos, and Milos, we suggest using a local car rental agency on the islands.

✅HELPFUL TIP: Our 4×4 SUV rental was spacious and comfortable. It had no problem handling gravel roads or climbing rocky hills.

Some areas on the Greek islands are only accessible with a 4×4. Make sure to check that your rental insurance covers you on these secondary roads.

Research driving tips on whichever Greek island you plan to visit.

Whether you stay near the beach on Sifnos, or in a luxury villa, make sure it includes parking.

We found the small towns and best restaurants on Sifnos had limited parking.

Use GPS for Navigation

The interior of our rental car with our GPS directing us back to Athens.

Driving in a new country can be overwhelming if you’re unfamiliar with the area. A TomTom or Garmin GPS can be very helpful.

We have used a TomTom GPS for years, and find it reliable and easy to use. We download maps for our destination, and TomTom updates them automatically as part of their lifetime warranty.

Buy your GPS at home and upload maps before you leave. Alternatively, you can add a GPS to your car rental for around $5/day.

You can use Google Maps on your smartphone or purchase an Airalo eSIM card, which is what we recommend. That way you can use data wherever you are.

Traffic Rules in Greece

Two men on one motorcycle driving on the windy roads of the Mani Coast. The dry landscape and blue ocean are in the background.

Here are basic Greek traffic laws to help ensure you have a safe journey.

✅Greece drives on the right-hand side of the road

✅It is illegal to not wear your seat belt. Fines range from €80 – €350.

✅The car’s documentation and proof of insurance must be in the car whenever you’re driving

✅Drivers outside the EU must carry their International Drivers Permit and regular driver’s license with them at all times

✅It is illegal to drink and drive and use a mobile phone while driving

✅The nationwide emergency number in the European Union is 112

✅If driving in the winter, your rental agency will provide you with snow chains if necessary

✅Children under 4 yrs old require a car seat. Book one in advance with your rental company.

✅Children under 12 yrs old must sit in the back seat

Speed Limits

🔹City speed limit — 50 km/h (30 mph)
🔹Rural areas — 90 km/h (55mph)
🔹Expressway — 110 km/h (70 mph)
🔹Motorway — 130 km/h (80mph)

Toll Charges

Toll expressways are common in Greece. They are marked with good signage and show the price as you approach the toll booth.

Prices range from €1.50 to €3.50.

Keep loose change in the car. There are separate lanes for paying with a pass, cash, or credit card.

Parking

Be careful about parking illegally, especially in Athens. Fines can be about €150.

In small towns, space for parking is scarce, so if you find a good spot, don’t let it go!

Unexpected Road Blocks

A herd of goats trotting along in the middle of the road in the mountains of the Peloponnese.

An older man with a cane slowly walking along the road in the tiny town of Stemnitsa, with stone buildings surrounding him.

Pay attention when driving in Greece. It is not uncommon to see a herd of goats crossing the road, or for people to be in the middle of the road in smaller towns.

Our advice is to be careful, don’t drive too aggressively, and be on the lookout!

FAQ’s: Hiring a Car in Greece

Can tourists rent a car in Greece?

Yes, but anyone renting a car in Greece must have a valid driver’s license.

Can Canadians rent a car in Greece?

Yes, Canadians can rent a car in Greece. However, you must carry your license and an international driver’s permit too.

Is it a good idea to rent a car in Greece?

Yes! Renting a car is a fantastic way to explore Greece. just remember to not rent a car while visiting Athens. The public transportation is great and parking can be pricey and difficult.

Is it hard to rent a car in Greece?

No, it is not difficult to rent a car in Greece. Many travelers rent vehicles as it’s an easy way to explore the country. The roads are well maintained and have good signage.

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

Around $70-100 a day, depending on the type of insurance you purchase, the time of year you travel, amount of gas needed, and toll roads you take.

Where should I rent a car in Greece?

If you are traveling the mainland, we recommend renting a car once you leave Athens. You can also rent a vehicle on any island, although the larger islands, like Crete, are more common. We liked having the car on Milos, as many of the beaches were not accessible by public transport.

Is it easy to get around Greece without a car?

Yes, you can get around Greece without a car. However, we found having a car worked better when you travel with mobility issues. But they do have public transit, local planes, and the ferry system is fantastic.

Final Thoughts: Renting a Car in Greece

In our opinion, renting a car in Greece is a must!

Whether you are exploring the islands or the mainland, having your own vehicle allows you to travel at your own pace, get off the beaten path, and discover little hidden gems of this beautiful country.

Hopefully, our guide on renting a car in Greece was helpful and informative.