Renting a Car at Athens Airport

Athens Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH) serves Greece's ancient capital and is the starting point for one of the greatest road trips in Europe — the Peloponnese, with its Mycenaean ruins, medieval castles, and dramatic coastline. Athens itself is best seen on foot, but the wider region rewards every kilometre driven.

Prices from €22/day. Greek roads vary enormously — Athens motorways are modern and fast, while island and mountain roads can be narrow and poorly marked. The Attiki Odos ring road (toll) connects the airport to Athens in 35 minutes.

Which Car Rental Companies Operate at ATH?

  • Europcar
  • Sixt
  • Hertz
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Autohellas

Additional options are available through DiscoverCars and RentalCars.com, which aggregate independent local operators alongside the major brands — often at the lowest rates.

How to Pick Up Your Car at Athens Airport

1
Collect Your Luggage

Follow signs to baggage reclaim in the arrivals hall.

2
Find the Car Rental Desks

Rental desks are in the arrivals hall — follow 'Car Rental / Auto a Noleggio / Autonoleggio' signs after customs.

3
Present Your Documents

You need: booking confirmation, valid driving licence (≥1 year), passport or ID card, and the credit card used to book.

4
Inspect the Car

Walk around the car with the agent before signing. Photograph any existing damage.

5
Drive Away

Follow airport exit signs toward the city. Your sat-nav or phone maps will guide you from there.

What Documents Do You Need?

  • Valid driving licence — held for at least 1 year. EU licences accepted without translation throughout the EU/EEA.
  • Passport or national identity card.
  • Credit card in the primary driver's name for the security deposit (debit cards rarely accepted).
  • Non-EU licence holders may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if the licence is not in Latin script.

Young Driver Rules at Athens Airport

Drivers aged 18–24 can rent from most providers but typically pay a Young Driver Surcharge of €10–€25/day. The minimum rental age is usually 18, though some providers require 21 or 25 for premium vehicle categories.

Tips for Renting at ATH

  • Attiki Odos toll (€3.40 each way) is the fastest route between airport and Athens — accept the charge.
  • Greek drivers are aggressive by northern European standards — stay calm and defensive.
  • Parking in Athens centre is very difficult; use the Syntagma underground car park.
  • Mountain roads (to Delphi, Meteora) are well-surfaced but winding — allow extra time.
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Getting from Athens Airport to Athens City Centre

With a rental car, driving from Athens Airport to Athens city centre takes approximately 35 min (33 km). Follow the airport exit signs toward the city — sat-nav or Google Maps will route you from there. Parking in the centre varies; check our tips above for the best options.

Driving in Greece

Greece uses right-hand traffic. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, 130 km/h on motorways. Blood alcohol limit: 0.05%. Motorway tolls on most mainland routes. Island roads can be narrow and unpaved. Currency: Euro (€).

Nearby Destinations Worth Driving To

  • Cape Sounion — 70 km, 1 hr. Temple of Poseidon on a cliff above the Aegean — the most iconic view near Athens.
  • Delphi — 185 km, 2.5 hr. Ancient Greece's most sacred site — the Oracle, Apollo's temple, and stunning mountain scenery.
  • Nafplio — 145 km, 2 hr. Greece's first capital after independence — a Venetian old town, a sea fortress, and excellent seafood.
  • Mycenae — 120 km, 1.5 hr. The Lion Gate and Treasury of Atreus — the Bronze Age citadel of legend, one hour from Athens.

For more planning help, read our car rental tips guide and find out which fees to watch for when you collect your vehicle.