Athens Airport Car Hire Guide 2026

Athens International Airport, officially named Eleftherios Venizelos but universally called ATH, is the main gateway to Greece and the launching point for millions of road trips each year.

For visitors planning to explore beyond the capital — whether heading to the Peloponnese, Delphi, Meteora, or simply wanting the freedom to discover the Greek mainland at their own pace — renting a car at Athens Airport is often the most practical choice.

This guide covers what you actually need to know: which suppliers operate at ATH, where to find them, how the pickup process works, and what to expect when driving in Greece.

Why rent a car at Athens Airport?

Athens is one of those cities where having a car in the centre is more hassle than it is worth. Parking is tight, traffic is dense, and the metro covers most tourist needs.

But if you are planning to explore the mainland, a car becomes essential. Public transport to destinations like Delphi, Meteora, or Nafplio is possible but time-consuming and inflexible. A rental car gives you:

• freedom to leave the city on your schedule
• access to smaller villages and archaeological sites
• the ability to combine multiple destinations in one trip
• practicality for family travel or groups

The trade-off is navigating Greek driving culture, which is different from Northern Europe. More on that later.

Overview of Athens International Airport (ATH)

Athens Airport sits about 35 kilometres east of the city centre, near the suburb of Spata. It is a modern airport that opened in 2001, replacing the old Ellinikon Airport.

The airport has a single main terminal building with satellite gates for Schengen and non-Schengen flights. Everything is under one roof, which makes navigation relatively straightforward.

Car rental desks are located in the arrivals area. The setup is well-signposted, and the walk from baggage claim to the rental area takes about 5-10 minutes depending on which carousel you use.

Major car hire suppliers at Athens Airport

ATH has a competitive car hire market with most major international brands present alongside local operators.

International brands at the terminal:

• Avis
• Hertz
• Europcar
• Sixt
• Enterprise
• National
• Budget

Budget and local operators:

• Goldcar
• Autounion
• Abby Car Rent
• SurPrice
• Green Motion

The international brands typically offer a more predictable experience with clearer policies and established customer support. Budget operators may have attractive headline prices but can be aggressive on insurance upselling and strict about damage documentation.

Before booking with a budget supplier, read our Goldcar reviews to understand what you might be getting into. The savings can be real, but so can the stress if you are not prepared.

For a balance of price and service, Europcar generally performs well at Athens Airport, with decent fleet quality and reasonable deposit expectations.

Terminal pickup process

The pickup process at Athens Airport is standard for a major European hub.

Step-by-step:

1. After landing, follow signs for arrivals and baggage claim
2. Collect your luggage
3. Head to the car rental area in the arrivals hall
4. Find your supplier's desk
5. Present your booking confirmation, driving licence, and credit card
6. Complete paperwork and receive your contract
7. Walk to the car park area to collect your vehicle

The rental car park is adjacent to the terminal. Walking times vary by supplier but are typically 5-10 minutes. Some budget operators use off-site locations reached by shuttle bus — check your booking confirmation if you have booked with a smaller brand.

Documents needed:

• Valid driving licence (EU licence accepted; others may need International Driving Permit)
• Credit card in the main driver's name
• Passport or ID
• Booking voucher

Queue times vary wildly. In summer, when multiple flights arrive simultaneously, you could wait 30-60 minutes at the desk. In quieter periods, the whole process can take 15 minutes. Book early and arrive knowing this.

Driving routes from Athens Airport

Athens Airport connects to the Attiki Odos motorway, which links to the national road network. From there, you can reach most of mainland Greece.

To Athens city centre (35 km, 40 minutes)

The most direct route is via the Attiki Odos ring road, connecting to main city arteries. Expect tolls on the motorway — keep coins handy or use the electronic pass if your rental includes one.

Parking in central Athens is challenging. Most hotels charge €15-25 per night. Street parking is metered in most areas and limited to 2-3 hours.

If you are only staying in Athens, consider delaying your car pickup until you leave the city. The metro from the airport to central Athens takes 40 minutes and costs €9.

To Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon (70 km, 1 hour)

Head south on the Attiki Odos, then follow the coastal road toward Lavrio and Sounion. The drive is scenic, hugging the coastline for much of the route.

The Temple of Poseidon at Sounion sits on a dramatic cliff at the southern tip of the Attica peninsula. It is one of the best sunset spots in Greece, but that also means it gets crowded. Arrive early or stay late.

To Delphi (180 km, 2.5 hours)

Take the national road north toward Thiva, then head inland toward Delphi. The route passes through mountainous terrain with spectacular views once you leave the Attica plain.

Delphi is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece. The ancient sanctuary, theatre, and stadium are spread across a hillside with views over olive groves and mountains. Budget at least 3-4 hours for the site itself.

To Nafplio and the Peloponnese (150 km, 2 hours)

Cross the Corinth Canal via the bridge (toll applies) to enter the Peloponnese. Nafplio, about 30 minutes past Corinth, is one of Greece's most beautiful towns — Venetian architecture, a waterfront promenade, and two fortresses.

From Nafplio, you can explore Mycenae, Epidaurus (ancient theatre with remarkable acoustics), and the broader Peloponnese region. This is one of the best driving destinations from Athens.

Greek driving essentials

Driving in Greece has a reputation. Some of it is earned, some of it is exaggerated.

What to expect:

• Greek drivers are assertive but generally predictable once you understand the flow
• Lane markings are suggestions rather than rules — expect overtaking on bends
• Motorways are excellent; rural roads can be narrow and winding
• Signage is decent on main routes, sparse on smaller roads
• Goats, sheep, and occasional cattle on rural roads are normal

Speed limits:

• Motorways: 120 km/h
• Open roads: 90 km/h
• Built-up areas: 50 km/h
• Near schools: 30 km/h

Key rules:

• Drive on the right
• Seatbelts mandatory for all passengers
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.5 g/L (stricter than some countries)
• Headlights required at all times, even during the day
• Mobile phone use prohibited without hands-free

Tolls: Greek motorways use toll booths. Carry coins and small notes. Most tolls are €2-8 depending on distance. The Attiki Odos around Athens has electronic toll options — check if your rental includes a pass.

Fuel policies

Most rentals at Athens Airport operate on a full-to-full basis. You receive the car with a full tank and return it full.

Fuel tips:

• Petrol stations near the airport may have higher prices and longer queues
• Fill up 10-15 km away from the airport for better rates
• Some stations close early or are self-service only
• Keep your receipt in case of disputes

Budget suppliers sometimes operate on full-to-empty policies where you prepay fuel at a premium. This rarely works out cheaper unless you use nearly all the fuel. Avoid if possible.

Insurance and deposits

Greek rental desks, particularly budget operators, can be aggressive on insurance upselling. Know what you have before you arrive.

Standard Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Usually included but comes with a high excess (€800-2,000). You are liable for damage up to that amount.

Super CDW / Excess Waiver: Reduces your liability to zero or near-zero. Buying from the rental desk costs €10-25 per day. Third-party excess insurance is often cheaper (€3-8 per day) but requires you to pay any damage and claim it back.

Deposits: Expect €300-600 for standard cars with major brands. Budget suppliers may hold €1,000-1,500. The deposit is blocked on your credit card, not charged, and released after return (typically 10-30 days).

Read the fine print. Understand what is covered and what is excluded (windows, tyres, undercarriage, keys).

Return process

Athens Airport return is straightforward if you allow enough time.

Return tips:

1. Fill up before reaching the airport
2. Follow signs for car rental return as you approach the terminal
3. Park in your supplier's designated area
4. Photograph the car, fuel gauge, and mileage
5. Return keys at the desk or designated drop-off point
6. Get a return receipt or confirmation email

Common issues:

• Queues at fuel stations near the airport in summer
• Disputes over minor damage you did not cause
• Delayed deposit releases (follow up if not returned within 30 days)

Top destinations from Athens by car

A rental car opens up mainland Greece in ways public transport cannot match.

Athens city: The Acropolis, Plaka, Monastiraki, and National Archaeological Museum. Best visited without a car — parking is a nightmare. Pick up your rental when ready to leave the city.

Cape Sounion: Temple of Poseidon on a coastal cliff. The drive is scenic and the sunset is famous. One of the easiest day trips from Athens.

Delphi: Ancient sanctuary on Mount Parnassus. The site is extraordinary and the drive passes through varied terrain. A full day trip.

Nafplio: Beautiful Venetian town in the Peloponnese. Excellent base for exploring Mycenae, Epidaurus, and the surrounding region.

Meteora: Monasteries perched on rock pillars in central Greece. A longer trip (4-5 hours each way) but one of Greece's most spectacular sights. Best as an overnight.

Hydra, Poros, Spetses: Island hopping from the Peloponnese ports. Drive to Metochi or Galatas, then take a ferry. A car gives you flexibility to explore the mainland side.

FAQ

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Greece?

EU licence holders can use their domestic licence. Visitors from Australia, the US, Canada, and most other countries can drive on their domestic licence for tourist visits up to 6 months. An International Driving Permit is recommended if your licence uses a non-Latin script (Chinese, Arabic, Japanese) or if you plan to drive extensively.

How much is the deposit at Athens Airport?

Deposits vary by supplier and vehicle category. Expect €300-600 for standard cars with major international brands. Budget suppliers may hold €1,000-1,500. The amount is blocked on your credit card and released after return, typically within 10-30 days.

Can I take the car on ferries in Greece?

Most rental agreements permit ferry travel within Greece, but you must declare it in advance. Some suppliers charge extra for ferry travel or have specific conditions. Check your contract before driving onto a boat. Ferries to the islands are common — the key is disclosure.

Is driving in Athens dangerous?

Driving in Greece is different from Northern Europe but not inherently dangerous. Expect assertive overtaking, occasional disregard for lane markings, and variable road quality outside motorways. Drive defensively, stay calm, and avoid confrontation. Motorways are excellent; rural roads require more attention.

Which car is best for Greek roads?

A compact hatchback is the best choice for most visitors. Greek town centres have narrow streets and tight parking. Mountain roads are winding. A small car reduces stress and fuel costs. Upgrade to an SUV only if you have specific needs (large family, lots of luggage, rough terrain).

Final thoughts

Car hire at Athens Airport is straightforward if you book with a reputable supplier, understand your insurance position, and allow enough time for pickup and return. The airport is modern and the process is well-organised compared to some Mediterranean destinations.

The real decision is whether you need a car for your trip. If you are staying in Athens and taking ferries to islands, probably not. But if you are exploring the mainland — Delphi, Meteora, the Peloponnese, or coastal drives — a rental car from ATH is genuinely useful.

Book early, photograph the car before driving away, fill up before returning, and Greek roads will treat you well. The mainland has some of Europe's most rewarding driving routes once you leave the capital behind.