Car Rental Athens Airport
Renting a car at Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) is an excellent choice for travelers looking to explore Athens, its surroundings, and wider Greece with flexibility and convenience. The airport hosts a variety of well-known international rental companies such as Avis, Budget, Alamo, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty, as well as reliable local rental firms. Booking in advance online is highly recommended to secure the best rates and vehicle availability, as prices tend to be lower and the airport counters can have limited supply.
Popular Car Types and Prices
Travelers can choose from an extensive range of vehicles, including economy cars, compact cars, family sedans, SUVs, and minivans to accommodate groups or extra luggage. Some of the most commonly rented cars at Athens Airport include:
- Economy cars like the Toyota Yaris or Opel Corsa, perfect for city driving and narrow streets.
- Compact sedans such as the Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus, offering more comfort and space.
- SUVs including models like the Nissan Qashqai or Peugeot 3008, ideal for travelers looking to explore mountainous or coastal regions with added comfort.
- Minivans or larger vehicles for families or groups, suitable for trips beyond the city.
As a rough guide, daily rental prices in 2025 start at around €19 for economy and compact cars, with mid-range models averaging €22–24 per day. Premium or larger vehicles may cost €80–100+ per day depending on the season and rental duration.
Popular Destinations and Usage Tips
Renting a car at Athens Airport allows easy access to the city center (about 20 km away) and the greater Attica region. Popular nearby destinations include:
- The historic center of Athens, including the Acropolis, Plaka, and Monastiraki.
- Coastal resorts like Vouliagmeni, Glyfada, and Porto Rafti for beautiful beaches.
- The mountainous towns of Parnitha and Mount Hymettus for nature hikes.
- Day trips to ancient sites such as Delphi or the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion.
Driving gives freedom to explore beyond public transport routes and at your own pace, especially recommended for families and those planning to visit multiple sites.
Car Insurance Overview
When renting a car in Athens, insurance coverage is a crucial consideration. Standard rental includes third-party liability insurance, but it is advisable to add:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Limits your financial liability if the car is damaged.
- Theft Protection: Covers losses if the vehicle is stolen.
- Super CDW or Zero Excess option: Reduces or eliminates the excess you would pay in case of damage.
- Additional insurance such as personal accident protection or roadside assistance can also be purchased.
Be sure to read the terms carefully, and inspect the car thoroughly at pickup to note any existing damage. Many companies allow adding insurance when booking online or at the rental counter.
Useful Tips
- Book early online for the best prices and wider vehicle choices.
- Check fuel policies: "Full to full" is usually the most economical and transparent option.
- Confirm the mileage limit and whether it is unlimited.
- Review pick-up and drop-off locations and times carefully, as some companies charge extra for out-of-hours services.
- Consider extras like child seats, GPS, or additional drivers before booking.
- Remember to carry your driving license, passport, and credit card when picking up the vehicle.
Renting a car from Athens Airport is a practical, comfortable way to explore both the vibrant city and the varied landscapes of Greece, offering a tailored travel experience for every kind of visitor
Car rental companies
In Athens Airport you can find the following car rental companies:
AACR Car Rental Athens
Abbycar Rental Airport
ACE
Alamo
Apollo Rent a Car
Athens Car Rental
AutoUnion
Avance
Avis
Budget
Caldera Car Rental
Cargini ATH
CarQ Athens
Carwiz Athens Airport
Centauro
Dirent a Car
Drive Hellas
Enterprise
Europcar
Exer Rent a Car
Goldcar
Hertz
Progress Car Rental
Sixt
Thrifty
U Save Parking
Yours Car Rental
Location
Car rental companies are located at the Arrivals level of the Main Terminal Building.