Athens Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Athens

Renting a car in Athens offers significant freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant metropolis at your own pace. With a vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create travel plans that suit your needs. Whether you are seeking cultural experiences or outdoor adventures, a rental car allows you to visit iconic attractions like the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, and the Parthenon, all located within the city centre. Additionally, you can venture into charming neighbourhoods like Plaka, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture, or head to Glyfada, known for its beautiful beach and additional cultural sites. This convenience is particularly beneficial for families or those travelling with friends, as you can comfortably transport everyone without the hassle of public transport. Having a car also makes it easier to discover lesser-known spots and enjoy spontaneous detours. Ultimately, a rental car empowers you to embrace the rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant atmosphere of Athens and its surroundings, making your trip both enjoyable and memorable.

Most popular car rentals in Athens

• Economy: The Economy car is a fantastic choice for those looking to explore Athens without the fuss. Accommodating up to 5 travellers and 2 medium suitcases, it is ideal for solo adventurers, couples, or small families. Its compact size makes navigating the bustling streets of Athens a breeze, allowing you to easily find parking and access various attractions while enjoying the flexibility of your travel plans.
• Midsize SUV: For travellers needing a bit more space, the Midsize SUV is an excellent option. It comfortably accommodates 5 travellers along with up to 3 large suitcases, making it perfect for families, couples, or small groups. This car type offers the versatility to handle both urban driving and excursions into the surrounding areas of Attica, ensuring a comfortable ride with ample room for everyone and their luggage.
• Compact: The Compact car is another popular choice for those visiting Athens, providing a blend of efficiency and comfort. With the capacity for 5 travellers and up to 3 medium suitcases, it suits solo travellers, couples, and families alike. This car type allows for easy manoeuvrability through the city, making it an ideal option for those who wish to make the most of their time exploring Athens while keeping luggage management straightforward.

Top rated car suppliers in Athens

• Alamo Rent A Car: With a single rental location in Athens, Alamo Rent A Car is a popular choice among travellers. Known for its excellent service and convenient location, Alamo primarily offers Midsize SUVs and Economy vehicles, making it ideal for those seeking comfort and affordability while exploring the beautiful sites of Athens at their own pace.
• Sixt: Sixt boasts two rental locations in Athens, providing easy access for tourists. Renowned for their friendly service, Sixt offers a range of vehicles with a focus on Economy and Compact cars. This supplier is perfect for travellers looking for a reliable and budget-friendly option to navigate the vibrant city and its surroundings with ease.
• Budget: Budget, with two rental locations throughout Athens, is well-known for its competitive rates and value. This supplier offers a selection of Economy and Standard SUVs, making it a great option for those who require a bit more space and comfort. With Budget, you can enjoy the flexibility of car rental while keeping your travel expenses in check.

Where to stay in Athens

• Athens City Centre: The Athens City Centre is an excellent choice for travellers seeking a vibrant cultural experience. Located around notable landmarks such as the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, and the Parthenon, this neighbourhood offers a plethora of shopping areas, public markets, and cafes. The proximity to historic places and archaeological sites enhances the allure, making it an ideal base for exploring Athens’ rich heritage.
• Plaka: Known for its charming streets and picturesque architecture, Plaka is a delightful neighbourhood that attracts culture enthusiasts. With the Acropolis and Parthenon within easy reach, visitors can enjoy exploring historic sites while indulging in local dining options, bars, and shops. The vibrant atmosphere and outdoor spaces make Plaka a perfect spot for those wanting to experience the heart of Athens.
• Glyfada: For those looking for a blend of beach and city life, Glyfada presents a compelling option. This coastal area is renowned for its beautiful beaches, such as Glyfada's Second Beach, and offers a variety of outdoor activities. The neighbourhood also features shopping areas, restaurants, and a golf course, making it suitable for both relaxation and entertainment while still being in proximity to key cultural attractions like the Acropolis.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Athens

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're after an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices fluctuate according to demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you’re likely to obtain lower rates and benefit from greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are generally more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in congested areas. Mid-size rentals offer a balanced combination of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most favourable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel alternatives, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but this could be worthwhile for the added convenience it offers.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards as a form of payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. It’s straightforward to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to steer clear of extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Athens

The best value period to rent a car in and around Athens is March, when prices are moderately low and demand is also average. February is another quiet month, with low demand and slightly lower prices. Following March, April and May offer moderate pricing and steady demand. However, the most expensive months are July and August, when demand peaks and rental prices rise. June also sees moderately high prices, making it a busier time for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	49.1°F (9.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
February	50.7°F (10.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Moderately Low
March	54.0°F (12.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
April	60.3°F (15.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
May	69.3°F (20.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
June	77.4°F (25.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Moderately High
July	82.8°F (28.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Moderately High
August	82.2°F (27.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Moderately High
September	75.6°F (24.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
October	66.7°F (19.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	59.7°F (15.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	52.7°F (11.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average