Why rent a car in Athens?
Athens is the gateway to mainland Greece and one of Europe’s most historically rich cities. Beyond the Acropolis and the city’s lively districts, a rental car allows you to reach places public transport simply does not cover: Cape Sounion, the Peloponnese, or the ancient ruins of Delphi. Pick up your car at Athens Airport and head straight into the Greek landscape without delay. For more destinations across the country, see car rental in Greece.
Exploring Athens and Attica by car
Day trips and routes from Athens
Athens is a practical base for exploring the wider Attica region and beyond by car. The Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion is approximately 70 km south along the coastal road and is one of the most popular day trips in Greece. The ancient site of Delphi is around 180 km northwest via the E75 motorway and takes about two hours to reach. The Peloponnese peninsula is accessible via the Rio-Antirrio bridge or the coastal road south of Athens, opening up destinations such as Corinth, Nafplio and Mycenae within a two-hour drive. For more destinations, see car rental in Greece.
Driving and parking in Athens
Driving inside central Athens is possible but not recommended for first-time visitors. Traffic congestion is common, particularly around Syntagma Square and the main arterial roads. Athens operates an odd-even licence plate rule on weekdays to restrict traffic in the central ring, check whether your rental car qualifies before driving into the centre. Most visitors pick up their car at Athens International Airport (ATH) and use it for day trips out of the city rather than for navigating within it. Paid car parks are available near the Acropolis and Monastiraki.
Best time to rent a car in Athens
Spring (April to June) is the ideal time to explore Athens and Attica by car. Temperatures are comfortable, roads are quieter and the ancient sites are less crowded. July and August can be very hot, with temperatures regularly exceeding 35°C, and traffic on routes to popular sites can be heavy. Autumn is a good alternative, with warm weather persisting into October and noticeably fewer tourists. Winter sees mild temperatures but shorter daylight hours.
Car rental price in Athens
The table below shows the lowest all-inclusive weekly rate for renting a car in Athens, with full insurance and zero excess included. What you actually pay depends on the supplier, availability and how far ahead you book. Check the current price in the search above.
| Car type | From, 7 days |
|---|---|
| Small car (economy) | from €163 |
| Mid-size car | from €225 |
| Large car / SUV | from €387 |
Measured at 23 airports in September 2026, for a 7-day rental starting 10–17 October 2026. All-inclusive, zero excess, no credit card required. Prices vary by supplier, availability and how far ahead you book.
These prices typically include full insurance and zero excess when booking an all-inclusive rental. Prices can vary significantly between providers. If you want to avoid hidden costs, it’s worth taking a moment to compare car rental companies and rental conditions before booking. At MarSoleil, you can also find options without a credit card and no deposit.
