What to expect when you rent a car at Athens Airport
Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, also called Athens International Airport, has rental desks in the arrivals hall on the ground floor. You'll find the major companies—Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, and others—clustered together, so you can compare prices and walk between them before deciding. Most desks are staffed during all flight arrivals, though late-night flights may have shorter hours. The process is straightforward: show your passport, driver's license, and credit card, sign the rental agreement, and walk to the lot to collect your car.
The rental lot is a short walk or shuttle ride from the terminal. You'll inspect the car for damage (the agent will note any existing dents or scratches on your contract), confirm the fuel level, and drive away. The entire transaction usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you've already booked, or 45 minutes to an hour if you're booking on arrival and comparing options.
Key Takeaways
- All major rental companies operate desks in the ground-floor arrivals hall, open during flight arrivals but with reduced hours late at night.
- You need a valid passport, driver's license from your home country, and a credit card in your own name to rent a car.
- An International Driving Permit is not legally required in Greece if your home license is in English or Latin characters, but some rental companies ask for one anyway.
- Booking online before arrival is cheaper than booking at the desk, and you can often reserve a specific car type rather than accepting what's available.
- Damage waivers and additional insurance are sold at the desk and are not included in the base rental price.
Documents you need to bring
Your passport and a valid driver's license from your home country are the two documents the rental company will check first. The license must be current (not expired) and must be in your name. If your license is in a non-Latin alphabet—Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese, or Greek—bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well, because Greek police may not recognize your home license alone. An IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or transport authority and typically costs between 10 and 30 euros or the equivalent in your currency.
You'll also need a credit card in your own name. The rental company will place a hold on the card (usually 200 to 500 euros) as a security deposit, separate from the rental charge. Debit cards are sometimes accepted, but credit cards are preferred because the hold is easier to reverse. Bring the physical card, not just the number—the agent will swipe or insert it to verify it's valid.
If you're renting under a company name or if someone else is paying, bring a letter from that person authorizing the rental in your name, along with a copy of their ID. Rental companies are strict about this because they need to know who is legally responsible for the car.
Booking online versus booking at the desk
Booking online before you arrive is almost always cheaper than walking up to the desk. Online rates are typically 20 to 40 percent lower because the company knows demand in advance and can offer discounts to fill their fleet. You also lock in the price, so currency fluctuations or last-minute rate increases won't affect you. Most sites let you choose your car type (compact, sedan, SUV) rather than accepting whatever is available when you land.
The trade-off is that online bookings are usually non-refundable or have a cancellation fee. If your plans change, you may lose money. Booking at the desk gives you flexibility—you can walk away if the price is too high or the car doesn't suit you—but you'll pay more for that freedom. If you're confident in your travel dates and car needs, book online. If you're uncertain, book at the desk.
Many online booking sites (Rentalcars.com, Kayak, Costco Travel if you're a member) compare prices across multiple companies at once. Check a few sites, because the same car from the same company can have different prices depending on which booking platform you use.
Insurance and damage waivers explained
The rental price you see online does not include collision damage waiver (CDW) or theft protection. These are sold separately at the desk and cost 10 to 25 euros per day, depending on the car size and the company. CDW means the rental company will not charge you for damage to the car if you're in an accident—you pay a deductible (usually 500 to 1,000 euros) instead of the full repair cost. Without CDW, you're liable for all damage, which can easily exceed 5,000 euros for a serious accident.
Check whether your personal car insurance or credit card already covers rental cars. Many credit cards (especially premium cards) include rental car coverage automatically, and some home or auto insurance policies extend to rentals. If you're covered, you don't need to buy the rental company's waiver. Bring proof of your coverage (a letter from your insurer or a screenshot of your policy) to show the rental agent, because they may waive the requirement to buy their CDW if you have outside coverage.
Theft protection is separate from CDW. It covers the car if it's stolen, and costs 5 to 10 euros per day. In Athens, car theft is uncommon at the airport and in tourist areas, but it does happen in certain neighborhoods. Ask the agent which areas to avoid and whether theft protection is worth the cost for your itinerary.
Driving in Greece and returning the car
Greece drives on the right side of the road, and speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour. Motorways (highways) have a 130 km/h limit, national roads 110 km/h, and urban areas 50 km/h. Seatbelts are mandatory, and using a mobile phone while driving is illegal unless you have a hands-free system. Parking in Athens can be difficult and expensive; many neighborhoods require a permit, and street parking is often metered. Ask the rental agent where it's safe to park overnight and whether the car comes with a parking permit.
Return the car to the same location (the airport rental lot) on your departure day. Most rental agreements give you until a specific time—usually noon or 2 p.m.—to return the car without an extra charge. If you return it late, you'll be charged for an additional day. Refuel the car before returning it; rental companies charge inflated prices if they have to fill the tank for you. Inspect the car with the agent when you return it, just as you did when you picked it up, so there's no dispute about new damage.
Getting from the terminal to the rental lot
The rental desks are in the arrivals hall, but the cars are parked in a separate lot. Most companies provide a free shuttle bus that runs every 5 to 10 minutes between the terminal and the lot. The shuttle stop is clearly marked near the rental desks. If you prefer to walk, it's about a 10-minute walk from the terminal to the lot, following signs for "Car Rental". The walk is straightforward and well-lit, but it's longer if you have heavy luggage.
When you return the car, you can either take the shuttle back to the terminal or walk. The return lot is closer to the terminal than the pickup lot, so the walk is shorter on the way back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit if my license is in English?
No. If your driver's license is in English or uses Latin characters, Greek police will recognize it. An IDP is only required if your license is in a non-Latin alphabet. However, some rental companies ask for an IDP anyway as a company policy, so check with your rental company before you travel.
Can I rent a car if I'm under 25?
Yes, but most companies charge an extra fee (10 to 30 euros per day) for drivers under 25, and some require a minimum age of 21. A few companies have a minimum age of 25 with no surcharge. Check the rental company's age policy when you book, because it varies.
What happens if I damage the car and don't have insurance?
You're liable for the full repair cost. The rental company will assess the damage, get a repair estimate, and charge your credit card. Damage can cost hundreds or thousands of euros. This is why buying CDW at the desk is worth considering if you don't have outside coverage.
Can I pick up a car at the airport and return it in a different city?
Yes, but there's usually a one-way fee (50 to 150 euros) on top of the rental charge. The fee depends on the distance and the rental company. Booking online will show you the one-way fee before you commit, so you can decide whether it's worth it.
Is it safe to drive in Athens?
Athens traffic is heavy and driving styles are aggressive, but it's not dangerous if you're alert. Avoid driving at night if you're unfamiliar with the city. Outside Athens, roads are generally quieter and easier to navigate. Ask the rental agent for information on which areas to avoid and which routes are safest for your destination.