Driving in Greece: Things You Need to Know

So you rent a car and are ready to explore the Greek islands and mainland. Here is what you need to know before hitting the road in Greece.

Tips from native drivers

Greece is where we learned how to drive. We have been moving to work on the busy roads of Athens. We have enjoyed the freedom of going to the most beautiful areas and admiring the views of this mountainous country. Anyone who has been driving in Greece long enough knows that it is a country with various sceneries and thus roads and driving conditions. The good news is that you do not have to speak Greek to read the signs, as they are both in Greek and English.

Driving in Athens and Thessaloniki

Athens and Thessaloniki, the capital and the second largest city, can be a nightmare in terms of parking, traffic and other frustrated drivers. However, if you avoid driving during traffic hours, a car can help you get fast from one place to the other.

You do not need to rent a car to visit the historical centre of Athens as you can enjoy it more by walking on the pedestrian streets. The metro will also take you fast in all central areas while removing the parking nightmare. However, Athens was not built in the heart of the Attica region by chance. Just a few kilometres outside the city centre in the rest of the Attica peninsula, there are mountains and beaches worth visiting. For unforgettable views, take the coastal avenue to Cape Sounio or rent a car and explore the coast of Attica following our Athens Day Trip itinerary.

Thessaloniki is built on an east-west axis parallel to the sea, so it is easy to find your way to the centre. Outside the centre, use the ring road (speed limit is 90 km/h) that connects the entrance to different parts of the city.

What about the rest of the country?

Driving in the rest of mainland Greece and the islands is much easier. Renting a car will allow you to explore the country's hidden beauties. The only public transport there is the bus which can be pretty limited in terms of itineraries. At the same time, taxis can be costly compared to the daily car rental rates. A car will allow you to go wherever you want and for as long as you wish.

Driving in Zakros, eastern Crete. Image by Simplybook.

Before you drive off

Get ready…

Before you drive off, check that you have the documents and safety items which are mandatory when driving in Greece:

• Documents: Valid EU driving license, or driving license with International Driving Permit, proof of ID (passport), car rental contract
• Safety items: When renting a car, ensure the rental office will give you a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a warning triangle. Motorcyclists must wear helmets.

Fasten your seat belts:

When driving in Greece, wearing seat belts on all seats is mandatory unless you cannot wear the belt for medical reasons. Then, you must carry the certificate of exemption.

Go:

• Drive on the right side, and overtake on the left. Give way to vehicles coming from the right, even in traffic circles, unless there is a stop sign.
• Overtaking is not permitted on roads with double lines.
  

Speed limits and restrictions when driving in Greece

• The speed limit is 50 km/h on residential streets, 90 km/h out of town, and 130 km/h on motorways, unless there is a sign showing something else. You will often see other cars going faster. Keep to the legal limits.
• You cannot use a mobile telephone while driving. You can use a hands-free kit with voice-activated dialling or answering or wireless Bluetooth.
• You can always find gas stations. At least one always remains open in each area at night and on Sundays. They will not necessarily be the cheapest, though.
• The blood alcohol limit is 0.5g/l.

On the way to Kozani in Northern Greece. Image by Christaras A, licensed.

Tolls – Is it possible or even worth avoiding them?

When driving in Greece, using the motorway, national roads, and some bridges and tunnels comes with different toll fees. Check the indicative toll fees to calculate the cost of driving to your destination. Of course, there are always alternative routes, but this usually means more time and fuel on more minor winding roads. However, taking the old highway also means seeing more of the area you are passing by. In addition, you can quickly stop whenever you reach a beach, mountain, tavern or picnic place you like. So, avoiding tolls is not a matter of budget, but of the time you have available to explore. Hopefully, it is enough!

So go ahead, rent your car and enjoy the flexibility and freedom it gives you to make the most of your holiday in Greece.

Would you like to find out more info about driving in Greece? Read our Simplybook post about the Greek Road Network.

Rent a vehicle with Simplybook for your next vacation in Greece and support the local communities.

Featured image by Konstantin Christian @shutterstock