Thessaloniki Airport Car Rental Guide (SKG)
Thessaloniki Airport Overview
Thessaloniki Airport "Makedonia" (IATA: SKG) is Greece's second-largest airport, located 15 km southeast of the city centre. It handles direct flights from across Europe year-round and serves as the gateway to northern Greece, Halkidiki, and the road routes into the Balkans.
Unlike the island airports that are primarily seasonal, SKG operates at full capacity all year. This means car rental availability is good even in winter, and many agencies offer competitive rates outside the summer peak. For more about the city, read our guide to Thessaloniki's city centre.
Where to Pick Up Your Rental Car
Local agency meet & greet — SimplyBook partners with local agencies who meet you at SKG arrivals. The agent collects you, drives to their office (5–15 minutes from the terminal), and hands over the keys. Better prices than in-terminal chains.
Terminal desks — major international brands are in the arrivals hall. More expensive and credit card required.
Several Thessaloniki agencies accept cash or debit card deposits — see our no credit card guide.
Driving from Thessaloniki Airport
Into Thessaloniki city (15 km, 20–30 min) — follow the coast road to the White Tower and city centre. Parking can be challenging — use the parking near the port area.
East to Halkidiki (60–120 km, 1–2 hours) — the three-fingered peninsula with some of the best beaches on the mainland. Kassandra (nearest), Sithonia (most scenic), and Mount Athos (restricted access).
West to Vergina & Edessa (80–100 km, 1–1.5 hours) — the Royal Tombs of Macedon and the waterfall city of Edessa.
South to Mount Olympus (90 km, 1.5 hours) — Greece's highest mountain, with excellent hiking and the seaside town of Litochoro.
Northeast to Kavala & Drama (150–170 km, 2 hours) — coastal driving to the historic city of Kavala and the lakes of Drama.
For detailed day trip routes, see our Thessaloniki day trips by car guide and our Northern Greece road trip article.
Vehicle Options at SKG
Thessaloniki is a mainland destination with modern motorways, so vehicle choice is flexible:
Economy or compact car — sufficient for city driving and day trips. Easy to park and fuel-efficient. Compare car rentals in Thessaloniki.
Sedan or SUV — recommended for multi-day road trips to Halkidiki, Zagori, or the Peloponnese. More luggage space and highway comfort.
Scooter — useful for navigating the city. Less practical for motorway trips. Compare scooter rentals.
Tips for Renting at Thessaloniki Airport
Good year-round availability — unlike island airports, SKG has strong supply even in winter. Prices are lowest November–March.
Motorway tolls — the Egnatia Odos motorway (east-west) and the Athens–Thessaloniki motorway (south) have electronic toll stations. Most rental cars come with an e-pass — ask your agency.
City parking — Thessaloniki's centre is congested. Use the parking near the port or the Nea Paralia waterfront and walk.
Fuel before return — several petrol stations on the airport approach road make fill-up before return easy.
Autumn is beautiful — northern Greece in autumn has spectacular foliage, quiet roads, and cooler temperatures. See our autumn driving guide.
Compare car rental prices at Thessaloniki Airport and start exploring northern Greece.