Rent a Car in Athens in Greece with SimplyBook

Trusted local rentals across Greece, no credit card options, and transparent pricing with no hidden costs at pickup.

CARS

Why Rent a Car in Athens

Looking for an Athens car rental? Greece's capital rewards travellers who explore on their own schedule. When you rent a car in Athens you can pair the city's world-famous ancient sites — the Acropolis, the Parthenon and the Ancient Agora — with easy escapes along the Athens Riviera and into the wider region of Attica. A rental car turns a city break into a flexible Greek road trip, from a sunrise visit to the temples to a late afternoon swim on the coast south of the city.

Whether you choose car hire for a family holiday, a scooter for darting around the suburbs, or a larger vehicle for a multi-day tour, booking with Simplybook connects you directly with trusted local agencies at Athens International Airport and in the city — no big international chains, no credit card required and free cancellation.

Top Drives and Day Trips from Athens

Athens is the perfect base for some of the most rewarding day trips in Greece. Drive south along the coast to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion (about 70 km) for one of the country's most spectacular sunsets. Head west to the ancient theatre of Epidaurus and the elegant seaside town of Nafplio, or follow the mountain road north to the oracle at Delphi. With an early start, even the clifftop monasteries of Meteora are within reach for the adventurous.

Closer to the city, the Athens Riviera unfolds along the coastal avenue toward Glyfada, Vouliagmeni and Cape Sounion, with organised beaches, seaside tavernas and the freshwater Lake Vouliagmeni — all far easier to reach with your own car than by public transport.

Driving and Parking Tips for Athens

Athens is a large, busy capital, so a little planning goes a long way. The Attiki Odos toll motorway links the airport to the city and the national road network quickly and is the easiest way in and out. Traffic in the centre can be heavy at peak hours and on-street parking is limited, so it is best to use a secure parking garage near Syntagma or Monastiraki and explore the historic centre on foot. For most travellers a compact car is ideal for the city, while a slightly larger vehicle is more comfortable for longer drives to Delphi or the Peloponnese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I pick up my rental car at Athens Airport (ATH)?

We offer convenient pickup directly at Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (ATH). Our local team meets you in the arrivals area and walks you through the paperwork and your vehicle, so you can be on the road quickly and hassle-free.

Is it easy to drive into central Athens from the airport?

Yes. The Attiki Odos toll motorway connects the airport to the city in roughly 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. Rush hours can be busy, so if you are staying in the historic centre, consider parking in a secure garage near Syntagma or Monastiraki and exploring on foot.

What kind of car do I need for day trips to Cape Sounion, Delphi or the Peloponnese?

A standard compact car is perfectly fine for popular day trips such as Cape Sounion, Delphi, Epidaurus and Nafplio, as the roads are paved and well maintained. For longer drives or a trip to Meteora, a slightly larger and more comfortable vehicle is a good choice.

Is parking available in central Athens?

On-street parking in the centre is limited and restricted in places. We recommend secure parking garages near Syntagma Square, Monastiraki or Plaka, and using the metro or walking for sightseeing in the historic core.

Can I explore the Athens Riviera and nearby beaches by car?

Absolutely. The coastal avenue heading south leads to the beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni and on to Cape Sounion. Having your own car makes it easy to combine a morning of ancient sites with an afternoon swim along the Athens Riviera.

A picture of the Parthenon is taken from below, looking at the sky

9 Impressive Archaeological Sites in Greece

With so many archaeological sites in Greece, it is virtually impossible to find yourself in a holiday destination with no museums, ancient temples or excavation findings. From the Acropolis, in the heart of Athens, to the city of Mycenae in Argos and the magical Oracle of Delphi

The front of the Erechtheion temple in Acropolis with the Caryatids statues as columns in the Athenian sky

The Historical Centre of Athens: A walk around the city

It is impossible to be in the historical centre of Athens and not be impressed by the city's long history. According to archaeological finds, the first inhabitants must have been here over 9000 years ago.

The temple of Poseidon under the blue sky in cape Sounion Attica

Athens Day Trip to the Coast and Beaches of Attica

This Athens day trip is for those who enjoy driving and want to make the most of a destination. It is ideal if you are on your way or back from the islands and only have a few days to dedicate to this area.