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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.