Car rental at Athens airport: where the desks are, what to check and is it worth it? (2026)
Landing in Athens and driving on? How car hire works at the airport, what to check before you leave, and when it is better to take the metro into town and rent only for a day trip.
- Rental desks are in the Arrivals hall, and most are open around the clock.
- Israelis usually need an International Driving Permit as well as their Israeli licence.
- For central Athens you don't need a car: take the metro and rent only for trips out of the city.
If you land and head straight to the Peloponnese, Sounion or the north, picking up at the airport saves time. If you are staying a few days in central Athens, skip the car at first: parking is hard and expensive, and the metro runs from the airport to Syntagma.
Where are the car rental desks at Athens airport?
The rental desks are in the Arrivals hall of the main terminal and are usually open 24 hours. Some companies keep cars in a car park outside the terminal; others are further away and run a shuttle. Check your booking for the exact pick-up point.
Companies with airport desks include Avance, Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Europcar and Sixt, plus local Greek firms, some with shuttle pick-up.
What you need to rent a car in Athens
- Driving licence: Israelis usually need an International Driving Permit as well as their Israeli licence. Details: Israeli driving licence in Greece.
- A credit card in the driver's name for the deposit. Most companies don't accept debit cards for deposits.
- Age: each company has its own rules, with a young-driver surcharge. Check when booking.
- Passport.
Insurance: what to watch
- Excess: check the amount and whether to reduce it to zero for an extra fee.
- Credit card cover: some cards include rental car insurance. Check before buying extra cover at the desk.
- Tyres, glass and underbody are usually not in basic cover.
Before you leave the car park
- Photograph the car from all sides, including existing scratches and the fuel gauge.
- Check the air conditioning works.
- Request a child seat in advance.
- Return it full: the company's fuel costs more.
- Rentals run in 24-hour periods; a late return can cost an extra day.
Driving from the airport into Athens
The airport is about 33 km from central Athens. The route uses the Attiki Odos motorway, which has a toll; rates were adjusted for inflation in January 2026. Pay at the booth in cash or by card. In the centre traffic is heavy, and parking is scarce and expensive; most central hotels have no parking.
Is it worth renting a car at Athens airport?
| If you are… | Our advice |
|---|---|
| Heading straight to the Peloponnese, Delphi or the north | Yes, pick up at the airport |
| Staying several days in central Athens | No. Take the metro or a taxi, rent for the day trip |
| Staying on the Riviera, in Voula or Glyfada | A car helps, but there are trams and buses too |
| Flying on to an island | No need. Rent on the island |
Getting into town without a car: Athens airport to the city centre. General guide: car rental in Greece.
How to save on car rental at Athens airport
- Book ahead, especially in July–August and at holidays; walk-up prices at the desk are usually higher.
- Compare the total price: insurance, an extra driver, a child seat and young-driver fees can change the final cost.
- A small car is easier to park in villages and in Athens, and cheaper on fuel.
- Gearbox: most budget cars in Greece are manual. If you need an automatic, select it when booking.
- Returning: allow enough time to reach the airport and return the car before your flight, especially if the firm is off-terminal with a shuttle.
Even with a car, check today's strikes before you go, as public transport strikes make Athens traffic worse.
FAQ
Where do I collect a rental car at Athens airport? At the desks in the Arrivals hall. Some companies hand over cars in a car park by the terminal; others use a shuttle.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Athens? In most cases yes. Get one in Israel before you fly and check the company's requirements.
How far is the airport from central Athens? About 33 km. Driving time depends on traffic and is longer at rush hour.
Should I rent a car if I'm staying in Athens? Usually not. Parking in the centre is hard and expensive; rent only for a day trip out of the city.
