Renting a car in Greece: what Israelis need to know

Before you book

A rental car is the easiest way to explore Greece beyond Athens: the Peloponnese, Crete, the north and the larger islands. Rules vary between companies, so always read the terms of the company you book with. We checked this information on 3 October 2026, mainly in the official terms of Avis and Hertz in Greece and in official Greek sources.

Driving licence: Israeli or international?

• What Greek law says: according to a Greek Transport Ministry circular, people without regular residence in Greece may drive with a valid licence from a country that is party to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. Israel is a party. In 2016 an Israel–Greece agreement was also reported, recognising the regular Israeli licence for tourists for 6 months from entry.
• What rental companies say: in Avis Greece's terms, Israel is on the list of countries whose licences (in Latin characters) are accepted under Greek law. Hertz Israel, however, says it requires an International Driving Permit alongside the Israeli licence for rentals abroad.
• Bottom line: the Israeli licence is recognised in Greece, but the rental company's rule is what counts at the desk. You can get an IDP in Israel before you fly, and it is worth doing so you do not get stuck.
• Licence age: both Avis and Hertz in Greece require that you have held your licence for at least a year.

Minimum age and young drivers

• At Avis and Hertz in Greece the minimum age is usually 21, and 25 for larger or premium cars.
• Drivers under 25 usually pay a young driver surcharge per day. At Avis Greece, for example, it is €10 per day plus VAT, up to 10 days. At Hertz it depends on the car group.
• Local companies may have different terms. Check before booking.

Insurance and excess

Watch the exclusions: even with full cover, many companies do not cover damage to the underside, wheels and tyres. Hertz Greece's terms say so, for example. On dirt and mountain roads, that is exactly the damage that happens.

If you have excess cover through your credit card or an Israeli insurer, check exactly what it covers and how to claim before you decline the company's cover.

Deposit: credit or debit card?

• At the desk the company blocks an amount on your card as a deposit.
• Hertz Israel requires an international credit card in the renter's name, with embossed letters, not a debit card.
• Avis Greece also accepts Visa and Mastercard debit cards, but not Maestro, Electron or prepaid cards.
• Rule of thumb: bring a regular credit card in the main driver's name, with enough available credit for the deposit.

Ferries with a rental car

Want to take the car on a ferry to an island? You need prior written approval from the rental company.

• At Hertz Greece ferry crossings are allowed only with written approval and if you buy Ferry Boat Cover. According to the terms it costs €20 per day, up to €60 per rental.
• At Avis Greece damage caused while the car is on a ship is not covered, and written approval is required too.
• Sometimes it is cheaper and simpler to leave the car on the mainland and rent a new one on the island.

Motorway tolls

• Greece has toll motorways: Attiki Odos in Athens, Olympia Odos, Nea Odos, Moreas, Egnatia Odos and others.
• You pay at toll plazas along the way: in cash or by bank card. There are also lanes for electronic transponders.
• Attiki Odos (Athens' ring motorway, also to the airport): you pay once on entry; according to the motorway's website a private car pays €2.80, regardless of distance.
• On long drives tolls add up. Keep small cash and a card handy.

Driving in central Athens: the Daktylios

Central Athens has a restricted zone called the Daktylios ("the ring").

• It usually runs from mid-October to the end of July, Monday to Thursday 07:00–20:00 and Friday 07:00–15:00. No restrictions at weekends and on holidays.
• On restricted days entry depends on the last digit of the number plate: even on even dates, odd on odd dates.
• Electric, hybrid and low-emission Euro 6 cars are exempt, but according to reports they need to be registered for a digital permit.
• The fine for illegal entry is reported to be €100.
• The 2026–2027 start date had not been officially announced when we checked (expected between 12 and 26 October). Ask the rental company whether your car has a permit.
• Tip: in Athens itself you are better off without a car. Street parking is hard, and most places are reachable by metro. Our Athens metro guide.

Traffic fines

Since September 2025 Greece has a new traffic code with high fines. Some examples (as reported on the law):

A fine sent to the rental company will be passed on to you, usually with a handling fee (€30 at Avis and Hertz Greece). More on the law: Greece's new traffic code.

Breakdown, accident and recovery

• Emergency: 112 (answers in English too).
• ELPA road assistance and towing: 10400. But first check your contract for the rental company's roadside number, because it handles its own cars.
• After an accident: take photos, fill in a joint accident statement and report to the company immediately. All numbers and steps are on our emergency numbers in Greece page.

Tips for driving in Greece

• Mountain roads: narrow and winding, sometimes without guardrails, with goats on the road. Drive slowly and don't trust the navigation app's travel times.
• Fuel: villages and mountains have fewer petrol stations, and some close early. Fill up before heading somewhere remote.
• Islands: narrow roads and little parking near beaches in summer. A small car is an advantage.
• Winter: it can snow in the mountains. Ask the company about winter tyres or chains before driving into the mountains.
• Phone: holding your phone is forbidden. Use a phone mount and set up navigation in advance.
• Strikes: before heading to a ferry, check upcoming strikes.

FAQ

Do I need an International Driving Permit in Greece?

Under Greek law a valid Israeli licence is recognised for tourists, and Israel is party to the Vienna Convention. But some rental companies, such as Hertz Israel for rentals abroad, also require an IDP. It is worth getting one before you fly and bringing both licences.

Can I rent a car in Greece with a debit card?

It depends on the company. Avis Greece accepts Visa and Mastercard debit cards but not prepaid cards. Hertz Israel requires a credit card, not debit. The safest option is a credit card in the main driver's name.

Can I take a rental car on a ferry?

Only with written approval from the rental company. Without it, damage on board is not covered. At Hertz Greece you also need to buy a special ferry cover.

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Greece?

At the major companies usually 21, and 25 for larger cars. Drivers under 25 usually pay a daily surcharge.

Information checked on 3 October 2026. Rental terms, prices and fines change, so always read your company's contract.