Car hire in Lefkada: prices, airport pick-up and getting around without a car
What a car costs per day, why to collect it at the airport near Preveza, and which parts of the island you can explore without one.
- According to KAYAK, a small car in Lefkada averages about £15 a day, with August the dearest month.
- The easiest pick-up is at Aktion airport near Preveza, about 22 km from the town.
- Without a car you can manage in the town, Nidri and Agios Nikitas, which have frequent buses.
If you want to see Lefkada's west-coast beaches, hire a small car at the airport and book early for August. If you stay in Nidri or the town, you can skip the car on some days.
Do you need a car in Lefkada?
In most cases, yes. Lefkada's famous beaches, such as Porto Katsiki and Egremni, are on the west coast, far from the town. The mountain villages and the bays in the south are spread across the island too. Buses reach the ports and some beaches, but not often and not everywhere. Greeka recommends hiring a car if you want to go beyond the popular resorts.
A big plus: Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a bridge, so you need no ferry to drive there.
Where to hire a car in Lefkada
- At Aktion airport (Preveza, PVK): Lefkada has no airport of its own. The nearest is about 22 km from Lefkada Town, roughly 30 minutes' drive. The international firms operate at the airport, and you collect the car as soon as you land. For flights, see flights to Preveza and Lefkada.
- In Lefkada Town, Nidri and Vasiliki: there are many local agencies, and some will bring the car to your hotel.
KAYAK lists 29 rental companies for Lefkada, including Avis, Sixt, Europcar, Budget, Enterprise and Green Motion.
How much does car hire in Lefkada cost?
According to KAYAK (prices in pounds sterling):
| Average per day | |
|---|---|
| Small car | about £15 |
| All car types | about £34 |
| March, the cheapest month | about £12 |
| August, the dearest month | about £35 |
The real price depends on your dates, the car and the insurance. In August, book early, as automatics and larger cars run out quickly.
What documents do Israelis need?
- A valid Israeli driving licence.
- An International Driving Permit: most firms ask for one at the desk. Details in Israeli driving licence in Greece.
- A credit card in the driver's name for the deposit.
- Your passport.
Tips for driving in Lefkada
- Small car: the roads to the west-coast beaches and the mountain villages are winding, and a small car is easier to park.
- Popular beaches: in summer, reach the west-coast beaches in the morning, before the parking fills up.
- Insurance: check the excess and what the cover includes, and photograph the car from every side before you drive off.
- Navigation: download an offline map in case there is no signal in the mountains.
More general tips in the guide to car hire in Greece for Israelis.
Lefkada without a car: the buses
The main KTEL bus station is in Lefkada Town, on Tzeveleki and Filosofon streets, about 15 minutes' walk from the bridge. According to Greeka, tickets cost €1.60–3.40, and luggage in the hold is free. Main routes:
| Route | Frequency (weekday / Saturday / Sunday) |
|---|---|
| Lefkada – Nidri | departures from town 07:30–23:00, daily |
| Lefkada – Agios Nikitas | 7 / 7 / 6 a day |
| Lefkada – Kathisma beach | 6 / 6 / 5 a day |
| Lefkada – Vasiliki | 5 / 5 / 4 a day |
Routes to smaller villages run only twice a day, and not every day. There are also buses to Preveza, which serve the airport, and to Athens. Check the timetable on the KTEL Lefkadas website before you travel.
Where can you manage without a car? In Lefkada Town, Nidri and Agios Nikitas, which have fairly frequent buses. From there you can reach beaches by day cruise or taxi. For the areas, see where to stay in Lefkada.
More on the island: the Lefkada destination page, the best beaches in Lefkada and Lefkada with kids.
FAQ
How much does car hire in Lefkada cost? According to KAYAK, a small car averages about £15 a day. August is the dearest month, averaging about £35 a day.
Where should I pick up the car? At Aktion airport near Preveza, about 22 km from the town. That way you drive straight to your hotel without a taxi.
Can I explore Lefkada without a car? Yes, but only up to a point. There are frequent buses to Nidri, Agios Nikitas and Vasiliki. The remote west-coast beaches are hard to reach without a car.
Do I need a ferry to drive to Lefkada? No. Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a bridge.
