Renting and Driving a Car in Greece

I’ve only driven in the Peloponnese region, which was a snap really. However, one potential snag in your itinerary is that apparently in Greece, a one-way drop-off like this, even from airport to airport, can be difficult to come by (I’ve read this repeatedly, but confirm it of course!). I would try Autoeurope first to see what is possible. If you cannot pick up one car in Athens and drop it in Thessaloniki, then some adjustments can be made. How much time do you have? I’d want nearly a month for this list with stuff in between. If it’s less than two weeks, then I would choose either the Peloponnese or the north.

With a US driver's license, you don't need an international driving permit to drive in Greece (since 2022).

As valadelphia mentioned, a one-way rental can be expensive due to drop-off fees. With some rental companies, this is impossible.

Driving in Greece doesn't present any particular difficulties. The vast majority of road and directional signs are in English/Greek. After a few hours, you'll get used to it. (Don't forget that distances and speed limits are indicated in kilometers, not miles.)

However, driving in large cities like Athens and Thessaloniki can be stressful, not to mention the parking problems.
So when staying in these cities, prioritize public transportation, which is very efficient.

If you want a one way drop-off you better look at the big international brands (Hertz, Avis,...).

Another thing to be aware of is Greek drivers go very fast. We were in a small rental car and driving on the national highway. Every time I went to pass slower trucks I would check the rear view mirror to confirm it was safe to pull over to pass and a car would come out of nowhere and zoom past us. I got used to driving behind trucks.
If you are on a two way road be aware that Greek drivers have a tendency of driving in the middle of the road on curves and are coming right at you. They always get back in time but its a bit nerve racking until you get used to it.

Even with a GPS you probably should have a navigator with a paper map confirming the route and looking for road signs. Nobody told me that there are 7 places in Greece named Meteora. The GPS chose the wrong one.

Greece stopped requiring an International Drivers' Permit several years ago and all you need is your local driver's license.

When we first went to Greece way back in 2010 we relied on buses and for the most part were good.

However, I soon realized buses don't go everywhere or at convenient times and decided on renting a car and it was the best thing for me as I like going where the buses don't go and on my own schedule.

I always get the least expensive car with a USB port so I can use a navigation system like Google Maps which makes a big difference in getting from point A to point B albeit with a few "hiccups" here and there.

Roads in Greece are safe and in good condition even in the more rural areas. Driving in the mountains can be slow going not because of the condition of the road but due to hair pin turns, switchbacks and goats in the road.

There is nothing dangerous about driving in Greece unless you drive dangerously.

As far as Greek drivers go most are safe but they'll always be those who speed and pass when they shouldn't but you'll find that in most countries.

Take your time when driving and if there are a line of cars behind you pull over once you are able to do so safely.

Some people like using buses as all you have to do is sit back, look out the windows and relax while someone else drives.

Just depends on how much you want to see and like the freedom of having a rental.

I would never drive in Athens or Thessaloniki as they are large cities and the traffic can be intimidating not to mention getting lost and going around in circles.

Most people pick up a car at the Athens Airport and head straight for the highway eliminating driving in big cities.

For me I take the bus to Nafplio and pick up a rental and return to Nafplio and take the bus back to Athens but I do that only for travel in the Peloponnese.

On the islands it's a lot easier and less stressful as you can pick one up at an airport or port or even have it delivered.

I really appreciate all the responses, so far. Thanks!

The signs are in English as well as Greek.

However, we are used to signs that repeatedly tell you about something up coming and it isn’t like that in Greece. I missed the exit to the airport because I was on wrong lane when the sign seemed to suddenly appear.

The names are long in Greek so it is helpful if someone helps with GPS and tells the driver next right or whatever.

I thought the Greeks were quite skilled drivers.

Like others have said, you may find it to be surprisingly expensive to rent in. Athens and return in Thessaloniki . We have always rented from a local agency but cars have to be returned to Athens.

I decided to go ahead and get an International Driving Permit. It was super easy at a nearby AAA. (We are members.) I found out they'd even take the passport-style photos needed for free! He took care of it right then and there. No waiting. But he was very adament that getting the permit was a very smart thing to do – that there are very significant fines for not having one should I get pulled over or stopped. So for $20, it seems like one of the least expensive things we'll do relating to this trip!
Just wanted to pass this along for anyone that might dip into this thread.

jonko:

As I previously stated Greece stopped the use of an International Drivers Permit.

Every car rental agency I asked about said my local driver's license is acceptable.

When I pick up my rental they just ask for my country's driver's license and never ask about a IDP.

However, if it makes you feel better having one that's OK.

I love driving in Greece (outside of the crowded cities) compared to the US. Common sense still seems to apply (mostly) among Greek drivers -- fast and slow. But you do need to be flexible and go with the local norms -- i.e., the flow. And if you are strictly a rules-based driver, just stick to the far right lane, take your time, and let others be "flexible."

I've been googling this question and I keep getting info that says non-EU residents must have an IDP. It's not a hassle for me to get one. However, if someone can point me towards the official Greek site that says non-EU drivers do not need one I'd love to take it off my to-do list! thanks!

At the time, I found the text of the Greek law dating from November 2021 (Greek Law 4850/2021).

It specified that for tourist stays, citizens with a driver's license issued by the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth of America, and Gibraltar are authorized to drive in Greece with their valid national driver's license.

I remember that the American consulate in Greece also issued a statement.

All car rental agencies in Greece that comply with the law should confirm this. But if you feel more comfortable with an IDP, feel free to get one.

I don't drive, but I have to wonder what the Commonwealth of America is!

According to Wikipedia Puerto Rico is part of the Commonwealth of America.

This website may help with International Drivers Permit

https://takemetogreece.com/international-drivers-license-greece/

Here are the 20 countries that, along with the European Union member countries, don’t need an international driving license in Greece:
Australia Belarus Brazil Canada
Chile Costa Rice Ghana Indonesia
Iran Israel Japan Albania
Serbia South Africa South Korea Switzerland
United Kingdom United States of America Venezuela