EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare car rentals from top brands in Kefalonia with Road Genius. From affordable cars to luxury SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Pick up at Kefalonia Airport EFL, in Argostoli or at resort areas like Lassi, Skala and Sami for easy island travel. Pre-book for June to September to secure good rates and availability, especially for automatics, SUVs and family cars.
| Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Kefalonia Airport (EFL) | • Immediate vehicle access upon arrival • Wide selection of international and local companies • Competitive weekly rates • Convenient for early departures |
• Higher daily rates than some local agencies • Busier during peak flight arrival times • Limited availability in high season without pre-booking |
| Argostoli (Capital) | • Multiple rental options • Flexible pickup/return times • Often includes hotel delivery • Competitive rates from local companies |
• Need transportation from airport first • Navigating town traffic • Navigating one-way streets |
| Resort Areas (Lassi, Skala, Sami, etc.) | • Convenient pickup at accommodation • Local knowledge from agency staff • No need for immediate driving after arrival • Good for partial-week rentals |
• Limited vehicle selection • Potentially higher daily rates • Might need pre-booking in peak season |
Seasonal Considerations: Pre-booking is essential from June through September. Many smaller agencies close during winter (November-March) and offer limited service in April and October.
On average, car rentals in Kefalonia cost around €48 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €17 per day.
Time your booking to the season. For July–August, lock in 2–3 months ahead. Outside peak, compare a few dates and watch prices for a week or two before committing.
Compare pickup locations. Check prices at EFL Airport vs Argostoli vs your resort (Lassi, Skala, Sami). Town agencies can be cheaper, but add the taxi/bus from the airport. Airport often wins on weekly deals and selection.
Go small and manual. Economy/compact with a manual gearbox is cheaper and easier to park in villages. Aim for 1.2L+ for Kefalonia’s hills. Automatics and larger cars cost more.
Match the hire to your plans. Only need a car for sightseeing days? Do a 2–3 day hire from your resort mid-trip. If you’ll drive daily, a 7-day rate usually beats paying per day.
Travel in shoulder season. May, June and September bring lower rates, good weather and better availability.
Trim add-ons and parking costs. Keep extra drivers to a minimum. Use free spots like Argostoli harbour, the Sami waterfront and Myrtos Beach. Popular Lassi beaches (Makris Gialos/Platis Gialos) have paid parking, so arrive early or park a bit farther away.
Town Parking:
Sami: Free parking at the port area and along the waterfront
Fiskardo: Limited parking at the harbor; arrive early or use parking areas at the entrance to the village
Beach Parking:
Antisamos: Roadside parking and a small lot; can be busy midday
Petani: Limited parking area at the top of the access road
Driving Regulations:
Book a rental to see:
Myrtos Beach – beach, viewpoints
Assos – village, castle ruins
Fiskardo – harbor, restaurants
Sami & Antisamos – Melissani Cave, Drogarati Cave, beach
Skala & Lourdas – beaches, promenade
Lassi (Makris Gialos, Platis Gialos) – beaches, bays
Is it difficult to drive in Kefalonia? Driving on Kefalonia's main roads is fairly easy. You'll need to be more careful on mountain roads, as they have sharp bends and can be narrow in places. Most visitors feel comfortable driving once they get used to it.
Do I need an International Driving Permit? If you have an EU driving license, it is valid in Greece. People with non-EU licenses (from the US, Canada or Australia) can usually use them without an International Driving Permit under Greek law. Some rental companies might still ask you for one because it's their policy, so you should check with your rental company before you go. You might still need an IDP if your license isn't written in the Latin alphabet.
What side of the road do they drive on in Kefalonia? In Kefalonia, people drive on the right side of the road, just like in mainland Greece and most of Europe.
Are there any toll roads on Kefalonia? You won't find any toll roads on Kefalonia.
Is it worth taking a car to visit Ithaca for the day? Yes, if you want to explore Ithaca beyond the port area. The ferries from Sami to Ithaca can take cars, but you should check with your rental company first. Some companies don't let you take the car to another island or you might need their special permission.
How is the parking situation at popular beaches? Most beaches have car parks, but they fill up fast at popular spots like Myrtos and Antisamos during the busiest hours (around 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM). You'll have an easier time finding a park if you visit in the early morning or late afternoon.
Can I drive from north to south of the island in one day? Yes, it's about a 90 km (56 miles) drive from Fiskardo in the north to Skala in the south, which takes around 2.5 hours without stopping. You should set aside a full day for the trip if you plan to make stops on the way.
Is it necessary to rent a 4x4 vehicle in Kefalonia? A standard car is fine for getting to most of Kefalonia's attractions and beaches on paved roads. Car rental companies usually forbid driving on dirt or unpaved roads, even if you have a 4WD or SUV. If you drive on these roads, it can void your insurance. So, a 4x4 isn't necessary as long as you stick to paved roads and follow your rental agreement. Always check your rental contract to see what it says about restricted roads or areas.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support