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Finding a rental car in Thessaloniki is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of brands all around Greece with no booking fees. Pick up at Thessaloniki Airport SKG or in the city center and choose from economy, automatic and SUV options for road trips to Halkidiki, Mount Olympus or Meteora. See key rental terms up front like mileage limits, security deposit and after-hours returns so you know what you’re booking.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 544474
Location 👍 Pros 👎 Cons
Thessaloniki Airport (SKG)
  • Immediate vehicle access
  • All major brands available
  • Convenient for arrivals
  • Airport location surcharge (10-15%)
  • Potentially busy counters at peak times
City Center
  • Convenient if staying in the city center first
  • Multiple agencies available
  • Potentially lower rates than airport
  • Need transportation from airport
  • Difficult city traffic and parking
  • Navigating unfamiliar streets
Off-Airport Locations
  • Potentially lower rates
  • May offer shuttle service
  • Requires extra transfer time
  • Shuttle waits in hot weather can be uncomfortable

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Thessaloniki?

On average, car rentals in Thessaloniki cost around €49 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €17 per day.

Saving Tips
  • Compare pickup locations: Airport rentals often add a 10-15% surcharge. If you’re staying in the city centre first, pick up in the City Centre to save. Bus 01X or a ~€20 taxi from SKG gets you there.

  • Book early for peak season only: For July-August and busy Halkidiki weekends, book ahead. In shoulder or low season, choose free cancellation and recheck prices to rebook if they drop.

  • Stretch the rental: 4+ day rentals usually have better daily rates. Adjust dates a little to see price breaks.

  • Pick the right car: Manual is cheaper than automatic, and a small car is easier for Thessaloniki’s tight streets and parking.

  • Fuel smart: For longer trips like Meteora or Kavala, diesel can save on fuel. Refuel away from highway stations, which charge more.

  • Avoid extra fees: Skip after-hours pickup/return when possible, as it often adds €20-40. Adjust pickup times or collect the next morning.

Driving Tips

City Parking:

  • Blue-lined spaces indicate paid visitor parking; hourly rates apply in designated zones such as Zone 1
  • Payment via kiosk or smartphone app (THESi system)
  • 2-3 hour time limits common in central areas
  • Yellow-lined spaces reserved for deliveries and other special uses

Parking Options:

Parking Type Cost (Approx.) Local Notes
Street Parking (Blue Zones) Hourly rates apply Limited time, enforced during business hours
Parking Garages Hourly and daily rates More secure, no time limits
Plateia Parking Hourly rates Near Aristotelous Square
Polis Parking Hourly rates Multiple locations throughout city
Eleftherias Square Parking Hourly rates Near the port
Ano Poli (Upper Town) Usually unmetered Limited availability, best near city walls

Local Driving Rules:

  • Unlike Athens, Thessaloniki does not have odd-even license plate restrictions
  • Several bus lanes on major streets such as Egnatia St. Avoid using these
  • Pedestrianized streets in city center (parts of Agias Sofias, Aristotelous Square)
  • Traffic cameras monitor speed on the ring road and major intersections
  • Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited unless you have hands-free equipment
Why rent a car in Thessaloniki

Get a car so you can drive to:

  • Halkidiki – Kassandra, Sithonia, beaches

  • Mount Olympus – Litochoro, Prionia

  • Meteora – monasteries

  • Pella and Vergina – sites, museums

  • Kavala – harbor

  • Dion – ruins, museum

Driving Distances from Thessaloniki

FAQs

Do I need a car while staying in Thessaloniki city center? Not really. The city center is small enough to walk around and the public transport is good. You should think about renting a car only for the days you want to explore outside the city.

What documents do I need to rent a car in Thessaloniki? You'll need a valid driver's license, passport and credit card. Depending on your country and the rental company, you might also need an International Driving Permit. We recommend getting one if your license isn't in the Latin alphabet. You also need to be at least 21 years old, but for some types of cars, you might need to be 23 or 25.

Are there any driving restrictions in Thessaloniki city center? Unlike Athens, Thessaloniki doesn't have the odd-even license plate rule. But you should look out for pedestrian-only zones in the historic center and avoid driving in bus lanes on major streets.

Can I park overnight on Thessaloniki streets? Yes, but we recommend you use a secured parking garage because it's safer, especially in the city center. Parking officers usually enforce the rules during business hours (up to 9 PM), but your car might not be secure on the street overnight.

Can I drive to neighboring countries with a Greek rental car? Yes, but you have to tell the rental company before you go. Many companies will ask you to get special insurance, called a "Green Card", and will charge you extra to drive across the border. Some companies might not allow it at all.