Finding a car rental in Zakynthos (Zante) is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers in Greece with no booking fees. Pick up your rental car at Zakynthos Airport, in Zakynthos Town, or get hotel delivery in resorts like Laganas and Tsilivi, with options from economy to SUVs and people movers. Book early for July to August to secure automatics and lower rates.
Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
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Zakynthos Airport (ZTH) |
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Off-site near Airport |
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Zakynthos Town |
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Resort Locations (Tsilivi, Laganas) |
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On average, car rentals in Zakynthos cost around €47 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €17 per day.
Compare pickup locations: Price airport vs off-site shuttles vs Zakynthos Town. Off-airport can be about 10% cheaper and town avoids airport surcharges. Resort desks are convenient but often pricier with fewer cars.
Book early for peak season: Zakynthos is busy in July–August. Lock in by March–April for more choice and better rates.
Pick a smaller manual: Economy cars are fine for island roads and cheaper. Automatics cost about €5–10 more per day and sell out fast.
Check weekly pricing and extras: Sometimes a 7-day rate beats 5–6 days. Filter for deals like a free additional driver.
Avoid after-hours fees: Collect and return during office hours (typically 8 AM–9 PM) to skip €20–40 late pickup charges.
Use free parking: In Zakynthos Town, white lines and areas near Solomos Square are free. Blue lines are paid. Beaches like Gerakas and Porto Limnionas have free lots if you arrive early.
Finding a Space in Towns:
Beach Access:
Porto Limnionas: Available at the taverna site
Xigia Beach: Limited roadside spaces on steep road
Driving Rules:
Traffic Enforcement: Police may set up checkpoints, especially near party areas like Laganas at night. Fines for speeding, not wearing seatbelts or using a mobile while driving can be steep. Police have the authority to confiscate license plates for serious violations.
Book a rental to easily:
Northern island loop – Navagio Viewpoint, Volimes, Porto Vromi, Kampi
Vasilikos Peninsula – Gerakas Beach, St. Nicholas Beach
Keri area – Keri Lighthouse, cliffs
West coast beaches – Porto Limnionas, Xigia Beach
Zakynthos Town – Solomos Square, St. Dionysios Church, waterfront
Agios Nikolaos Port – Kefalonia ferry
What documents do I need to rent a car in Zakynthos? Rental companies accept an EU or UK driver's license. If you're a driver from outside the EU (like the USA, Canada or Australia), you should carry an International Driving Permit as well as your home license. You'll also need a passport and a credit card.
Is it difficult to drive in Zakynthos if I'm used to driving on the left? You'll need some time to adjust at first, but most visitors get used to it quickly. You could rent a smaller car to make things easier, especially on narrow roads.
Are automatic transmission cars available? Yes, but rental companies don't have many, and they cost more (about €10-20 extra per day). You should book well in advance, especially during the high season.
What's the best car type for exploring the whole island? You'll find an economy car is fine for most paved roads. If you're in a larger group or have more luggage, you could consider an SUV or a minivan. However, rental companies usually don't allow you to drive on unpaved or rough roads, no matter what car you have. You should always check your rental contract to see which areas you're not allowed to drive in.
Can I take a rental car on the ferry to Kefalonia? You'll need to ask your rental company first. Many companies will ask for you to get written permission and buy extra "ferry insurance". Another option is to rent a separate car on each island.
How much should I budget for fuel? You can expect to pay around €75-95 for a full tank in a small economy car. If you drive efficiently around the island, one tank could last you for 400-500 km (249-311 miles) of exploring.