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Find lower car rental prices at Athens International Airport (ATH) with Road Genius. Check live rates for SUVs, compact cars and people movers and make reservations with no booking fees. Compare car hire at Athens Airport from major brands like Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt, plus local Greek providers, with on-airport desks and nearby shuttle pick-ups. Many counters run 24/7. You can be on Attiki Odos in minutes for Athens city centre, Piraeus or Cape Sounion and in summer allow extra time for queues.
| Location Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| In-terminal (major international brands; between Doors 3–4) |
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| Local Greek companies/brokers (some in-terminal, others off-site via shuttle) |
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Major Providers: All international brands operate at ATH, including Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Alamo/Enterprise/National and Sixt.
Local Companies: Greek providers include Athens Car Rental (ACR), Kosmos, AutoUnion and Avance, among others.
Off-Site Companies: Some budget providers operate shuttle services to nearby facilities rather than in-terminal desks. Ensure you have clear meeting instructions and contact information if booking with these companies.
On average, car rentals at Athens Airport cost around €71 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €17 per day.
Compare on-airport vs off-site providers. At ATH, some off-site companies use a shuttle and often have lower rates. Just make sure pickup instructions are clear.
Time your booking smartly. For July–August at ATH, book 2–3 months ahead as prices spike. In shoulder/off-season, monitor prices and rebook if they drop.
If you’ll stay in Athens first, pick up in the city later. Airport rentals include about 13% concession fee, and you’ll avoid paying for days you don’t need a car.
Choose a manual and the smallest class that fits your group. Manuals are typically €5–10/day cheaper and compacts are easier to park in Athens.
Check one-way vs same-location return. One-way fees can be €50–300, but sometimes are reasonable. Compare both options before you lock in.
Stick to full-to-full fuel and top up before return. There’s a petrol station on Attiki Odos near the airport and more in Spata/Koropi, which avoids refuelling charges.
Airport Car Park Options:
Returning Rental Cars:
Local Driving Regulations:
Get a car to drive to:
Athens city centre - 30 km, 30-45 min, Attiki Odos A6, tolls
Piraeus Port - 45 km, 40-60 min, Attiki Odos A6, tolls
Cape Sounion - 80 km, 1.75 hours, tolls
Delphi - 200 km, 2.75 hours, Attiki Odos A6 + E75, tolls
How much time should I allow for picking up a rental car at Athens Airport?
At normal times, you should allow 30-45 minutes to get your car. During the busy season (July-August) or when many flights land at once (around mid-day), you should allow 60-90 minutes because there might be queues.
Is it better to rent at the airport or in Athens city centre?
You should rent from the airport if you're travelling straight to places outside Athens or staying in the suburbs. Renting from the city centre is better if you plan to spend a few days in Athens first, where you won't need a car, before you travel somewhere else.
What documents do I need to rent a car at Athens Airport?
You will need a valid driver's licence that you've had for at least 12 months, your passport and a credit card in your name. The credit card needs to have enough available money for the security deposit. If you're not from the EU, you should also bring an International Driving Permit as well as your home licence.
Are there any restrictions when leaving the airport with a rental car?
The airport doesn't have any special rules for when you leave. However, you should know about the Athens traffic ring (Daktylios) if you drive into central Athens on a weekday. It only lets certain cars in, using an odd and even system for licence plate numbers.
Can I pick up a rental car after midnight at Athens Airport?
Yes, most big rental companies at the airport stay open for flights that arrive late. If you're picking up a car very late, you should give the company your flight number when you book. You should also ask them how their late-night pickup service works.
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