How to find a cheap car hire deal in Athens
Grab a cheap rental car in Athens and hit the road for around 111 € a day. From short drives to cross-country jaunts, we'll match your plans with the right wheels.
Daily rental prices in Athens start from just 48 €.
Planning to stay longer? Book a weekly rental from 24 € and squeeze in a few road trips.
Land the best price on a Athens car hire by booking in advance. You're more likely to get the car that fits and a rate that works.
Check out the offers available with Budget, Avis and Dollar. They're some of the top providers in the city.
The coverage Budget or another company includes with your Athens car hire can vary, so always read the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra charge.
Choosing a one-way car hire is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Simply check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes have to move vehicles from one site to another, which means you can score some fantastic one-way prices on a car for rent in Athens.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.
Hit the highway without watching the miles and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you explore without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
You get the best value with this company, with average prices at 109 € a day.
Offering daily rates of around 77 €, this provider comes in next.
The third option also shows up on the list of top-value suppliers. Cruise away in one of their rentals for roughly 68 € a day.
The Mini rental category is a reliable option if you're unsure what kind of ride you need. It's also the most commonly booked car type in Athens.
Compare car hire types in Athens
Small: Whether you're zipping around the city or taking a quick trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and excellent mileage.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the Goldilocks of rentals! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are good for small families and couples.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Athens car hire category. Also known as full-size, they pack plenty of power for open-road performance. The extra legroom and comfort make them a great choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and improved safety features.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Athens takes heavy loads and larger groups in its stride. They're spacious, functional, and ready to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Athens car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of theft or a collision. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so give them a quick comparison.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can seriously level up your drive. Think about which features will make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Athens.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in the United States is generally 21 years old. However some providers set their own rules, so always go over your rental company's terms to find out what applies to you.
Add a car seat to your Athens car hire reservation if you're travelling with small kids. Requirements change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest way to travel.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when picking up your rental car: a valid driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards are generally not accepted. Your booking will flag any other must-haves.
Driving in the United States can take some adjustment if it's your first time. Keep in mind you'll need to stick to the right side of the road.
Follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The only guaranteed way to stay safe to drive is to avoid alcohol completely.
Try to travel outside high-traffic periods for a faster run in general. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for everyday expenses and activities. Pay by card when you can, and keep some cash handy when electronic payments aren't accepted.
English is the language that most people speak in this country.
Best hotels in Athens for drivers
Pull in, drop your bags, and start relaxing at SpringHill Suites Athens Downtown/University Area. Offering parking as well as a fireplace and a fitness centre, this hotel is around 0.80 kilometres from central Athens.
Alternatively, make use of the accessible parking at Fairfield Inn & Suites Athens-University Area. The city centre is roughly 2 kilometres from this option, which also features express check-out and express check-in.
Browse the full range of hotels in Athens for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find what works for you. You can also apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to include places with charging facilities.
After you've found a car hire deal in Athens and your hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, The Georgia Theatre and Terrapin Brew Company are the perfect introduction to the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Athens
Around 97 kilometres west of central Athens, Atlanta should be on your itinerary. Make your way to must-see sights like Georgia Aquarium and Birth Home of Martin Luther King, Jr.
They've got hospitality down to a fine art at Hilton Atlanta and Atlanta Marriott Marquis, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Atlanta.
Add Sandy Springs to your travels too. Pick up your cheap car hire in Athens and drive around 88 kilometres west to take in main draws such as Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and Abernathy Greenway South Trail Park.
Sandy Springs has some good places to stay including Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta-Buckhead and Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead. Both give you somewhere to leave your car while you're here.
Still got fuel in the tank? Cruise on over to Knoxville, about 225 kilometres north of Athens. From Ijams Nature Centre to McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, it's the perfect finale to your trip.
Book a room at Marriott Knoxville Downtown or Hilton Knoxville. Make one your base for exploring everything Knoxville has to offer. They come with space for your wheels too.
