Driving in Greece with a rental car: the complete 2026 guide

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• Zero excess on most cars (ages 23–74)
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Greece is best discovered by car: beaches with no bus, mountain villages, archaeological sites far from the cities. To enjoy the drive without stress or fines, there are a few things to know before you set off. Here is what our customers ask most often at the airport and at our Thessaloniki office.

What you need to rent a car

• A driving licence held for at least 1 year.
• An International Driving Permit if your licence is not a European-type licence. Get it in your home country before you travel, and carry it together with your normal licence.
• Passport or ID card (for EU citizens).
• A physical Visa or Mastercard in the driver’s name. Digital cards on your phone are not accepted.
• Driver age: 21 to 84.

Driver age	Insurance
23–74	With comprehensive insurance and an excess depending on the car category. The amount is shown in your initial booking.
21–22 and 75–84	Without comprehensive insurance

See our FAQ for full details.

The new traffic code: fines you should know

The new code has applied since 13 September 2025. Fines are much stricter and often come with a licence suspension. They apply to visitors too.

Offence	Fine (first time)	Also
Phone in hand	€350	30-day licence suspension
Speeding by 20+ km/h	€150	—
Speeding by 30+ km/h	€350	30-day licence suspension
Speeding by 50+ km/h	€700	60-day licence suspension
Alcohol (from 0.50 g/l)	Tiered, very high	Licence suspension; in serious cases criminal prosecution

Amounts are taken from press reports on the new code. For official figures check the Government Gazette or the traffic police.

In practice: traffic fines with a rental car are paid by the driver. If you do not pay one directly, our terms add a handling fee, so it is best to pay it straight away.

Speed limits: what changes in 2026

• In towns and cities: since 1/1/2026 the basic limit is 30 km/h. On larger roads with two lanes per direction and a central reservation it is 50 km/h.
• Outside towns and on motorways: follow the signs. Limits change often on the same route, especially near villages, bends and roadworks.

Thessaloniki has many cameras and frequent checks. Your GPS does not always show the right limit; the road sign is what counts.

Tolls: what to expect

Greece’s main motorways have tolls. From Thessaloniki you will meet them on the Egnatia Odos (towards Edessa–Pozar, Ioannina–Zagori, Kavala) and on the Athens–Thessaloniki motorway (towards Katerini–Litochoro and Mount Olympus). Egnatia toll prices went up on 1/1/2026.

• Have cash or a card ready for the toll booths.
• Do not use e-pass only lanes unless the car has a transponder.
• Check current prices on each motorway’s website before you leave.

Parking in Thessaloniki

Many streets in central Thessaloniki have controlled (paid) parking. For 2026 the municipality kept the fee at €1.70 per hour.

• Do not park in residents-only spaces, on disabled ramps or at bus stops. Fines are high and cars can be towed.
• For many hours, a private car park is usually the easier option.
• If you stay in the centre, leave the car and use the Thessaloniki metro.

Fuel, mileage and return

• Fuel: return the car with the same fuel level as at pick-up.
• Petrol stations: everywhere in towns, fewer in mountain villages, so fill up before you climb.
• Mileage: bookings of up to 4 days include 150 km per day. Bookings of more than 4 days have unlimited mileage. For a road trip to Zagori or Halkidiki, a booking of 5 days or more means you never have to count kilometres.

Islands, ferries and going abroad

• Ferry to an island: allowed. Ferry transport is covered by the insurance.
• Leaving Greece (e.g. North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Albania): not allowed. Insurance is valid only within Greece.

In case of an accident or damage

1. Stop safely and switch on your hazard lights. If anyone is injured, call 112.
2. Call us immediately on +30 2310 202029 and follow our instructions.
3. If another vehicle is involved, call the traffic police and wait for a report to be written.
4. Take photos of the damage, number plates and location.
5. Keep a copy of the report and bring it when you return the car.

If the accident is not reported on the spot, full insurance may not apply. That is why calling us is always the first step.

Winter driving

In the mountains (Kaimaktsalan, Pozar, Zagori, Metsovo) snow is possible from November. Check the weather before you leave and ask us about snow chains when you book.

Where to go: road trips from Thessaloniki

• Paramythochora Christmas village at Loutra Pozar
• Hiking in Zagori and on Mount Olympus
• The 10 best cars for rent in Thessaloniki

FAQ: driving in Greece

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Greece?

Not if your licence is a European-type licence. If it is not, you need an International Driving Permit together with your normal licence. Get it in your home country before you travel.

What is the speed limit in Greek towns?

Since 1/1/2026 the basic urban limit is 30 km/h. On larger roads with two lanes per direction and a central reservation it is 50 km/h. Always follow the signs.

What is the fine for using a phone while driving?

Under the new traffic code, €350 and a 30-day licence suspension for a first offence.

Can I take a rental car to another country?

No. Insurance is valid only within Greece. You can, however, take the car by ferry to a Greek island.

Is mileage unlimited?

Bookings of more than 4 days have unlimited mileage. Bookings of up to 4 days include 150 km per day.

Sources: new Greek traffic code (in force since 13/09/2025), reports by tovima.gr, dnews.gr, testdriveme.gr; aftodioikisi.gr (Thessaloniki parking fees 2026); powergame.gr (tolls 2026); City Car Rental rental terms.