Compare cheap car hire at Athens Airport with practical details on rental desks, pickup areas, driving routes and prices.
Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos – ATH) is the main airport serving Greece’s capital and the surrounding Attica region. Located about 33km east of central Athens, it’s the primary entry point for visitors heading to the mainland or continuing on to the Greek islands.
Hiring a car at the airport is useful if you plan to explore beyond Athens, including coastal routes, archaeological sites and mainland road trips.
Direct Flights from Ireland
Athens Airport has seasonal direct flights from Ireland, mainly during spring and summer.
- Dublin → Athens (seasonal services)
The flight time from Dublin is typically around 4 hours 30 minutes.
Where to Pick Up Your Rental Car
Car hire desks at Athens Airport are located inside the arrivals hall of the main terminal building. After baggage reclaim, follow signs for “Car Rental” to reach the counters.
Vehicles are collected from the short-term car park located directly opposite the terminal, within a short walking distance via pedestrian walkways.
Airport maps and facilities are available on the official Athens Airport website.
Car Rental Companies at Athens Airport
A wide range of international and local car hire providers operate at the airport.
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Enterprise
Most companies provide on-airport pickup with vehicles located in the adjacent car park areas.
Typical Car Hire Prices in Athens
| Season | Economy | Family Car | Larger Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | €25 – €50 | €50 – €85 | €85 – €130 |
| April – June | €35 – €70 | €70 – €110 | €110 – €170 |
| July – August | €55 – €120 | €120 – €180 | €180 – €260 |
| September – October | €40 – €85 | €85 – €140 | €140 – €200 |
| November – December | €30 – €60 | €60 – €95 | €95 – €150 |
Choosing a Car for Athens and Mainland Greece
Compact Cars
Ideal for city driving and navigating traffic in Athens.
Family Cars
Comfortable for longer journeys across mainland Greece.
Estate Cars
Useful for carrying luggage when travelling between destinations.
People Carriers
- 7 Seater vehicles – suitable for families or groups
- 8 Seater vehicles – useful for larger groups
Driving from Athens Airport
The airport connects directly to the Attiki Odos motorway, which links with major routes across the region.
- Athens city centre – about 30 to 40 minutes
- Piraeus Port – around 45 minutes
- Corinth – roughly 1 hour 15 minutes
- Delphi – about 2 hours 30 minutes
The Attiki Odos is a toll motorway providing fast access around Athens.
Many travellers arriving in Greece combine mainland travel with island visits. You can also compare rental options at Rhodes Airport, Corfu Airport or Santorini Airport.
Driving Tips for Athens
Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Traffic in central Athens can be busy, particularly during peak hours.
Main motorways are well maintained, though some rural roads may be narrower.
Further travel information is available on the official Visit Greece website.
Where to Go by Car from Athens
Athens is a good starting point for exploring mainland Greece.
- Delphi – ancient archaeological site
- Corinth Canal – historic engineering landmark
- Nafplio – coastal town with Venetian architecture
- Cape Sounion – Temple of Poseidon overlooking the sea
Many visitors combine city sightseeing with day trips or longer road journeys across the mainland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the car hire desks at Athens Airport?
The desks are located inside the arrivals hall of the main terminal.
Are there direct flights from Ireland to Athens?
Yes, seasonal direct flights operate from Dublin.
Is renting a car in Athens recommended?
It is useful for exploring outside the city, but less necessary for central Athens.
How far is Athens Airport from the city centre?
The drive takes around 30 to 40 minutes.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car?
Yes, most rental companies require a credit card.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, although manual vehicles are more common.
Is driving in Athens difficult?
City driving can be busy, but main roads and motorways are straightforward.
Can I rent a 7 Seater at Athens Airport?
Yes, 7 Seater vehicles are available for families and groups.
Are there toll roads near Athens?
Yes, the Attiki Odos motorway is a toll road.
Which motorway connects Athens Airport to the region?
The Attiki Odos motorway connects the airport with Athens and surrounding areas.
