Compare car hire at Santorini Airport including rental companies, prices, popular vehicles and driving tips for exploring the island.
Santorini Airport (Thira Airport) is the main arrival point for visitors travelling to the Greek island of Santorini. Renting a car at the airport is one of the easiest ways to explore the island, especially if you plan to visit beaches, villages and viewpoints outside the main tourist centres.
The airport is located about 6 km from Fira, the island’s main town, and the drive normally takes around 10–15 minutes. Travellers planning to explore more destinations across the country can also read the guide to car hire in Greece.
Airport passenger services and transport information are available on the official Santorini Airport website.
Where the Car Hire Desks Are Located
Most rental companies at Santorini Airport operate desks in the terminal arrivals area. After completing the rental agreement, customers are directed to the nearby airport parking area where vehicles are collected.
The airport sits close to the main road linking Fira with the southern part of the island, making it easy to reach most resorts within 20–30 minutes.
Driving rules and road safety information for Greece are published by the Greek Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
Car Hire Companies at Santorini Airport
Several international and local car rental companies operate at Santorini Airport.
- Hertz – Santorini Airport Arrivals Hall, Thira 84700, Greece
- Avis – Airport Car Rental Desk, Santorini Airport, Thira
- Budget – Santorini Airport Terminal Arrivals Area
- Europcar – Santorini Airport Rental Desk, Thira
- Sixt – Santorini Airport Terminal Arrivals Hall
- Enterprise – Santorini Airport Car Hire Centre
- AutoUnion – Santorini Airport Car Rental Area
Once the paperwork is completed, staff will direct you to the airport car hire parking area where the vehicle is collected.
Recommended Cars for Driving Around Santorini
Santorini has narrow roads, steep hills and busy summer traffic, so the type of car visitors choose can make a difference when driving around the island.
Small Cars for Village Roads
Compact cars are the most common rentals on the island because they are easier to manoeuvre through narrow streets and busy tourist areas.
- Fiat Panda
- Hyundai i10
- Volkswagen Up
- Peugeot 208
These vehicles are ideal for couples or short island trips.
Compact Cars for Island Touring
Travellers planning to explore multiple villages and beaches often choose a slightly larger compact vehicle.
- Volkswagen Polo
- Toyota Yaris
- Renault Clio
- Ford Fiesta
This category provides additional comfort for driving between villages such as Oia, Fira and Kamari.
Convertibles and Premium Cars
Santorini’s coastal roads and scenic viewpoints make convertibles and premium cars popular during the summer season.
- Mini Cooper Convertible
- BMW 2 Series Convertible
- Audi A3 Cabriolet
These vehicles are commonly chosen by visitors staying in luxury hotels around Oia and Imerovigli.
Typical Car Hire Prices at Santorini Airport
Rental prices in Santorini vary significantly throughout the year depending on tourism demand and vehicle availability.
| Season | Economy Car | Compact Car | Premium / Convertible |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | €15 – €30 | €25 – €45 | €80 – €140 |
| April – June | €25 – €50 | €40 – €70 | €120 – €200 |
| July – August | €60 – €120 | €80 – €150 | €220 – €350 |
| September – October | €35 – €70 | €55 – €95 | €150 – €240 |
| November – December | €20 – €35 | €35 – €60 | €100 – €160 |
Driving from Santorini Airport
Santorini’s main road network connects the airport with the island’s main towns and beaches.
- Fira – approximately 10 minutes from the airport
- Oia – about 30 minutes from the airport
- Kamari Beach – around 10 minutes away
Travellers visiting multiple Greek islands sometimes combine Santorini with destinations such as car hire in Crete when planning a longer holiday.
Popular Day Trips from Santorini Airport
Hiring a car makes it easy to explore the entire island within a short drive.
- Oia – famous for sunset views and whitewashed buildings.
- Akrotiri – archaeological site and historic Minoan settlement.
- Perissa Beach – black sand beach on the south coast.
Some visitors combine Santorini with other Cyclades islands. If you are travelling between islands, you may also want to compare options for car hire at Mykonos Airport.
Optional Add-Ons with Car Hire
Rental companies at Santorini Airport typically offer several optional extras that can be added during booking.
- Additional driver cover
- Child safety seats
- GPS navigation devices
- Full insurance or excess reduction packages
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to rent a car at Santorini Airport?
Yes. Several international and local rental companies operate desks inside the airport arrivals hall.
How far is Santorini Airport from Fira?
Santorini Airport is approximately 6 kilometres from Fira and the drive usually takes about 10–15 minutes.
Which car hire companies operate at Santorini Airport?
Companies include Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise and AutoUnion.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car?
Most rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, although manual vehicles are still common in Greece.
What side of the road do you drive on in Greece?
Drivers in Greece travel on the right-hand side of the road.
Is unlimited mileage included?
Many rental deals include unlimited mileage depending on the supplier.
What is the minimum age to rent a car?
Most car hire companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
Are the roads difficult to drive in Santorini?
The roads are generally good but can be narrow and steep in some areas.
Should I book Santorini Airport car hire in advance?
Booking in advance usually provides better prices and vehicle availability during the busy summer season.
