Compare car hire at Thessaloniki Airport including rental companies, vehicle types, prices and driving tips for northern Greece.
Thessaloniki Airport (Macedonia Airport) is the main gateway to northern Greece and a common arrival point for travellers visiting the city of Thessaloniki, the Halkidiki peninsula and other destinations in the Macedonia region.
The airport is located around 15 km from Thessaloniki city centre, with the drive usually taking about 20–25 minutes. Many visitors rent a car here to explore the beaches of Halkidiki or travel further across northern Greece. Travellers planning a wider trip can also see the guide to car hire across Greece.
Airport services and passenger information are available on the official Thessaloniki Airport website.
Where the Car Hire Desks Are Located
Car rental desks at Thessaloniki Airport are located inside the terminal arrivals hall. After completing the rental agreement, vehicles are usually collected from the nearby airport parking area.
The airport connects directly to the main road network linking Thessaloniki with the Halkidiki peninsula and other parts of northern Greece.
Driving regulations and road safety information are published by the Greek Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
Car Hire Companies at Thessaloniki Airport
Several international and Greek rental companies operate at Macedonia Airport.
- Hertz – Thessaloniki Airport Terminal, 55103 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Avis – Airport Arrivals Hall, Thessaloniki Airport
- Budget – Thessaloniki Airport Rental Desk
- Europcar – Airport Car Hire Centre, Thessaloniki
- Sixt – Thessaloniki Airport Terminal Arrivals Area
- Enterprise – Thessaloniki Airport Car Rental Area
- AutoUnion – Macedonia Airport Vehicle Hire Desk
Travellers visiting other Greek islands sometimes combine trips with destinations such as Santorini Airport car rental or Rhodes Airport vehicle hire.
Best Vehicles to Rent in Thessaloniki
The type of car travellers choose often depends on whether they plan to stay in the city or drive to coastal destinations.
Economy Cars for City Travel
Small hatchbacks are commonly rented because they are economical and easier to park in urban areas.
- Toyota Yaris
- Volkswagen Polo
- Hyundai i20
- Peugeot 208
These cars are ideal for short trips around Thessaloniki.
Family Cars for Northern Greece Road Trips
Visitors planning to travel further often choose a larger vehicle with additional luggage space.
- Volkswagen Golf
- Ford Focus
- Skoda Octavia
- Toyota Corolla
This category works well for driving to Halkidiki beaches or exploring mountain regions in northern Greece.
SUV and Premium Vehicles
SUVs and executive cars provide extra comfort for longer journeys.
- Nissan Qashqai
- BMW 3 Series
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class
These vehicles are popular for touring holidays across the region.
Typical Car Hire Prices at Thessaloniki Airport
Rental prices vary depending on demand, vehicle type and the season.
| Season | Economy Car | Family Car | Premium Car |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | €18 – €35 | €35 – €60 | €90 – €150 |
| April – June | €25 – €55 | €50 – €90 | €130 – €210 |
| July – August | €60 – €120 | €90 – €160 | €220 – €340 |
| September – October | €35 – €70 | €65 – €110 | €160 – €240 |
| November – December | €20 – €40 | €40 – €70 | €110 – €170 |
Driving from Thessaloniki Airport
The airport connects directly to several major routes used to travel across northern Greece.
- A25 motorway – route linking Thessaloniki with the Greek motorway network
- A24 – route connecting the airport with Thessaloniki city
- National Road 16 – road leading toward Halkidiki
Travellers exploring multiple Greek destinations often compare airport pickup locations including Athens Airport car hire options.
Popular Day Trips from Thessaloniki
With a rental car, several destinations across northern Greece are within easy driving distance.
- Halkidiki Peninsula – famous for beaches and coastal resorts.
- Mount Olympus – national park and the highest mountain in Greece.
- Vergina – historic archaeological site about 1 hour away.
Additional Driver and Insurance Options
Rental companies at Thessaloniki Airport typically offer optional extras when collecting a vehicle.
- Additional driver cover
- Child safety seats
- Excess insurance reduction
- GPS navigation systems
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to rent a car at Thessaloniki Airport?
Yes. Several international and Greek rental companies operate desks inside the airport arrivals hall.
How far is Thessaloniki Airport from the city centre?
The airport is located about 15 kilometres from Thessaloniki city centre.
Which car hire companies operate at Thessaloniki Airport?
Companies include Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise and AutoUnion.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car?
Most car rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the 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 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 suppliers require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
Are the roads good in northern Greece?
Main highways and regional roads are generally well maintained.
Should I book Thessaloniki Airport car hire in advance?
Booking early usually provides better prices and ensures vehicle availability during busy travel seasons.
