Driving in Greece

Overview

Greece combines mainland driving with the unique experience of taking your car by ferry to the islands. The mainland offers dramatic mountain passes, coastal roads along the Peloponnese, and the highway network connecting Athens with Thessaloniki and the north. Island driving ranges from the relatively straightforward roads of Crete and Rhodes to the narrow, winding streets of smaller islands where scooters outnumber cars.

Driving in Greece requires adaptability. Athens presents urban challenges: congestion, restricted zones, and assertive local drivers. Outside the capital, roads improve, though mountain routes demand concentration. On the islands, road conditions vary widely. Some have well-paved coastal roads; others feature narrow lanes, blind corners, and surfaces that deteriorate quickly.

The reward is access to landscapes and villages that are difficult to reach by public transport. A car allows you to explore the Mani Peninsula, the monasteries of Meteora, and the beaches of the Peloponnese at your own pace. On islands like Crete, Naxos, or Corfu, a car unlocks remote coves and inland villages.

License & Documents

• EU/EEA license holders: Can drive with a valid license from their home country. No IDP required.
• Non-EU visitors: Can drive on a valid domestic license for short stays. An International Driving Permit is not legally required for many nationalities but is strongly recommended. It helps with rental companies and police checks, especially if your license is not in English or Roman script.
• Minimum age: 18 for cars and motorcycles.
• Carry at all times: Valid driving license, passport or ID, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. For rental cars, the rental agreement serves as proof.
• Validity: Check bilateral agreements for your country. Most tourists can drive for up to 6 months on a foreign license.

Rules of the Road

• Drive on the right, overtake on the left.
• Priority: At unmarked intersections, vehicles from the right usually have priority. At roundabouts, vehicles entering give way to those already in the roundabout.
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.05% for most drivers; 0.02% for new drivers (less than 2 years of experience); 0.00% for professional drivers).
• Seat belts: Mandatory for all occupants. Children under 12 or under 135 cm must use an appropriate child restraint.
• Mobile phones: Hands-free only. Using a handheld phone while driving is prohibited.
• Headlights: Required in tunnels and in poor visibility. Daytime running lights are recommended.
• Horn: Use only to prevent danger. Excessive honking can result in fines.
• Speed cameras: Fixed and mobile cameras are used. Fines can be issued to rental companies and passed on to the renter.

Road Conditions & Types

Motorways (Ethniki Odos)

The main motorway network is the A1 (E75), connecting Athens with Thessaloniki and the north. The A2 (Egnatia Odos) runs across northern Greece. The A8 (Olympia Odos) connects Athens with Patras. Toll booths accept cash and cards. Speed limit is 130 km/h on most motorway sections.

Mountain Roads

Mountain roads in Greece are often narrow, winding, and poorly lit. The routes to Meteora, Delphi, and through the Peloponnese involve steep climbs and hairpin turns. Drive cautiously, especially in winter when ice or snow may occur at higher elevations. Local drivers may be familiar with the roads and drive faster; pull over when safe to let them pass.

Island Roads

Island roads vary widely. Crete and Rhodes have relatively good road networks. Smaller islands like Santorini, Mykonos, or Hydra have limited or no car access; scooters, ATVs, or public transport are common. On islands where cars are allowed, expect narrow lanes, minimal signage, and roads that may be shared with pedestrians, livestock, and scooters.

Athens

Athens traffic is dense, especially during morning and evening rush hours. The city center has a restricted access zone (Daktylios); unauthorized vehicles may be fined. Parking is scarce. Consider using the metro and buses for central Athens and reserving the car for day trips to Sounion, Delphi, or the Peloponnese.

Fuel & Charging

• Fuel types: Unleaded 95 and 100, diesel (petreleo). Leaded fuel is no longer available.
• Prices: Typically EUR 1.70-2.00 per liter. Prices are higher on islands.
• Payment: Most stations accept cards. Some rural or island stations may be unattended; payment at the pump is common.
• Opening hours: In cities, many stations are open 24 hours. On islands and in rural areas, hours may be limited, especially on Sundays.
• EV charging: Growing but still limited outside Athens and major tourist areas. Plan charging stops for longer trips.

Parking

• Street parking: In cities, look for blue zones (paid) and white zones (free, often time-limited). Payment via meter or mobile app.
• Parking discs: In some towns, a parking disc (diskos stasis) must be displayed with arrival time. Obtain discs at tourist offices or rental companies.
• Illegal parking: Common in Greece but risks fines and towing. Do not block driveways, bus stops, or pedestrian crossings.
• Islands: Parking can be extremely limited in popular towns. Arrive early or use paid lots. In some villages, the only option is to park outside the center and walk.

Tolls & Fees

• Motorways: The A1, A2, A8, and other toll roads have physical toll plazas. Payment by cash or card.
• Costs: Athens-Thessaloniki (A1) costs approximately EUR 25-30 one way. Athens-Patras (A8) is roughly EUR 15-20.
• Rental cars: Tolls are paid at the booth. Some rental companies offer electronic toll devices; check when booking.

Car Rental Tips

• Major companies: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, and local operators such as Auto Union and Kosmos.
• Airport and port locations: Athens Airport and Piraeus have rental desks. On islands, rental offices are often near the port or in main towns.
• Minimum age: Usually 21-23; under-25 fees may apply. Some companies require 25 for certain vehicle types.
• Manual vs automatic: Manual is standard. Automatic cars are available but fewer; book in advance.
• Ferry transport: Confirm with the rental company that the car can be taken on ferries. Some contracts restrict this. Book ferries early in summer.
• Insurance: CDW is typically included. Verify excess amounts and consider additional coverage. Check coverage for ferry transport.
• Island-only rentals: Many companies offer pick-up and drop-off on the same island. One-way between islands is possible but can be expensive.

Emergency Information

Service	Number
Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance)	112
European Emergency Number	112
Roadside Assistance (ELPA)	10400

• 112 is the single emergency number. Operators can assist in English.
• In case of an accident: Stop, ensure safety, call 112 if there are injuries. Exchange details with other parties. Notify your rental company promptly.
• ELPA (Elliniki Leschi) is the Greek automobile club and provides roadside assistance. Some rental policies include equivalent coverage.

Cultural Tips

• Assertive driving: Greek drivers can seem aggressive to visitors. Lane discipline may be relaxed; expect sudden lane changes and close following. Stay calm and defensive.
• Scooters and motorcycles: Very common on islands. They filter through traffic and may appear from unexpected directions. Check mirrors and blind spots frequently.
• Pedestrians: In cities, pedestrians may cross outside crosswalks. Be prepared to yield.
• Overtaking: On two-lane roads, overtaking is common. Only overtake when visibility is clear. Do not assume oncoming drivers will slow down.
• Patience: Ferries can be delayed. Traffic in Athens can be slow. Build extra time into your schedule.

Useful Resources

• ELPA (Greek Automobile Club)
• Greek National Tourism Organization
• Ferry bookings - Ferryhopper
• Athens restricted access zone information

Related Destinations

• Driving in Turkey
• Driving in Croatia
• Driving in Italy