Driving in Greece as a United States National
Greece offers scenic coastal and mountain driving with ferry access to islands. Athens traffic is intense; island roads are narrow. An IDP is recommended for non-EU visitors. Parking can be challenging.
Key Things to Know First
Greece generally accepts foreign licences for short-term visitors. Carry your original licence and passport at all times.
Both United States and Greece drive on the right. No adjustment needed.
United States uses mph, but Greece uses km/h. Verify your GPS or navigation app is set to the correct unit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Rule | United States | Greece | Change? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic side | Right-hand traffic | Right-hand traffic | Same |
| Speed unit | mph | km/h | Yes |
| IDP required | — | No | No |
| Min. driving age | 16 | 18 | Differs |
| Emergency number | 911 | 112 | Different |
| Road difficulty | Easy | Moderate | — |
Speed Limits in Greece
Speed limits in Greece are posted in km/h (kilometres per hour). Quick reference: 50 km/h ≈ 31 mph · 100 km/h ≈ 62 mph · 130 km/h ≈ 81 mph.
Documents to Carry in Greece
- Original driving licence from United States — must be valid and unexpired
- Passport or national ID — carry at all times while driving
- Car insurance certificate — verify it covers Greece before departure
- Vehicle registration / rental agreement
Emergency Number in Greece
112 is the pan-European emergency number, widely accepted across many countries worldwide.
Emergency numbers for all countriesFull Greece Driving Guide
Road rules, toll system, fuel types, parking, regional quirks — everything you need for driving in Greece.
Read the complete guide