 | | Renting a Car in Athens: Pleasure With Caution | | | An extensive variety of rental car companies, from such world-recognized names as Hertz, Avis and Budget to dozens of locally owned agencies, can be found at Athens International Airport and just south of Syntagma Square. Notable local providers include Athens Cars and Hellascars. Prices vary somewhat but most agencies now include delivery and pickup for your convenience.
You must be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Athens. The only other requirement is proof of a valid driver’s license from your home country. Even so, it is best to play it safe and obtain an international driving permit in order to avoid penalties if you are caught without one. Additionally, if you were to be involved in an accident, insurance coverage would not be provided without the international permit.
Although full insurance coverage is optional for rental cars, it is better to be safe than sorry, as Athens is a heavy traffic area and involves traveling through narrow roads and along steep mountainsides. While driving around the city, be alert and always wear the seatbelt. Greece’s traffic fatalities rate is among the highest in Europe.
Familiarize yourself with Athens’ rush-hour times to avoid gridlock and keep an eye out for posted signs, as breaking traffic laws will incur hefty fines. As in the US, driving in Athens is on the right-hand side. | | | |  | | |
