All-inclusive car rental in Athens
An all-inclusive rental in Athens includes full insurance with zero excess - best used for day trips to Cape Sounion, the Peloponnese and Delphi, while the city centre is easier by metro.
Athens is well served by metro, so a car earns its keep on trips beyond the city: the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, the ancient sites of the Peloponnese and the oracle at Delphi are all within a day’s drive.
A Cardamar all-inclusive rental includes comprehensive zero-excess cover, unlimited mileage and free cancellation, with pick-up at Athens International Airport.
Good to know before you drive in Athens
| Pick-up point | Athens Airport (ATH) |
|---|---|
| City centre | Easier by metro; park on the edge |
| Best day trips | Cape Sounion, Delphi, Peloponnese |
| Tolls | Attiki Odos & national highways |
Day trips from Athens
The coastal road to Cape Sounion (about 1.5 hours) is one of Greece’s finest drives, ending at a clifftop temple above the sea. Delphi sits a couple of hours northwest, and the Peloponnese - Nafplio, Mycenae, Epidaurus - opens up over the Corinth Canal.
The Attiki Odos ring motorway and the national highways are tolled; keep cash or a card handy for the booths.
Driving in Athens
Athens traffic is busy and central parking is tight, so most visitors collect at the airport and head out, or park on the edge and use the metro for the centre.
Zero-excess cover is reassuring in city traffic and at busy sites, removing the worry of a minor scrape.
Picking up your car in Athens
Most Athens rentals are collected at Athens International Airport (ATH), a modern airport on the Attiki Odos ring road, so you can head for Sounion or the Peloponnese without crossing the city. Completing the online check-in beforehand helps you skip most of the desk.
Bring your driving licence, passport or ID and the lead driver’s card; an International Driving Permit is required alongside many non-EU licences in Greece, so check before you travel. There is no deposit to block at most pick-up points.
All-inclusive vs. a cheap basic rate plus counter insurance
Two cars on the same lot in Athens can advertise very different prices. The gap is almost always insurance: an all-inclusive rate settles it up front, while a "basic" rate leaves you to buy excess cover at the desk. Here is what each really means.
| All-inclusive (Cardamar) | Basic rate + counter insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Damage & theft excess | €0 – fully covered | High excess (often €800–2,000) blocked on your card |
| When you insure | Before you travel, at a fixed price | At the desk, under time pressure, price varies |
| Tyres, glass & undercarriage | Included | Usually excluded or charged extra |
| Deposit / card hold | None or low at most stations | Large hold blocked for the whole trip |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation | Often non-refundable |
| What you pay in total | Known the moment you book | Can climb sharply at the counter |
A basic rate can look cheaper online, but once you add proper excess cover at the desk it usually costs more than an all-inclusive booking - with none of the certainty.
Athens car rental - FAQ
Is a car worth it in Athens?
For the city, the metro is easier. A car is ideal for day trips to Cape Sounion, Delphi and the Peloponnese, where an all-inclusive booking keeps costs predictable.
Are there tolls near Athens?
Yes - the Attiki Odos and national highways are tolled. Keep some cash or a card for the booths.
Where do I collect the car?
Most visitors pick up at Athens International Airport (ATH); your voucher shows the exact desk.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Athens?
Your driving licence, a passport or national ID, and where required a card in the lead driver’s name. In Greece an International Driving Permit is required alongside many non-EU licences, so check before you travel; online check-in beforehand speeds up collection.
Can I add a child seat or extra driver in Athens?
Yes - add child seats and additional drivers when you book so they are confirmed in advance and ready at the desk.