ATH Airport Car Rental — Athens Airport

Demand for rental cars at Athens Airport explodes during the Greek peak season from May to September. Popular car classes sell out quickly – book early and compare prices to avoid expensive last-minute alternatives. Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is Athens' and Greece's largest car rental hub with as many as 53 rental companies on site – one of Europe's best-supplied airports for car rentals.

Many travelers combine it with a trip to Santorini. The airport is 35 km east of central Athens and is reached via the Attiki Odos motorway in about 40 minutes. From here the entire Attica region and Peloponnese are easily accessible directly from landing.

The airport is located in Spata, surrounded by olive groves and the Attica countryside. Rental car desks are in the arrivals hall in Terminal A and are open 24 hours with most major companies. Metro line 3 connects the airport with central Athens (Syntagma) in 40 minutes – a good option if you only need a car for parts of your journey.

With 53 rental companies, competition is fierce – book online in advance for the best price but have alternatives ready in case your first choice is sold out upon arrival. Take Attiki Odos west directly toward Corinth (120 km, 1.5 hours) for a smooth start to a Peloponnese road trip. Check whether your rental company includes toll charges – Attiki Odos costs about 3–4 euros each way.

Where do I find the rental car desks at Athens Airport? All 53 rental companies are located together in the arrivals hall in Terminal A, right after baggage claim and customs. Signage is available throughout the airport.

How long does it take to drive from the airport to central Athens? Via Attiki Odos it takes about 35–45 minutes under normal conditions. During rush hour the journey can take up to 70 minutes.

Can I pick up a car at Athens Airport and return it in another location in Greece? Yes, most major rental companies offer one-way rental to destinations such as Thessaloniki, Heraklion and Rhodes, but expect an additional fee.

We compare prices from all major providers at Athens Airport so you can see the total cost upfront — including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.