Rent a Car at Thessaloniki Airport (SKG)

Demand for rental cars at Thessaloniki Airport explodes during the Greek high season from May to September. Popular car classes sell out quickly – book early and compare prices to avoid expensive last-minute options. Thessaloniki's international airport Makedonia (SKG) is northern Greece's largest airport and offers as many as 44 rental companies – one of the country's broadest selections.

The airport is 16 km southeast of Thessaloniki's center and is the starting point for excursions to both Chalkidiki and historic Macedonia. With a rental car directly from the terminal you save time and reach your destination without stopping. SKG serves all of northern Greece and the Balkans with direct flights from Sweden via airports such as Arlanda.

From the airport it's 65 km to Chalkidiki's popular beaches at Hanioti, 75 km to Vergina's royal necropolis, and 200 km to Bansko ski resort in Bulgaria. With 44 rental companies, competition is fierce – compare prices on hyrbilar.se and book in advance for the best rates, especially during the summer months. Pick up your car directly in the arrivals hall where most rental companies have desks, or take a short shuttle bus to the car park outside the terminal.

Check if your rental company includes the motorway toll for Egnatia Odos. How long does it take to pick up a rental car at Thessaloniki airport? Most rental companies have desks in the arrivals hall and the process takes 15–30 minutes.

Expect some longer wait times during large arrivals in the high season in July–August. What are the best excursion destinations from Thessaloniki airport by rental car? Chalkidiki (65 km), Vergina (80 km), Pella (55 km), and Meteora (210 km) are the most popular destinations.

The airport's location south of the city provides direct motorway access to all these destinations. Can I return the rental car at a different location in Greece? Yes, most large international rental companies offer one-way rental to other cities such as Athens or Kavala, but expect an additional drop-off fee that can be substantial.

We compare prices from all major providers at Thessaloniki 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.