The car is not the easiest way to get around the center of Athens. Therefore, we strongly recommend public transportation, cabs or walking.
Nevertheless, if you choose this solution, be careful. Because in the center of Athens, the traffic is not always easy: traffic jams, one-way streets, narrow streets, “random” driving are the common lot of all motorists.
Rent a car in Greece
The car can be useful if you want to escape from the center to go to the northern suburbs, to go to the sea or to the mountains or to go on an excursion for a few days.
In these cases, we advise you to rent a car. There are several rental agencies:
- International rental companies, such as Hertz or Avis for example, offer some form of comfort, as they are well known and have offices everywhere (especially at the airport). As far as prices are concerned, it is necessary to count about 50€ for the day. To compare all the prices in the blink of an eye, you can go to the Rental Cars website, very practical and the prices are guaranteed to be the lowest!
- Local rental companies are sometimes cheaper, but sometimes have their premises further away from the ports and airports, like Goldcar for example. Rates between 20€ and 30€ per day.
Tips for driving in Athens
Generally speaking, when it comes to driving in Athens, you won’t have any big surprises. First of all, on the side of the indications, the signs are written, most of the time, in Greek as well as in Latin alphabet. Secondly, the road network is dense and the main roads to reach the ends of the city are convenient. If you want to bypass Athens from the north, you can use the expensive (2,80€) but very fast ring road called Attiki Odos. Finally, the motorists, although easily using the horn, are rather benevolent.
Nevertheless, you may be a little surprised by some of the practices. Here are a few warn ings for first-time drivers in Athens.
- The traffic regulations are not always scrupulously respected (especially STOP signs). Be sure to slow down at every intersection.
- On traffic circles, priority is given to the person entering and not, as in France, to the person already on the traffic circle.
- The secondary roads are often in bad condition and can be very slippery, especially in case of rain (there is marble in the gondron!).
- In Athens, it is easy to get lost. We advise you to download a map of Athens (mapsme for example). Without having to use your phone’s cellular data, this tool will be able to tell you where you are.
Regarding the parking of your vehicle, we strongly advise you to avoid parking on the street. Indeed, places are rare and often cramped. In addition, most street parking is fee-based, with a card system that you can purchase at kiosks. That’s why, for more simplicity and comfort, we advise you to opt for private parking lots. They are numerous in the center (it is necessary to count approximately 5€ for the half-day) in particular on the side of Psiri where they are less expensive.
Sophie B.
