Car rental in Thessaloniki, Greece

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There are 80 car rental providers in Thessaloniki. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pickup spot.

Driving in Thessaloniki: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need
A full license, passport, and credit card are needed.
To rent a car in Thessaloniki, bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended in Corfu if your license is from outside the EU or not written in English.
Navigating city driving
Expect traffic, one-way streets, and sharp turns.
Driving in Thessaloniki means navigating narrow roads, heavy traffic, and tricky turns in the center. Use a sat nav to avoid restricted zones and to plan exits clearly on busy roads.
Tolls, emissions zones, and charges
Toll roads are used beyond the city.
There are no toll roads in Thessaloniki itself, but highways heading out of the city often require payment. Use cash or a card at toll booths – check if your rental car includes a tag.
Parking your car in Thessaloniki
Parking is hard to find centrally.
Street parking in Thessaloniki is metered and limited, especially in the old town. Use public parking lots for longer stays, or choose a hotel that offers private parking.
Finding fuel or charging points
Fuel stations are common – EV charging is growing.
Gas stations are widely available. EV charging stations in Thessaloniki are expanding – use apps like Electromaps or Blink to find chargers near hotels and parking lots.
Local driving style and tips
Traffic is dense but rules are followed.
Local driving rules in Thessaloniki are respected, though streets are often busy. Keep alert in city traffic, especially around intersections and bus lanes. Expect a mix of cars, taxis, and scooters.
Find Thessaloniki car rental deals

The most popular car rental companies in Thessaloniki

Renting a car in Thessaloniki: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car rental companyGreen Motion
Most popular carFullsize, Sport
Average daily priceAED 550
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Thessaloniki

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car rental rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Thessaloniki car rental search.

How to find a cheap car rental deal in Thessaloniki

  • Make your move with a cheap rental car in Thessaloniki. With prices averaging AED 550 a day, it's a wallet-friendly way to explore on your terms. From city cars to family movers, we'll help you find your kind of ride at your kind of price.

  • The cheapest daily rental price in Thessaloniki is AED 52.

  • For longer trips, book a weekly rental from AED 150 and pack more sights into your itinerary.

  • Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Thessaloniki car hire. Try booking around two weeks before you go.

  • Record Go, Centauro and Green Motion are among the top-rated providers in the city. They're a smart place to start comparing offers.

  • The coverage Record Go or another company offers for your Thessaloniki car rental can differ, so always check the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.

  • Booking one-way could save you cash on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Just choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Thessaloniki.

  • Save money on fuel by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and return it full, so you only pay for what you use.

  • Hit the highway without watching the miles and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you explore further.

Best value car rental options right now

  • Coming out on top for value is this company, with prices averaging AED 182 a day.

  • Not far behind, this provider offers daily rates of around AED 409.

  • The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly AED 914 a day with this supplier.

  • The Full-size rental category is a dependable choice if you're unsure what sort of ride you need. It's also the vehicle type that's rented the most in Thessaloniki.

Flying to Thessaloniki? Think about an airport pick-up

  • If you're flying into Thessaloniki, hit the road sooner by picking up a car rental at Thessaloniki Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city center is around 16 kilometers and takes about 25 minutes.

Compare car rental types in Thessaloniki

  • Small: Whether you're zipping around the city or simply planning a quick trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and excellent fuel efficiency.

  • Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to handle in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they work well for most plans.

  • Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and extra tech features, this Thessaloniki car hire category includes full-size cars. With bigger back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: SUVs are ready whenever wanderlust hits. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and country backroads alike.

  • Van: Go for this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Thessaloniki that can handle the heavy stuff. With options like commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's equipment, suitcases or big groups.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your Thessaloniki car rental is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.

  • Upgrade your ride with extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. They can turn your drive into a smoother experience when you rent a car in Thessaloniki.

Good to know

  • Age requirements for rentals vary by supplier (and even car type), so know the rules before you book. Some providers in Greece may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you fall outside the typical age bracket, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.

  • Add a car seat to your Thessaloniki car rental booking if you're traveling with small kids. Regulations change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their age and size is always the safest option.

  • Come prepared to avoid delays at pick-up. You'll generally need your physical driver's license (not a screenshot or digital version) and another form of photo ID. Have a credit card ready for the deposit too. If extra documents are required, they'll be listed in your booking.

  • Spend a moment familiarizing yourself with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and turn signals, and get comfortable with its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stay on the right side of the road in Greece.

  • Keep within local speed limits of about 45kph in urban areas and around 125kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Greece is 0.05%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, the surest choice is to avoid drinks so you remain legal to drive.

  • Aim to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a faster run in general. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.

  • You'll be using the euro (EUR) here. As well as your credit and debit cards, have some cash on hand for smaller purchases.

Best hotels in Thessaloniki for drivers

  • Offering parking, The Mavili Urban Stay adds extra convenience to your stay. This hotel is around 0.48 kilometers from central Thessaloniki and also comes with express check-in and ironing services.

  • SIGMA Suites Hotel gets the details right with accessible parking and features such as express check-in and luggage storage. It's roughly 0.97 kilometers from the city center.

  • Explore the full range of hotels in Thessaloniki and pick the stay that suits your plans. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.

  • Once you've found a car rental deal in Thessaloniki and the right hotel, the only thing left is figuring out where to head to first. Get things started with big attractions like Church of Agia Sofia, Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki and Alexander the Great Statue.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Thessaloniki

  • Serres should be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit Church of St. Demetrius and Church of Assumption of Mary. This city is around 72 kilometers northeast of central Thessaloniki.

  • Popular accommodation options with parking in Serres include Philippos Xenia Hotel and Elpida Resort & Spa.

  • Alternatively, collect your cheap car rental in Thessaloniki and drive about 56 kilometers southwest to Katerini. Featuring Folklore Museum of Katerini and Cathedral Church of the Holy Ascension, its highlights live up to the buzz.

  • Katerini has some good places to stay including Hotel Olympion and Park Hotel. Both are practical choices for guests with cars.

  • Catch up on sleep in Acharnes at either Dekelia Hotel or Cavallari Palace Hotel Suites. They have a room waiting for you and a place for your wheels too.

Frequently asked questions

On average, renting a car in Thessaloniki will set you back around AED 550 per day or AED 1,731 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Thessaloniki is an economy sports car. The most popular is Fullsize, Sport.
The cheapest car rental companies in Thessaloniki are currently Record go and ABBYCAR.
Scoring the best car rental deal depends on when you book – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. However, according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Thessaloniki is currently September.
On average, around AED 1,731. But the best price we found for a car rental for a week in Thessaloniki is AED 150.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to rent a car in Thessaloniki for a whole month is AED 6,960. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Thessaloniki, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car rental deals with a "full to full" fuel policy as opposed to a "half-full to full" one.

We also clearly highlight car and van rental options in Thessaloniki that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car rental companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select "Return car to a different location" when you search with us.
Public transportation can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, and for as long as you want. You'll also be able to discover more outside of Thessaloniki.
Most places – Thessaloniki included – allow people under the age of 25 to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance deductible for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is AED 52 per day. The average price per day is around AED 266.
Of course. Most major car rental companies like Green Motion, OK Mobility and Centauro offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travelers rated Budget as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van rental is available in Thessaloniki.