Car Hire Athens Airport — Gateway to Western Civilization's Birthplace

Rent a car at Athens International Airport 'Eleftherios Venizelos' (ATH), Greece's busiest aviation hub serving 25+ million passengers annually. Located 33 kilometers from the Acropolis, the airport opened in 2001 (replacing old Hellenikon Airport) as Europe's most modern terminal, hosting the 2004 Olympic Games and connecting Athens to 150+ destinations worldwide.

Choose from economy cars, luxury sedans, and SUVs from €35/day. With free airport delivery, unlimited mileage for exploring mainland Greece, and 24/7 support, Finalrentals makes discovering Athens' 5,000-year heritage and beyond effortless—from the Parthenon to Delphi's Oracle, Meteora's cliff monasteries, and Peloponnese's ancient theaters.

Drive 40 minutes to the Acropolis & Parthenon, 180 km to Meteora monasteries, or explore Ancient Greece sites across the country.

Why Rent at Athens Airport?

Athens International Airport 'Eleftherios Venizelos' (named after Greece's revolutionary Prime Minister) opened March 29, 2001, replacing the overcrowded Hellenikon Airport. Built for €2.1 billion with ultra-modern design, the airport served as Athens' showcase during the 2004 Olympic Games, handling 6,000+ flights in 17 days. Today it's Europe's 27th-busiest airport, connecting Greece's capital to the world.

• Cradle of Western Civilization: Athens gave the world democracy, philosophy (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle), drama (Sophocles, Euripides), architecture (Parthenon's golden ratio)

• Acropolis & Parthenon: 2,500-year-old temple dedicated to goddess Athena. Symbol of classical Greece, democracy, Western culture.

• Mainland Greece Gateway: Drive to Delphi (Apollo's Oracle), Meteora (clifftop monasteries), Olympia (original Olympics), Epidaurus (ancient theater)

• Modern Infrastructure: Athens metro connects airport-city (€10, 40 min), but car essential for Delphi, Meteora, Peloponnese exploration

Top Attractions from Athens Airport

Athens City (33 km, 40 min):

• Acropolis & Parthenon — 2,500-year-old temple. €20 entry (combined ticket with 7 sites €30). Open 08:00-20:00 summer. Crowds peak 11:00-14:00. Visit early morning or late afternoon.

• Ancient Agora — Birthplace of democracy. Socrates, Plato walked here. Temple of Hephaestus (best-preserved Greek temple)

• Acropolis Museum — Modern glass building. Parthenon marbles, caryatids, ancient sculptures. €15 entry.

• Temple of Olympian Zeus — Once largest temple in Greece. 104 columns (15m high), only 15 survive

• Plaka Neighborhood — Old Town beneath Acropolis. Neoclassical buildings, tavernas, souvenir shops

Day Trips from Athens:

• Delphi (180 km, 2.5 hrs) — Apollo's Oracle. Ancient Greeks consulted before major decisions. Temple of Apollo, Theater (5,000 capacity), Stadium. UNESCO site. €12 entry.

• Cape Sounion (70 km, 90 min) — Temple of Poseidon on cliff edge. Sunset spot. Byron carved name on column (visible today).

• Meteora (350 km, 4.5 hrs) — Byzantine monasteries on sandstone pillars. 6 active monasteries. UNESCO site. Day trip possible, overnight recommended.

• Epidaurus (140 km, 2 hrs) — Ancient theater (14,000 seats), perfect acoustics still demonstrated today

Driving from Athens Airport

• Exit airport following 'Athens Center' signs. Attiki Odos highway (€2.80 toll) reaches city 35 minutes

• Speed limits: 50 km/h urban | 90 km/h rural | 130 km/h highways

• Athens traffic: Congested 08:00-10:00, 17:00-20:00 weekdays. Use metro for city center (park airport, take train)

• Parking: Acropolis area difficult (€3/hour). Use metro park-and-ride (cheaper). Delphi, Meteora have free parking.

Read Driving Laws Greece

FAQs

Q: Do I need car for Athens city?

A: No. Athens has excellent metro (€1.40/ride). Use metro for Acropolis, museums, Plaka. Car essential for Delphi, Meteora, Peloponnese day trips. Athens Guide

Q: Can I visit Delphi and Meteora same day?

A: Not recommended. Delphi 180 km (2.5 hrs), Meteora 350 km (4.5 hrs). Each deserves full day. Combine Delphi with Cape Sounion (sunset). Meteora needs overnight stay (6 monasteries, hiking).

Q: Which airport should I use for Athens, and how far is it from the city center?
A: You should use Athens International Airport 'Eleftherios Venizelos' (ATH), which opened in 2001. It is located 33 km from the Acropolis. By car, the journey takes approximately 40 minutes via the Attiki Odos highway (toll: €2.80), though traffic peaks between 08:00–10:00 and 17:00–20:00 on weekdays.

Q: Are there toll roads when driving from Athens Airport to the Acropolis?
A: Yes. When exiting the airport toward the city center, you will use the Attiki Odos highway. This modern infrastructure requires a toll payment of €2.80. While the highway is the fastest way to reach the city, visitors staying in the city center are advised to use metro park-and-ride facilities as parking near the Acropolis is difficult and costs around €3/hour.

Q: What are the age requirements for renting a car at Athens Airport?
A: The minimum age to rent a vehicle with Finalrentals at Athens Airport is 21 years for economy cars. For those looking to rent a luxury sedan, the minimum age requirement increases to 23 years.

Q: Can I drive a rental car from Athens to the Meteora monasteries?
A: Absolutely. Meteora is located 350 km from the airport, a drive of approximately 4.5 hours. While a day trip is possible, an overnight stay is recommended to fully explore the 6 active Byzantine monasteries built on sandstone pillars. Finalrentals provides unlimited mileage, making this long-distance mainland exploration effortless.

Q: Is a car necessary to visit the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion?
A: While public transport exists, a car is highly recommended for the 70 km (90-minute) drive to Cape Sounion. Having your own vehicle allows you to arrive in time for the famous sunset at the Temple of Poseidon and explore the cliffside at your own pace without relying on fixed bus schedules.

Q: What are the speed limits I should follow while driving in Greece?
A: When driving your rental car in Greece, the standard speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and up to 130 km/h on highways like the Attiki Odos. Always drive on the RIGHT side of the road.