Car Rental at Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG)
Convenient Car Rental Pick-Up at Thessaloniki Airport
Renting a car at Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG) — officially known as Thessaloniki Airport “Makedonia” — is the easiest and most flexible way to start your journey across northern Greece. Located about 17 km (10.5 miles) southeast of Thessaloniki city center, the airport connects directly to EO16 Thessaloniki–Nea Moudania Road and E90 (Aegean Highway), offering quick access to Chalkidiki, Mount Olympus, and the surrounding regions.
Proximity to Key Destinations
Thessaloniki City Center: 17 km (25 minutes) via A25 Highway.
Halkidiki Peninsula: 70–90 km (1–1.5 hours) – known for its beaches and resorts.
Mount Olympus National Park: 100 km (1.5 hours) – a scenic drive for hiking and history lovers.
Vergina (Ancient Macedonian Tombs): 75 km (1 hour 15 minutes) – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kavala: 160 km (2 hours) – a picturesque coastal city.
About Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG)
Airport Code: IATA: SKG | ICAO: LGTS
Location: Mikra district, Thessaloniki, Greece
Opened: 1930 | Annual Passenger Volume: Over 6.5 million travelers
Facilities & Services
Thessaloniki International Airport “Makedonia” is the second busiest airport in Greece, serving domestic and international routes across Europe, the Middle East, and seasonal Mediterranean destinations. The modernized terminal ensures smooth passenger flow and easy access to all essential services.
Car rental counters are located in the Arrivals Hall near baggage claim.
Duty-free shopping, restaurants, and cafés open 24/7.
ATMs, currency exchange, and free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
Information desks and tourist support services.
Baby-changing facilities and accessible restrooms.
Ample short- and long-term parking near the terminal.
Car Hire at Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG)
Car rental offices are located on the ground floor of the Arrivals Terminal, making it simple to pick up your vehicle as soon as you exit customs. With Finalrentals, you can book your car online before arrival and avoid long queues at the counter.
Cars are parked in the dedicated rental car lot outside the terminal. When returning your vehicle, follow the “Car Rental Return” signs toward the parking area. The process is smooth, with optional after-hours drop-off for early or late flights.
Nearest Gas Station: The EKO Fuel Station, located just 3 km (5 minutes) from the airport on the Thessaloniki–Moudania Highway, is open 24/7 — ideal for refueling before drop-off under a full-to-full fuel policy.
Transportation Between the Airport and Thessaloniki
Driving: The quickest and most flexible way — about 25 minutes via the EO16 highway to the city center.
Bus: The OASTH Bus Line 01X operates between the airport and downtown Thessaloniki, with a fare of approximately $2, but the journey can take up to an hour, depending on traffic.
Taxi: Fares to the city center range between $25–$30.
Best Option: Renting a car at Thessaloniki Airport offers comfort, privacy, and flexibility for travelers heading to multiple destinations or remote beaches.
Other Features & Travel Tips
Parking: Multi-level short- and long-term parking options directly across from the terminal.
Accessibility: The airport offers wheelchair assistance, ramps, and elevators for passengers with mobility needs.
Driving Side: Right-hand side.
Speed Limits: 50 km/h (31 mph) in cities, 90 km/h (56 mph) on rural roads, and 120 km/h (75 mph) on highways.
Fuel Prices: Around $1.80 per liter for petrol as of 2025.
Contact Information
Address: Thessaloniki International Airport “Makedonia” (SKG), 551 03, Thessaloniki, Greece
Phone: +30 2310 591500
Website: https://www.skg-airport.gr/
How to Book Your Rental Car at Thessaloniki Airport (SKG)
Step 1: Visit Finalrentals Website or App
Go to Finalrentals and search for “Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG)” as your pickup location. Select your preferred pick-up and drop-off dates and times.
Step 2: Choose Your Ideal Vehicle
Small Cars: from $20/day – great for solo travelers or couples.
Medium Cars: from $30/day – perfect for longer drives and comfort.
SUVs: from $36/day – ideal for exploring mountainous and coastal roads.
Vans / 7-Seaters: from $42/day – suitable for families or groups.
Premium Cars: from $51/day – for luxury, comfort, and stl.
Step 3: Book Securely Online
Complete your booking through the Finalrentals website or app. Payment is quick, secure, and transparent — no hidden fees or unexpected surcharges. A credit card in the main driver’s name is usually required for the deposit.
Step 4: Review Your Rental Terms
Check your insurance coverage, mileage limits, fuel policy (full-to-full), and driver age requirements (typically 21+). Add extras like GPS, Wi-Fi, or child seats for extra convenience during your trip.
Step 5: Pick Up Your Car at SKG
After landing, head to the car rental area in the Arrivals Hall, present your booking confirmation, driver’s license, and passport, and inspect your car before signing. Within minutes, you’ll be ready to explore Thessaloniki and the rest of Greece.
Renting a Car at Thessaloniki Airport: FAQs
Where is the car rental desk located at Thessaloniki Airport?
Rental counters are conveniently located inside the arrivals terminal, with well-marked signage guiding you straight to the pickup area. Some locations require a short shuttle ride to external offices, but Final Rentals ensures a fast and easy handover so you can hit the road almost immediately.
How far is Thessaloniki Airport from the city center and nearby attractions?
Thessaloniki Airport lies approximately 15 km southeast of downtown Thessaloniki, with a typical drive time of 17 minutes via the main motorway. Beyond the city, the Chalkidiki peninsula—famous for its beaches—is within a 20–60 minute drive, depending on your destination.
What are the advantages of renting at SKG Airport?
Starting your trip with a rental from SKG means bypassing taxis and shuttle waits and gaining direct access to the ring roads and motorways leading out of the city. With flexible return policies, extended hours, and no need for transfers, this option is ideal for both leisure travellers and those heading to countryside destinations.
What are the typical car rental costs at Thessaloniki Airport?
Prices vary by vehicle type, rental duration, and season. Economy cars start from as little as $18–23/day, while SUVs and larger vehicles may be around $45/day. On average, listings show daily rates in the $20–55 range. Booking early—ideally around 2 weeks before your trip—can improve your chances of securing lower rates.
What are the age and license requirements?
The typical minimum age to rent is 21 years, although for premium or larger vehicles, the minimum may be 25 years. You must hold a valid driver’s license; if it’s not in English or Greek, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required. Some providers also specify a one-year minimum on your license.
What documents are required to rent at SKG Airport?
You’ll need to present:
A valid driver’s license (plus IDP if needed)
International passport or national ID
Credit card in the primary driver’s name for the deposit
Confirmation of your booking or voucher
Declaration of additional drivers to be covered under the rental agreement
Is insurance included, and what should I consider?
Standard rentals include third-party liability coverage. For greater peace of mind, consider optional upgrades such as collision damage waiver (CDW), theft protection, or zero-excess coverage. These can help reduce out-of-pocket costs in the event of damage.
Where can I refuel, and what fuel policies apply?
Fuel stations are easily accessible near the airport and on major routes. Most rentals follow a "full-to-full" policy—pick up with a full tank and return the same to avoid extra charges. Stations in less urban areas may have limited hours.
What local roads and destinations are ideal to explore from SKG?
From Thessaloniki Airport, you’re well-connected to:
Thessaloniki city centre (15 km)
The Chalkidiki peninsula for iconic beach resorts and seaside villages
Mount Olympus region for hiking and nature
Historic towns like Vergina and Pella for cultural excursions
What if I return the rental car late or with damage?
Late car returns typically incur extra charges—often billed as an additional day or an hourly fee. Document vehicle condition with timestamped photos and complete the inspection report at pickup. If you're running late, notify the provider to potentially minimize penalties.
Can I return the car at a different location?
One-way returns are available, depending on the provider's options, such as dropping off in downtown Thessaloniki, regional cities like Volos, or seasonal resort towns. Extra charges may apply; confirm details during booking.
Is renting at Thessaloniki Airport worth it?
Renting directly from SKG enhances flexibility and comfort, whether you're planning a coastal getaway, rural day-trip, or cultural exploration. It lets you create your own tailored itinerary—right from the moment you land.