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Driving in Greece.

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A fresh, honest approach to car rental

The historical country.

Greece is a mountainous country and having a hire car offers you the opportunity to enjoy the many spectacular views on offer. With narrow mountainside roads taking you to the most spectacular views and attractions, the road conditions can be quite challenging. 

Weaving motorbikes and scooters in the resorts can be a hazard so ensure that you are looking out for them.

Be sure to read our Greece travel guide. You may also like to view information about some of the most popular destinations in Greece.

Tips for driving in Greece

Which side of the road do they drive on?

Drive on the right, overtake on the left. Unless otherwise indicated, vehicles coming from the right have priority at junctions.

Seat belts

If fitted, seat belts must be worn at all times by all occupants of the vehicle. Failure to comply can lead to a fine of €350.

Driving with children

Children under 3 must be placed in a suitable child restraint which must conform to standard ECE R44/03. Children between 3 and 11 and shorter than than 135cm must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size and weight.

Children of 12 and over and taller than 135cm can wear an adult seat belt.

A rear facing child restraint may only be placed in the front seat if the airbag is deactivated.

Blood alcohol limit

The blood alcohol limit is 50mg of alcohol per 100ml blood. This is reduced to 20mg per 100ml of blood if you have held a licence for less than two years.

Can I use a mobile?

It’s illegal to use a mobile unless you have a hands-free kit.

Reflective vests, triangles & other essentials

It is compulsory to carry a warning triangle, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher.

Parking

Parking laws in Greece are strict. Vehicles may be towed away if parked illegally, or if violating traffic regulations.

It is illegal to park within 1m of a fire hydrant, 3m of an intersection and 15m from a bus stop. Some car parks use meters but others are pay and display.

On the spot fines

Greek police can impose fines but not collect them on the spot. Instead, you must pay fine at a Public Treasury office within 10 days.

Horns and headlights

You can be fined for using your horn without good reason.

The use of full beam headlights in towns is forbidden but dipped headlights should be used in poor daytime visibility.

Do I need winter tyres or snow chains?

Snow chains should be used when roads are covered with snow or ice, usually between November and March. The maximum speed limit for cars with chains is 50kph (30mph)

What should I do if I breakdown?

If you breakdown, you must place the reflective triangle 30m behind the vehicle to warn other drivers. Call the car rental provider who will be able to advise you further. It is recommended you contact ourselves at the same time to ensure you follow the correct procedure.

What should I do if I have an accident?

If you’re in an accident, you MUST notify the Police and the car rental provider and get an accident report for insurance purposes. Failure to do so may result in you footing the whole bill. It is recommended that you contact the supplier and ourselves at the same time to ensure you follow the correct procedure.

Toll roads

There are some toll roads in Greece so ensure you have plenty of change. The main toll roads you’re likely to use are from Athens to Thessaloniki and Athens to Peloponnesus.

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Travel tips and blogs

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Articles about Greece

Places to hire in Greece

Average customer rating for car hire in Greece

(4.65 out of 5.00) based on 351 responses to our customer survey.

Speed limits

  • Motorways - 130 kph / 80 mph
  • Open roads - 90/110 kph / 55/68 mph
  • Built up areas - 50 kph / 31 mph

Phone numbers

  • Police - 112
  • Fire - 112
  • Ambulance - 112

Useful phrases

  • Danger - Kindýnou
  • Diesel - Ntízel
  • Exit - Éxodos
  • Filling Station - Pratírio Kafsímon
  • Petrol - Venzíni
  • Prohibited - Apagorévetai
  • Right of way - Dikaíoma Poreías
  • Roadworks - Odiká Érga
  • Slow - Argí

Fuel

Credit cards are only accepted at some filling stations. It is advisable to check with your card issuer before travelling.

Greece travel guide
Greece overview