Getting around Greece by car, motorcycle, and taxi
Driving in Greece can be equal parts thrilling and stressful. The mountain and coastal roads are spectacular, but so is the country’s accident rate — one of the highest in Europe. Locals drive like they’ve got nine lives: overtaking on blind corners, skipping indicators, and treating stop signs as suggestions. Drunk driving isn’t rare, especially on weekends and holidays.
Road conditions and rules
- Expect poor surfaces, vague signage, and the odd unmarked railway crossing.
- Motorways are expanding, but tolls add up — especially between Athens and Thessaloníki.
- Fuel is pricier in remote areas, and many gas stations close after 8pm or on Sundays.
- Parking is chaos in most towns. Pay-and-display systems are common, but it’s not always clear where to get tickets.
Drive on the right. Uphill traffic has right of way, and roundabout rules are... fuzzy. Often it’s the car entering that takes priority. Flashing headlights usually mean “I’m coming through”, not “After you”. If someone flashes repeatedly, they’re warning about a police checkpoint ahead.
Seat belts and helmets are mandatory, kids under 10 can’t sit up front, and never move your car after an accident — it’s illegal until police arrive. Serious injuries can mean 24 hours at the station for the at-fault driver.
Car rental
It’s often cheaper to book online, especially in high season or for longer rentals. Local agencies may offer deals for 3+ days outside peak times. Open-top jeeps are fun but twice the price of a regular car.
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and personal insurance are usually not included and often come with high excess fees. Pay extra for full coverage or consider annual excess insurance (e.g., insurance4carhire.com).
- Credit cards are typically required; smaller island firms may ask for cash.
- Most firms require you to be 21-23 years old.
- EU/EEA licenses are accepted. Others need an International Driving Permit (IDP) — don’t skip it, or you could be arrested.
- Reliable Greek chains include Avance, Antena, Kosmos, Auto Union, Eurodollar, and Tomaso — usually cheaper than the big names like Hertz or Avis.
Bringing your own car
If you’re road-tripping to Greece from the UK or EU:
- Bring breakdown cover that includes ELPA (Greece’s AA equivalent – dial 10400 in emergencies).
- EU insurance covers Greece, but often only third-party. Double-check your policy.
- You can keep your car in Greece for six months max. Brits, post-Brexit rules still shift — check the latest.
- Always carry vehicle insurance, V5C logbook, and note that since 2021, your bumper sticker must say UK, not GB.
Scooter and motorcycle rental
Scooters — called mihanákia or papákia (“little ducks”) — are a cheap, fun way to get around, especially on the islands.
- Anything under 80cc struggles with hills and passengers.
- Motorbikes (125cc and up) are rarer but better on rough terrain.
- Quads are widely available — and ridiculously unstable on turns. Avoid unless you want to look like a beach-roaming turtle on wheels.
What to know:
- You’ll need a Class B license for anything over 80cc (and sometimes even for 50cc).
- Many places ask for your passport as a deposit.
- Helmets are legally required and fines are hefty. Even if locals ignore the rule, police often don’t — especially on islands with roadblocks.
- Inspect the brakes and electrics before leaving. Many bikes have loose front brakes on purpose — to stop tourists flying over the handlebars.
Taxis
Greek taxis are cheap, if the driver’s honest. Meters are required in towns and cities (Tariff 1), while Tariff 2 kicks in for late-night or rural trips. Some islands use fixed fares on set routes — these often wait until full before leaving.
Extra charges apply for:
- Bags in the boot
- Airport or port pickups
- Phone bookings (the meter runs from when the driver leaves to get you)
All surcharges must be listed on a card on the dashboard. If it’s not there, question the fare.