Driving in Greece

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Driving in Greece opens up a country that is difficult to explore fully any other way — from the remote villages of the Peloponnese to the switchback roads above the Aegean. The main motorway network is modern and well-signed; the mountain and island roads are an adventure. Most visitors will find Greek driving straightforward once they understand the toll system, know what paperwork to carry, and have adjusted to a road culture that is noticeably more relaxed about certain conventions.

Documents and what to carry

EU/EEA driving licence holders can drive in Greece on their standard licence. Visitors from outside the EU — including UK, US, Canadian and Australian licence holders — should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence. Greece is a signatory to the 1968 Vienna Convention.

Required documents in your vehicle:

• Valid driving licence
• Vehicle registration document (logbook)
• Proof of insurance (green card or equivalent)
• Warning triangle
• First-aid kit (compulsory)
• Fire extinguisher (compulsory)
• High-visibility vest

The fire extinguisher requirement surprises many visitors — it is genuinely compulsory in Greece. A small ABC-rated extinguisher stored in the car will comply; hire cars should come with one fitted. Check before you drive away from the rental desk.

Speed limits

Standard speed limits in Greece:

• Motorways (autostrada): 130 km/h
• National roads outside built-up areas: 110 km/h
• Rural roads: 90 km/h
• Built-up areas: 50 km/h

Speed cameras are used on the main motorway network, and point-to-point average-speed checks operate on some sections. Mobile radar is widely deployed, including by unmarked police vehicles. Fines are issued on the spot and must be paid before you can continue; a deposit may be required if you cannot pay immediately.

Toll motorways

Greece has built an extensive network of modern toll motorways, collectively known as the Egnatia Odos (the east-west artery across northern Greece) and various arms of the PATHE corridor connecting Patras, Athens, Thessaloniki and the northern borders. Tolls are charged at booths where you pay per section — cash and card are both accepted at most booths. Amounts vary by section length, but a long cross-country drive from Athens to Thessaloniki on the E75 will involve several toll stops.

There is no national vignette system in Greece. You pay as you go at each booth. See our guide to motorway tolls for how the broader European system compares.

Note that older national roads (ethnikí odós) running parallel to the motorways are toll-free alternatives, but they are slower, pass through more villages, and some sections are in poor repair.

Rules of the road

Greece drives on the right. Important rules:

• Alcohol limit: 0.5 g/l BAC. Novice drivers (licence held fewer than two years) face a limit of 0.2 g/l.
• Seatbelts: Compulsory for front and rear occupants.
• Mobile phones: Handheld use is illegal; hands-free is permitted.
• Helmets: Compulsory for motorcyclists and passengers.
• Children: Under 12 and under 135 cm must use an appropriate child seat.
• Overtaking: On rural and mountain roads, overtaking is common but often takes place on bends. Hold your line and do not assume oncoming drivers will stay on their side.

Driving in Athens

Athens has a historical pollution-control scheme known as the Daktylios (ring), which restricts vehicles from the central city based on the last digit of the number plate on alternate weekdays. Vehicles with even-numbered plates are allowed on even dates; odd plates on odd dates. Foreign-registered vehicles and hire cars are generally not exempt, and enforcement has tightened. If you are planning to drive into central Athens, check the current rules — Uber, taxis and the excellent metro system often make more sense for city-centre travel.

Parking in Athens is scarce and confusing. Yellow kerbs mean no parking; white lines with a "P" sign indicate paid parking. Paid underground car parks near the city centre are the easiest option for visitors.

Island driving and ferries

Many Greek islands are beautiful to drive, but require taking your car on a ferry. The ferry network connecting the mainland to islands such as Corfu, Crete, Rhodes and the Ionian islands is extensive and well-established; booking ahead in summer, especially for July and August, is strongly advised for vehicle spaces.

Island roads range from smooth new tarmac to rough, unpaved tracks leading to remote beaches. Tyres on hire cars on some smaller islands are often near the end of their life — check before you accept the car. On Crete and Rhodes, the road network is well-developed; on smaller Cycladic islands, some roads to beaches are technically only passable by 4WD or on foot.

Fuel and EV charging

Petrol (venzini) and diesel are available throughout mainland Greece and on all major islands. Fuel prices tend to be higher than the EU average, particularly on islands where fuel is shipped in. Many smaller filling stations close on Sundays and public holidays — fill up on Saturday if you are planning to drive in a rural area over the weekend.

EV charging infrastructure is growing in Athens and Thessaloniki and along the main motorway corridors, but is sparse on many islands and in rural areas. Plan carefully if driving an electric vehicle.

Mountain and rural roads

Some of Greece's most memorable driving is on mountain roads through the Pindus range, the Peloponnese and Crete. These roads can be narrow, unguarded and in varying states of repair. Goats, sheep and the occasional donkey are genuine hazards. Take these roads slowly, assume oncoming traffic around every blind corner, and do not be tempted to rush to beat the light.

In rural areas, road signs may be only in Greek script — learn a few basic place names in Greek letters before you travel, or use a GPS navigation system that includes Greek-language maps.

Hiring a car in Greece

Car hire is available at all major airports and in tourist areas. Greek hire car agreements sometimes exclude third-party excess waivers or carry high excess amounts — read the small print carefully. A credit card is almost always required at collection, even if you have pre-paid elsewhere.

For general advice on what to look out for when renting, see our guide to renting a car abroad. Some budget operators on islands have non-standard insurance terms; choosing a recognised international brand reduces risk.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Greece?

EU/EEA licence holders do not need an IDP. Non-EU visitors — including UK, US and Australian drivers — are advised to carry an IDP alongside their national licence. Check the current requirements with your own government's travel advice before travelling, as rules can change.

Is there a motorway vignette for Greece?

No. Greece does not have a vignette system. You pay individual tolls at booths on motorway sections as you drive. Cash and card are accepted at most booths.

Can I take a hire car on a Greek ferry?

Usually yes, but you must inform the hire company. Most hire agreements allow travel to major Greek islands, but some restrict access to certain islands or routes. Get written confirmation before boarding a ferry with the hire car.

What are the driving restrictions in Athens?

Athens operates a plate-based restriction system (Daktylios) in the city centre on weekdays, alternating between even and odd number plates on even and odd dates. Foreign-registered vehicles are not automatically exempt. Check the current rules before driving into central Athens.