Cheap Car Hire Athens International Airport Greece
Welcome to Athens International Airport!
Situated at the heart of Greece's rich historical and cultural landscape, Athens International Airport (ATH) is your gateway to the vibrant Greek capital of Athens and its world-famous ancient wonders. Known for its modern amenities, excellent services, and extensive connections to global cities like French capital of fashion and style Paris, the historic buildings and leafy royal parks of London, Berlin and its artsy Bohemian music and creative scene, the buzzing Big Apple of New York, and beautiful Rome and its ancient city, Athens International Airport offers travellers a smooth and efficient experience. Only 20 kilometres (12 miles) southeast of the historic city centre, Athens International Airport is perfectly positioned for those wishing to explore Greece’s stunning cultural heritage and spectacular landscapes. Upon landing, picking up a hire car opens up endless possibilities for discovering the country’s iconic sights, including the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the ancient Agora. Outside Athens, Greece’s charming islands, such as beautiful Mykonos and its powdery beaches and the historic charming whitewashed buildings of Santorini, are easily accessible by ferry, while the mainland boasts natural treasures like Meteora and the Peloponnese Peninsula.
As you drive from the airport, you’ll be greeted by the beauty of the Athenian countryside, with rolling hills, olive groves, and scenic coastal views along the way. Athens is a city that effortlessly blends its glorious ancient past with modern Greek vibrancy. Its historic neighbourhoods, such as Plaka and Monastiraki, are filled with charming shops, tavernas, and cafes. Whether you’re visiting the Acropolis or enjoying the lively atmosphere of Syntagma Square, Athens is a city where every corner tells a story. It’s pure exhilaration to journey through one of the world’s oldest cities where modern life effortlessly blends with thousands of years of ancient history. As you drive through the bustling streets, you’ll pass iconic landmarks like the Parthenon, the Acropolis, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, all perched on the city's ancient hills. The roads are dotted with remnants of Greece’s glorious past—ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, and neoclassical buildings. The charming Plaka district, with its narrow streets and whitewashed houses, invites you to explore further, while the sprawling National Gardens provide a peaceful escape. As you drive, the sight of the majestic Acropolis rising above the city’s skyline is a constant reminder of the ancient civilisation that once thrived here. You may also pass the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Panathenaic Stadium, and the historic Syntagma Square, where the Greek parliament stands proud. Driving through Athens feels like traveling through time, offering an immersive experience where every turn reveals a piece of history, from ancient monuments to vibrant modern life. These are arguably the most intriguing and beautiful drives in the whole of Greece.
Driving in Athens
Whether you’re seeking ancient ruins, scenic coastal drives, or quiet mountain villages, driving around Athens allows you to craft your own unique adventure, embracing the spirit of exploration that makes every trip unforgettable. Navigating Athens by car can be a mix of exhilarating and challenging experiences. While the city is equipped with well-maintained roads, traffic congestion and limited parking in the city centre can be a hassle. The main roads, including the Attiki Odos ring road and the Poseidonos Avenue coastal route, provide quick access to the city’s famous landmarks and beyond. The Greek capital is also surrounded by lush green hills and picturesque coastlines, ideal for scenic drives. Driving yourself around Athens and beyond is one of the best ways to truly experience the spirit of Greece, offering a sense of freedom and adventure that’s difficult to replicate with guided tours. As you navigate the ancient streets of Athens, you can take in the city's history at your own pace, stopping to admire the Parthenon, explore the bustling Plaka district, or enjoy a leisurely coffee while people-watching in Syntagma Square. But the real excitement lies in hitting the open road and venturing beyond the city to discover the beauty of Greece’s diverse landscapes and charming towns. A road trip from Athens can take you to many remarkable destinations. One option is a drive to Cape Sounion, just an hour’s drive southeast from Athens, where you can marvel at the Temple of Poseidon perched high on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea. Alternatively, head west to Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to explore the ancient archaeological ruins set amidst the stunning mountains. For beach lovers, a drive to the Peloponnese region offers access to hidden beaches and quaint villages. A visit to Nafplio, one of Greece’s most picturesque towns, provides a blend of history and charm, with its ancient fortresses and beautiful seaside views. Further down the coast, the Mani Peninsula offers breathtaking landscapes and traditional stone villages, perfect for a more rugged adventure. If you plan to venture on a day trip to the wine-producing regions of Nemea, a hire car offers the flexibility to take in the stunning landscapes at your own pace. If you’re planning to head to one of the nearby islands, such as Aegina or Hydra, ferries are easily accessible from the port of Piraeus, which is a short drive from Athens city centre. Enjoy the ride!
FAQs & Tips
Renting a car from Athens International Airport gives you the freedom to explore Athens and beyond. With various vehicle options to choose from, including compact cars for city driving and spacious SUVs for longer journeys, car hire offers unmatched convenience.
Athens International Airport (ATH)
- Number of Terminals: 1 (domestic and international flights)
- Location of Car Rental Desks: In the arrivals area of the main terminal.
- Distance to Fuel Station: just outside the airport premises.
- Nearest City: Athens, 20 kilometres (12 miles) away.
- Major Roads: Connected via Attiki Odos and Poseidonos Avenue coastal road.
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