Driving in Athens
Your complete guide to driving and renting scooters in Athens, Greece. Learn about IDP requirements, traffic rules, safety tips, and everything you need to know before hitting the road.
International Driving Permit (IDP) in Athens
IDP Not Required
EU licenses are valid. Non-EU licenses officially require IDP, but tourists from US, Canada, Australia are usually accepted for car rental.
Fine without IDP: €50-200
Where to Get IDP: Apply in your home country.
Accepted Licenses
Scooter & Motorbike Rental in Athens
Daily Rental Cost
€15-35/dayScooters up to 50cc need AM license. 125cc+ needs A1/A2. Rental companies enforce this.
Insurance Warning
Basic insurance included in rentals. Check excess amounts. Travel insurance should cover motorcycle accidents.
Rental Tips
- Scooters are popular for navigating Athens traffic
- Greeks drive assertively - be confident
- Watch for sudden stops and lane changes
- Helmet enforcement has increased
- Great for reaching areas with limited parking
Traffic Rules in Athens
Local Traffic Rules
- 1Daktylios ring - odd/even license plate restrictions some days
- 2Flashing lights mean "I'm coming through" not "go ahead"
- 3Greeks use hazards while double parking
- 4Right turn often possible at red after stop
- 5Pedestrian crossings not always respected
Common Tourist Mistakes
- Expecting orderly lane discipline
- Being too passive (Greeks are assertive)
- Misunderstanding flashing headlights
- Not checking odd/even restrictions
- Getting lost in one-way streets of Plaka
Horn Culture
Honking is common and not considered rude. Use to signal presence.
Traffic Fines & Penalties
Speeding
€40-350 depending on speed
No Helmet
€350 + license suspension
No IDP
€50-200
Red Light
€700
Drink Driving
€200-2,000 + possible imprisonment
Safety Tips
Essential Safety Tips
- Athens traffic is aggressive but predictable once you adapt
- Don't drive in Plaka/historic center - walk instead
- Use metro for getting around central Athens
- Car useful for day trips to Delphi, Meteora, beaches
- Be assertive but not aggressive
- Watch for motorcycles weaving through traffic
Best Time to Drive
Early morning or after 9 PM. August is quieter (locals on holiday).
Rainy Season Warning
November-March has most rain. Roads can flood briefly. Summer (June-August) extremely hot.
Areas to Avoid (for beginners)
- Plaka and Monastiraki (pedestrian areas)
- Around the Acropolis (limited access)
- Syntagma during protests
Parking
Average Cost
€1-3/hour on street, €10-20/day in garagesScooter Parking
Easy to park - designated spots or carefully on sidewalks. Free in most places.
Parking Tips
- Street parking is chaotic - look for blue lines
- Pay at kiosks or via apps
- Many park on sidewalks (technically illegal but common)
- Underground garages near major sites are safest
- Avoid parking near ancient sites - restricted zones
FAQ: Driving in Athens
Should I drive in Athens city center?
Not recommended. Traffic is chaotic, parking is difficult, and the metro system is excellent. Rent a car only for day trips outside the city.
What is the Daktylios ring?
A traffic restriction in central Athens where vehicles with odd or even license plates can enter on alternate days. Mainly enforced during high pollution days. Rental cars are usually exempt.
Is Greece good for road trips?
Absolutely! The Peloponnese, Delphi, Meteora, and coastal roads are stunning. Highways are modern with reasonable tolls. Just avoid driving in Athens itself.
How much are highway tolls in Greece?
Athens to Thessaloniki is about €35 in tolls. The Attiki Odos (Athens ring road) has various toll points. Keep cash handy as some booths don't take cards.
Can I take a rental car to the Greek islands?
Yes, ferries allow cars to most islands. Book ferry tickets in advance during summer. Some rental companies restrict island travel - check your agreement.
Emergency Contacts
Police
100
Ambulance
166
Tourist Police
171
Roadside Assistance
ELPA: 10400
Partner link – opens GetYourGuide.com
Practice for Your Greece Driving Test
Prepare for the official driving theory test with practice questions, road signs, and study materials.