Car Rental at Piraeus Port

Piraeus port car rentals are the ideal way to explore the various sites and attractions of Piraeus, Athens, and their surrounding areas. Are you weighing your options? The following guide about car hire at Piraeus Port will answer all your questions!

The Pros of Car Rental at Athens Piraeus Port

Autonomy

Suppose you want to explore Piraeus or even Athens city center and also visit popular destinations within a short or long distance from Athens Port. In that case, you should definitely consider renting a car at Piraeus Port. Athens Riviera (Flisvos Marina, Voula, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, Cape Sounio) is a short ride away, while several captivating destinations are located within an hour’s drive from Piraeus Port. Thus, a rental car from Piraeus Port will give you the chance to visit as many sites and attractions as possible.

Flexibility

Car hire at Piraeus Port is the ideal transit option in terms of flexibility. You can make multiple stops on your way depending on your preferences and the mood of the day, change your plans, and travel at your own pace without worrying about the bus or train routes or taxis’ availability.

Customized Services

The majority of travelers who rent a car at Piraeus Port do so because they want to optimize their transit by tailoring rides to their exact needs. They can choose the perfect vehicle depending on their needs and itinerary and add extra amenities (GPS, child seats, luggage racks, etc.) to fully customize the traveling experience.

Efficiency

Do you have limited time to spare around Piraeus? Car rental at Athens Piraeus Port can save you time. You won’t have to look for a taxi rank, wait for your called taxi to arrive, or depend on the often unreliable modes of mass transit.

When Shouldn’t you Rent a Car at Piraeus Port

Despite being a sought-after transit option, rental cars at Piraeus Port come with some disadvantages as well. Hence, they are dependent on traffic levels, which are often high around Piraeus and even higher in the city center of Athens. Moreover, parking can be difficult and is usually paid. Therefore, if you are planning to stay within Piraeus’ limits or explore downtown Athens, it is recommended to do so using the public means of transport. Athens metro, for instance, is an effective way to reach your destination and isn’t affected by road congestion. Moreover, if you are traveling on a tight budget, you should consider the additional expenses associated with car hire, such as gas, parking fees, tolls, etc.

Popular Piraeus Port Car Rental Companies

ACE Car Rental

ACR (Athens Car Rental)

AGR (Athens Greece Car Rental)

Apollo Rent a Car

Asset Rent a Car

ByCar

Car First

Carwiz

Chandri’s Rent a Car

Europcar

Hertz / Thrifty

Sixt

How to Book the Top Value-for-Money Rental Car at Piraeus Port

The car hire companies at Piraeus Port have fleets consisting of all types of vehicles. Indeed, you can opt for the ideal vehicle and model for you, taking your pick among small city models, SUVs, convertibles, luxurious cars, or even spacious minivans. However, if you want to book the perfect car for you without overburdening your pocket, you should follow the tips below:

  • Have you settled on your trip from or to Piraeus Port? Now it’s time to book your car rental. In fact, if you reserve your rental car early in advance, you’ll benefit from better deals and choose from a wider number of available vehicles.
  • If you feel unsure about choosing a car rental company, you should check previous customer’s reviews.
  • Choose the fuel-to-fuel policy and refill the car before dropping it off. In that way, you’ll save money as Piraeus port car hire companies charge higher prices for fuel than local gas stations.
  • Full insurance packages offer comprehensive coverage. Despite raising the final fee, they are recommended to be protected in case of damage or accident.
  • Take time-stamped photos of the vehicle before setting off if you detect any damage.
  • If you are planning to stay within the city limits, you should rent a compact vehicle. Thus, driving in the narrow streets will be much easier and parking less challenging. On the other hand, family cars and spacious SUVs are recommended if you want to explore destinations within a long distance from the Port of Athens, while convertibles are always a good choice to enjoy the Greek sun.
  • Although most car hire companies allow ferry travel with a rental car, it is always advisable to check with the chosen agency if you have an onward ferry journey from Piraeus Port. Similarly, if you want to visit destinations within a very long distance from Piraeus Port, you should be sure that your rental car doesn’t come with mileage restrictions.
  • Several car hire companies at Piraeus Port allow one-way car rental. Thus, you’ll most probably be allowed to collect your rental car at Piraeus Port and return it to a different location. Still, you should be charged an extra fee.
  • Avoid extra fees by returning your Piraeus port vehicle on time. Please keep in mind that car rental companies charge per 24 hours.
  • The minimum age to rent a car at Piraeus Port is 21 (although higher age limits apply to luxurious car models). Still, if you are a young driver (21 to 23 years of age), you’ll have to pay a young driver’s fee.

Important Facts about Car Rentals at Piraeus Port

Car Hire Companies’ Locations

  • Around the port but not inside its premises.
  • Some are closer to the ferry passenger terminals, and others to the Cruise Gates.
  • Further-located providers are usually cheaper.

Documents to Rent a Car at Piraeus Port

  • Minimum 1-year driver’s license
  • ID/Passport
  • Credit card in the main driver’s name
  • International Driving Permit if the license isn’t written in English

Popular Models and Prices

  • Mini and compact cars are the most popular car hire categories.
  • Toyota Aygo, Fiat Panda, and Peugeot 208 are the most popular rental cars.
  • A mini car rental at Piraeus Port costs about €27/$29.

Useful Info about Driving Around Piraeus

  • Drivers in Greece drive on the right side of the road.
  • Street parking around Piraeus Port is challenging. Fortunately, you’ll find various private car parks close to the port.
  • The traffic levels inside the port’s premises and in Piraeus city center are usually high. Thus, you should avoid driving during rush hours (on weekdays from 07:30 am to 09:30 am and from 03:00 pm to 05:00 pm). 
  • You must not drive if the alcohol level in your blood is more than 0.05%.
  • The speed limit in urban areas is 50km/h (31 mph) and, in non-urban zones, 90km/h (56mph). Furthermore, drivers can drive in expressways at up-to-110km/h (68mph) speed. Finally, the speed limit on motorways is 130km/h (81mph).

FAQs

Can you rent a car in Athens and take it on a ferry?

Most car rental companies in Piraeus allow taking the rental car on a ferry. That being said, you should check each company’s policy and always let the chosen provider know, as you might have to pay an extra fee.

Can foreigners rent a car in Greece?