What is the Average Cost of Renting a Car in Greece?

The average cost of renting a car in Greece varies according to the vehicle type, rental term, season, and agency. Daily rates typically range between 18 € ($19.44, £15.47) and 49 € ($52.88, £42.10), with economy and compact cars offering the lowest prices. Longer rentals can lower daily costs to as little as 8 € ($8.64, £6.88) per day, especially during the off-season. March is the most cost-effective month, with the lowest rates across all vehicle categories. Some rental companies include hidden costs, but Rental Center Crete includes everything in the advertised price. This guide gives guests a comprehensive picture of how to budget for car rental throughout their stay in Greece.

The average car rental prices in Greece normally range from 18 € ($19.44, £15.00) to 49 € ($52.92, £42.00) per day, depending on the car type, rental agency, transmission, rental period, and time of year. Economy cars such as the Toyota Aygo, Peugeot 108, or Volkswagen Up have an average daily cost of 18 € ($19.44, £15.00) and are usually offered with manual transmissions. Compact cars like the Fiat Panda or Hyundai i10 average 20 € ($21.60, £17.00) per day, available in similar transmission options. Intermediate vehicles, including models like the Volkswagen Polo, Toyota Yaris, or Suzuki Swift, are priced around 24 € ($25.92, £21.00) daily. Standard and full-size cars, such as the Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla, and Kia Stonic, cost approximately 31 € ($33.48, £26.00) per day.

SUV rentals typically fall within the 44 € ($47.52, £38.00) to 56 € ($60.48, £48.00) range, featuring models like the Toyota Yaris Cross, Peugeot 2008, Jeep Renegade, and Nissan X-Trail, with both manual and automatic variants available. Minivans, such as the Opel Vivaro Auto, Peugeot Traveller, and Volkswagen Caddy Maxi, cost between 47 € ($50.76, £40.00) and 70 € ($75.60, £60.00) per day, depending on features and size. Premium vehicles start at 99 € ($106.92, £85.00) per day and include options from all size categories with high-end designs, luxury interiors, and top-tier performance.

The cheapest time to rent a car in Greece is March, based on average prices across multiple vehicle categories. SUV rentals average 67.8 € ($73.22, £58.00) and van rentals cost 67.2 € ($72.58, £57.00), making them the lowest rates of the year for these vehicle types. Small cars in March are priced at 28.9 € ($31.18, £25.00), while cabriolets drop to 62.0 € ($66.96, £53.00), both among the most affordable monthly rates. March remains the most budget-friendly overall, although large cars reach their lowest average in November at 44.7 € ($48.38, £38.00), and small cars are cheapest in January at 27.1 € ($29.34, £23.00). March provides consistent savings across standard, premium, and utility categories, making it the ideal period for cost-conscious travelers planning to rent a car in Greece.

What are the average car rental prices in Crete?

The average cost of renting a car in Crete is between 25 € ($27.00, £21.50) and 30 € ($32.40, £25.80) per day, with rates varying based on season, vehicle type, and booking method. Prices are lowest during February and March, starting from 6.47 € ($7.00, £5.60) per day, and highest in July and August, reaching up to 40.69 € ($43.90, £35.00) per day.

Peak season rates rise due to demand, especially for premium vehicles and airport pickups, which average 68 € (£59,50, $74,00) per day. Mini and economy cars offer the most affordable options at 4,60 €–8,30 € (£4,03–£7,88, $5,00–$9,00) daily, while premium or sports models can cost 34 €–102 € (£29,10–£89,10, $37,00–$111,00). Monthly rentals average 882 € (£772,00, $961,00) and may offer better long-term value. Booking early and using local or comparison sites reduces cost and risk of hidden fees.

At Heraklion Airport, rates can start from 30 € ($32,40, £25,80) per day, although the average daily price tends to be around 32,70 € (£28,10, $35). Renting from city centers like Heraklion or Chania may yield slightly lower prices and fewer added fees than airport rentals.

Why is Rental Center Crete considered the best car rental company in Crete?

Rental Center Crete is considered the best car rental company in Crete because it offers below-average prices with all-inclusive rates that eliminate hidden fees. Unlike other agencies, its pricing includes full insurance, taxes, and extras like GPS or additional drivers, reducing total rental cost and improving customer trust.

Without doubt, Rental Center Crete maintains competitive value by simplifying costs, avoiding upselling, and ensuring that services quoted are fully covered. Seasonal fluctuations and vehicle types affect all rentals, but this company’s clear policies and comprehensive coverage make it the most reliable and budget-friendly option, especially for travelers seeking transparency and convenience.

Is it cheaper to rent a car for a longer period in Greece?

It is cheaper to rent a car for a longer period in Greece, especially when taking advantage of discounted daily rates and off-season offers. Long-term rentals start at a minimum of 30 days, with daily prices ranging from 8 € ($8.64, £7.00) to 26 € ($28.08, £22.00), depending on the vehicle type and availability. Travelers can rent a Peugeot 108 for 8 € ($8.64, £7.00) per day, a Fiat Panda for 10 € ($10.80, £9.00), or a Toyota Yaris for 12 € ($12.96, £10.00). Larger models such as the Volkswagen Golf and Peugeot Rifter cost 14 € ($15.12, £12.00) per day, while the Volkswagen Caddy Maxi reaches 26 € ($28.08, £22.00). These rates are significantly lower than standard short-term prices and are available from October 1st to April 30th for leases longer than 12 months.

Rental agencies promote long-term rentals for extended business trips, seasonal stays, or slow-paced holidays, offering benefits such as flexible vehicle selection, lower costs, basic insurance, and regular servicing. Clients must contact individual agencies to confirm minimum rental periods and specific conditions. Rental Center Crete enables online bookings for shorter rentals, but long-term deals require direct arrangements. Early bookings are recommended for high-demand periods between late spring and early autumn, since availability and pricing depend heavily on seasonality. Rental options are more abundant and affordable during the off-season, allowing travelers to plan longer stays in Crete with convenience and cost efficiency.

What are the hidden fees with other car rental companies in Greece (but we don’t charge)?

Find below a list of some hidden fees that customers might encounter with other car rental companies in Greece:

Fuel Discrepancies. Some agencies require you to return the car with a full tank, even if it wasn’t full at pickup, resulting in unexpected fuel charges.
Insurance. Basic insurance might not cover much, and companies often charge extra for full coverage or excess reduction, which can significantly increase the rental cost.
Number of Miles You Put on the Car. Certain companies limit mileage and charge fees for exceeding daily or total distance thresholds.
Driver’s Age. Drivers under 25 or over 70 may face age-related surcharges, often not disclosed upfront.
Pickup and Drop-off Locations. Some rentals apply fees for picking up or returning the vehicle at different or off-site locations, including airports or ferry ports.

At Rental Center Crete, we include everything in the price you book. There are no sneaky fees in our rental process. Contact us here or read the Rental Center Crete Zero Excess Policy.

Crete Car Rental Disclaimer:

The following prices are here only to give you an idea of how much it will cost you to rent different vehicle types during your stay in Greece.

At Rental Center Crete, we never want you to be surprised by prices or fees of any kind. You can always check out our car rental models and know that the price you book is the price you will pay.

We cannot speak for other agencies or their prices and policies. This article is just to give you a general idea so you can start thinking about your trip to Greece.

Last updated on June 3rd, 2025