# Car Rental in Santorini

> A practical guide to car hire in Santorini: whether you need a car, where to pick one up at the airport and port, what it costs and how driving on the island works.

| | |
|---|---|
| Airport | Santorini (JTR) |
| Need a car? | Optional |
| Drive on the | Right |
| Min age | 21 |

Hiring a car is worth considering on Santorini. You can pick one up at Santorini (JTR) airport and in the main town, and the same core rules apply as everywhere in Greece: a full licence held for a year, a credit card in the driver's name and a minimum age of 21. This guide covers whether you need a car, where to collect it and what driving on Santorini is like.

## Do you need a car in Santorini?

**A car is optional on Santorini.** Santorini is small and busy, so a car or ATV is optional, but it helps you dodge the crowds and reach the quieter beaches. Buses and taxis cover the busy spots, so a car mainly buys you freedom and quieter beaches.

The island itself is worth reading up on before you drive it. Our [Santorini guide](https://fly2greece.net/santorini.html) covers its beaches, villages and where to base yourself.

## Where to pick up a car in Santorini

You can collect a car at Santorini (JTR) and at the Athinios ferry port, and many agencies also deliver to your hotel. Book ahead for July and August, when the island fleets sell out and the walk-up desks run short.

Whichever supplier you choose, check the excess and what the insurance covers before you pay, and photograph the car all round at pickup. Our [car hire requirements guide](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/greece-requirements.html) sets out the documents, deposit and insurance in full.

## Driving in Santorini

Santorini driving is on the right, like the rest of Greece, and the island roads are narrow and winding rather than fast. The ridge road runs from Fira to Oia along the caldera, and side roads drop to the black-sand beaches of Perissa and Kamari. A smaller car is the easier choice for tight village streets and steep gradients.

For the rules, road signs, fuel and parking that apply across the country, see our [driving in Greece guide](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/driving-in-greece.html).

Car hire on other islands

[Crete](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/crete.html) [Rhodes](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/rhodes.html) [Corfu](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/corfu.html) [Zakynthos](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/zakynthos.html) [Kefalonia](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/kefalonia.html) [Naxos](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/naxos.html) [Paros](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/paros.html) [Mykonos](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/mykonos.html) [Kos](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/kos.html)

## Frequently asked questions

**Do you need a car in Santorini?**

A car is optional on Santorini. Santorini is small and busy, so a car or ATV is optional, but it helps you dodge the crowds and reach the quieter beaches.

**Where do you pick up a hire car in Santorini?**

At Santorini (JTR) and the Athinios ferry port, and often by hotel delivery. Book ahead in July and August.

**What do you need to hire a car in Santorini?**

A full driving licence held for at least a year, a credit card in the main driver's name and a passport or ID. The minimum age is 21, with a surcharge for younger drivers.

**Which side of the road does Santorini drive on?**

Greece, and so Santorini, drives on the right.

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Source: [Car Rental in Santorini: Airport Pickup, Driving and Where to Rent](https://fly2greece.net/car-rental/santorini.html) — fly2greece.net, an independent guide to Greece written and photographed by Hans Huisman since 2000.

Reviewed July 2026.