Car Rental at Thessaloniki Airport

You can pick up a hire car the moment you land at Thessaloniki Makedonia (SKG), and the same 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. Thessaloniki is compact and walkable along its waterfront, so a car is not needed for the city itself. A car earns its place on the day trips out of town. This guide covers pickup, whether you need a car and where a car takes you.

The coastal road from Thessaloniki toward Halkidiki — A hire car from Thessaloniki reaches the mainland sights the trains and buses miss.

Airport: Thessaloniki (SKG)
Car in the city?: Not needed
Best for: Day trips
Drive on the: Right

Do you need a car in Thessaloniki?

You do not need a car for Thessaloniki itself. Thessaloniki is compact and walkable along its waterfront, so a car is not needed for the city itself. What a car buys you is the day trips: the three peninsulas of Halkidiki, the villages of Mount Pelion, the monasteries of Meteora and the slopes of Mount Olympus. Hiring at the airport lets you drive straight out without returning to the city first.

If you are staying in town before heading off, our Halkidiki guide helps you choose where to base yourself.

Where to pick up a car in Thessaloniki

You can collect a car at Thessaloniki Makedonia (SKG), where the rental desks sit close to arrivals, and at offices in the city centre. Book ahead for the summer, when demand from both tourists and locals is high, and check the excess and insurance before you pay.

Our car hire requirements guide sets out the documents, deposit and insurance in full, and the same terms apply at the airport counters.

Driving from Thessaloniki

Greece drives on the right, and the roads out of Thessaloniki are modern and well signed. The city centre is busy and parking is limited, so a car earns its keep on the roads out to Halkidiki and the north. The route to the Halkidiki peninsulas is straightforward and toll-free.

For the rules, road signs, tolls, fuel and parking across the country, see our driving in Greece guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a car in Thessaloniki?

Not for the city itself, which is walkable and well served by public transport. A hire car is worth it for day trips such as the three peninsulas of Halkidiki, the villages of Mount Pelion, the monasteries of Meteora and the slopes of Mount Olympus.

Where do you pick up a hire car at Thessaloniki airport?

At the rental desks near arrivals at Thessaloniki Makedonia (SKG), and at offices in the city centre. Book ahead for the summer.

What do you need to rent a car in Thessaloniki?

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 Greece drive on?

Greece drives on the right, so you overtake on the left.