Global IDP Team · 2026-03-15 · 9 min read
Greece is a dream driving destination — from the winding coastal roads of the Peloponnese to the sun-drenched islands of Crete, Corfu, and Santorini. Driving gives you the freedom to discover hidden beaches, ancient ruins, and mountain villages that tour buses can't reach.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit for Greece?
Yes, for non-EU license holders. If you hold a license issued outside the EU/EEA, you must carry an IDP to drive legally in Greece. This is enforced by police and required by all car rental agencies.
- EU/EEA license holders: Can drive with their domestic license (IDP not required but recommended)
- Non-EU license holders (US, UK, Australian, Canadian, etc.): IDP is mandatory
- Car rental companies: All major and local agencies require an IDP from non-EU drivers
- Police checkpoints: Common in tourist areas and on islands — IDP avoids fines and complications
Greek Driving Rules
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on open roads, 130 km/h on motorways (autokinitodromos)
- Blood alcohol limit: 0.05% (0.02% for new drivers and motorcyclists)
- Seatbelts mandatory for all occupants
- Headlights: Must be on at all times on motorways
- Priority: Vehicles on the right have priority at unmarked intersections
- Horn use: Prohibited in urban areas at night
- Slow vehicles: Pull over to the shoulder to let faster traffic pass on two-lane roads (this is customary, not just legal)
Driving on Greek Islands
Island driving is one of Greece's greatest pleasures, but comes with unique challenges:
- Narrow roads: Many island roads are single-lane with sharp turns and no guardrails
- Scooters and ATVs: Very common — watch for them at every turn
- Unpaved roads: Many beaches and remote areas require dirt road driving
- Parking: Extremely limited in popular towns during summer
- Ferry scheduling: Book car ferries well in advance during July-August; arrive 1-2 hours early
Popular Islands for Driving
- Crete: Largest island, best explored by car; dramatic Gorge of Samaria, Balos Beach, Elafonisi
- Corfu: Lush green island with scenic coastal roads
- Rhodes: Well-maintained roads connecting ancient sites
- Santorini: Small but stunning; traffic jams in Fira and Oia during summer
- Zakynthos: Famous for Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), accessible by car + boat
Renting a Car in Greece
- Requirements: Valid domestic license, IDP (non-EU), passport, minimum age 21-23 (varies), credit card
- Costs: From €25-40/day for economy; convertibles and SUVs from €50-80/day
- Peak season (July-August): Prices can double; book at least 2-4 weeks in advance
- Major companies: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, plus excellent local companies
- Insurance: Full coverage (CDW + theft + third party) highly recommended; Greek roads can be rough
- Fuel: €1.70-2.00 per liter; island prices are typically 10-15% higher
Taking Your Rental Car on a Ferry
You can take rental cars on ferries between islands and from the mainland:
- Permission required: Always inform your rental company — not all allow inter-island travel
- Ferry booking: Book through Ferryhopper, Direct Ferries, or Greek Ferries; reserve car space early in summer
- Cost: Car ferry tickets cost €30-80+ depending on route and season, plus passenger tickets
- Loading: Arrive 1-2 hours before departure; follow crew instructions for parking in the car deck
- Routes: Main ports — Piraeus (Athens), Rafina, Heraklion, Chania, Patras
Must-Drive Routes
- Athens to Nafplio: Coastal route via Corinth Canal to the beautiful Peloponnese town
- Chania to Elafonisi (Crete): Winding mountain road to one of Europe's best beaches
- Meteora scenic drive: Dramatic monasteries perched on rock pillars in Thessaly
- Mani Peninsula: Wild, rugged southern Peloponnese with stone tower villages
- Olympic Riviera: Coastal road from Thessaloniki south past Mount Olympus
Can I drive in Greece with a US license?
You need both your US license and an IDP to drive legally in Greece. A US license alone is not sufficient — Greek law requires non-EU drivers to carry an IDP. Police regularly check documents, especially in tourist areas and on islands. Car rental companies will not release a vehicle without an IDP. The process is simple: get your IDP online before your trip.
Is driving in Athens difficult?
Driving in Athens can be challenging: heavy traffic, aggressive driving, confusing one-way streets, and very limited parking. Many travelers avoid driving in central Athens entirely and use the excellent metro system instead. If you must drive, avoid rush hours (7-10 AM, 5-8 PM). A car becomes invaluable once you leave Athens for the countryside, islands, or Peloponnese.
Do I need an IDP for a scooter in Greece?
Yes, if you're a non-EU license holder, you need an IDP with the appropriate motorcycle category (Category A) to rent a scooter or ATV in Greece. You also need a valid motorcycle license from your home country. Many tourists rent scooters on islands without proper licensing — this voids your insurance and can result in fines of €200+ or vehicle confiscation.
What should I know about Greek gas stations?
Gas stations in Greece may close on Sundays and holidays, especially in rural areas and on smaller islands. Always fill up when you see a station — the next one may be far away. Most stations accept credit cards, but carry cash as backup. On small islands, there may only be 1-2 gas stations. Prices are posted per liter and are among the highest in Europe.
Is car insurance important in Greece?
Absolutely. Greek roads — especially on islands — can have potholes, narrow passages, stray animals, and unpaved sections. Full coverage insurance (CDW with zero excess, theft protection, and third-party liability) is strongly recommended. Your credit card travel insurance may provide some coverage, but verify the details before relying on it. Report any damage to the rental company immediately.
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*Ready to explore Greece? Get your International Driving Permit today and discover the ancient ruins, stunning islands, and coastal roads of the Mediterranean's most beautiful country.*
Disclaimer: *Global IDP is a private translation service. We are not affiliated with any government agency. The documents we provide are translations of your existing driving license and do not replace your valid domestic license.*