Car Hire in Thessaloniki – Explore Greece’s Second City
Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest city and honestly one of the most underrated destinations in Europe. Great food, Byzantine history, a buzzing waterfront, and a student city energy that makes it feel alive year-round. It’s also the perfect base for road trips north — Halkidiki, Meteora, Mount Olympus are all within 2.5 hours.
Why Rent a Car in Thessaloniki?
- The city itself is walkable but the surrounding region isn’t
- Halkidiki’s beaches are 1 hour away — no bus will get you there easily
- Day trips to Meteora, Vergina, Pella are all car-dependent
- More flexibility than guided tours, go at your own pace
- Split between 3-4 people and it’s often cheaper than multiple taxi rides
What to See in and Around Thessaloniki
- The White Tower — Thessaloniki’s iconic symbol on the waterfront. Free to walk around, small museum inside.
- Ano Poli (Upper Town) — Byzantine-era neighbourhood with Ottoman houses, stunning views over the city and bay
- Rotunda — one of the oldest monuments in the world, now a UNESCO site
- Aristotelous Square — the grand central square, great for coffee and people-watching
- Modiano Market — covered food market, the best place to eat like a local
- Halkidiki Peninsula (1 hr) — three peninsulas of white-sand beaches. Kassandra for party beach, Sithonia for quiet coves, Athos for the famous monastery
- Meteora (2.5 hrs) — the monasteries on rocks, absolute must-see
- Vergina (1 hr) — Alexander the Great’s royal tombs
Driving in Thessaloniki
- City traffic is heavy — use your car mainly for day trips, not city centre navigation
- Parking: paid zones in centre, free parking further out near the universities
- The ring road (Egnatia Odos) connects the city to the motorway network efficiently
- Tolls on major highways — have a card ready
- Speed: 50 city / 90 rural / 130 motorway
How to Book
- Enter Thessaloniki as your pickup location
- Choose pickup from airport, city centre or port
- Compare available vehicles and prices
- Book online — instant confirmation, free cancellation on most bookings
Is Thessaloniki a good base for road trips?
Excellent. You can reach Halkidiki’s beaches in under an hour, Meteora in 2.5 hours, and the Turkish border in about 3 hours. Most visitors underestimate how central Thessaloniki is to some of Greece’s best sights.
Do I need a car to get around Thessaloniki itself?
Not really for the city centre — it’s walkable. But if you want to explore the surrounding region (Halkidiki, Meteora, Mount Olympus, Vergina), a car is essential. Public transport options for day trips are limited and slow.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Greece?
Most suppliers require drivers to be at least 21. Under-25s may face a young driver surcharge. Some premium vehicle categories require 25+. Check individual supplier terms at booking.
Can I pick up at the airport and return in the city centre?
Yes, one-way rentals are available in Thessaloniki. You can pick up at Makedonia Airport (SKG) and drop off in the city centre, or vice versa. A one-way fee may apply depending on the supplier.
