Car Hire at Thessaloniki Airport – What You Need to Know
Thessaloniki Airport (Makedonia International, SKG) is 15km from the city centre. Most rental desks are in the arrivals hall — you can be in your car within 20 minutes of landing. We compare Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, Avis and local Greek suppliers to get you the best rate.
Why Rent a Car at Thessaloniki Airport?
- Skip the taxi queue — especially useful for groups or families with luggage
- Direct access to Halkidiki (1 hour), Mount Olympus (1.5 hours), Meteora (2.5 hours)
- Flexible return — most suppliers allow city centre drop-off
- Airport rates often cheaper than city centre pickups (more competition)
Where Can You Drive from Thessaloniki?
- Halkidiki Peninsula (1 hr) — three “fingers” of coastline, stunning beaches, turquoise water. Sithonia and Kassandra are the most popular.
- Mount Olympus (1.5 hrs) — highest peak in Greece. Drive to Litochoro village and hike the lower trails or just take in the views.
- Meteora (2.5 hrs) — UNESCO-listed monasteries perched on rock pillars. One of the most dramatic sights in all of Greece.
- Vergina (1 hr) — ancient Macedonian royal tombs, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Often missed by tourists but extraordinary.
- Kavala (1.5 hrs east) — beautiful Byzantine fortress city on the coast, Roman aqueduct still standing.
- Pella (40 min) — birthplace of Alexander the Great, excellent archaeological museum.
Driving Tips for Thessaloniki
- Thessaloniki traffic is dense, especially around the port and centre — avoid rush hour (8-9am, 5-7pm)
- Parking in the city centre is paid and can be difficult. Use peripheral car parks and walk/taxi in.
- Roads to Halkidiki get very busy Friday afternoons in summer — leave early or late
- Greek highways (A/E roads) require tolls — carry some cash or a card
- Speed limits: 50km/h city, 90km/h regional, 130km/h motorway
- International Driving Permit required for non-EU licence holders
What’s Included in Your Rental?
- CDW (collision damage waiver), theft protection, third-party liability all standard
- Roadside assistance included
- No hidden fees — the price you see is the price you pay
- Child seats, GPS, additional drivers available as extras
Do I need an international driving licence for Greece?
EU licence holders are fine in Greece. Non-EU drivers (US, Australian, UK post-Brexit) need an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence. Your rental company will check both at pickup.
Where are the rental car desks at Thessaloniki Airport?
The main rental desks (Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Avis, Budget) are in the arrivals hall on the ground floor. Some smaller local suppliers operate via shuttle to off-airport lots — check your booking confirmation for pickup instructions.
Can I drive from Thessaloniki to other countries?
Yes — cross-border travel to Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Turkey is possible but must be declared at booking. Additional insurance and a cross-border permit may be required. Not all suppliers allow cross-border travel, so check before booking.
What is the cheapest time to rent a car at Thessaloniki Airport?
Shoulder season (April-May and September-October) offers the best rates — warm enough for sightseeing but before peak summer prices kick in. July and August are most expensive. Booking 4-6 weeks in advance generally gets you 20-30% off walk-up rates.
