Planning one way car hire from Athens? UK guide covering fees, popular routes, airport returns and what to check before booking.
One way car hire allows you to collect a vehicle in Athens and return it to a different location. For UK travellers planning a road trip across mainland Greece, this can offer flexibility without needing to backtrack.
How one way car hire works
With a one way rental, you select a different return location at the time of booking. The rental company then arranges for the vehicle to be repositioned after drop-off.
Common examples include:
- Collecting at Athens Airport and returning in Thessaloniki
- Picking up in Athens city and returning to Athens Airport
- Driving from Athens to regional airports or mainland destinations
Availability depends on the supplier and the destination.
Are there extra fees for one way rentals?
Yes. Most suppliers apply a one way fee to cover the cost of returning the vehicle to its original location.
- Short-distance returns (e.g. city to airport): often low or no fee
- Long-distance mainland returns: typically £40–£150+
- High-demand routes in summer: higher fees may apply
The exact amount is shown before confirming the booking.
Popular one way routes from Athens
UK visitors frequently use one way car hire for:
- Athens to Thessaloniki
- Athens to Kalamata
- Athens to Patras
- Athens Airport to city centre hotels
Motorway routes between major cities are modern and well maintained.
One way car hire at Athens Airport
Athens Airport is the most convenient location for one way rentals. It offers the widest vehicle selection and the greatest flexibility for drop-off times.
Airport returns are especially useful if you are flying home from a different city than where you arrived.
For official airport travel information, see:
Athens International Airport passenger information
Insurance and deposits for one way rentals
Deposit and insurance requirements are usually the same as standard rentals. However:
- Higher-value vehicles may carry larger deposits
- One way rentals may limit certain vehicle categories
- Return location may affect availability during peak season
Reviewing supplier terms carefully helps avoid surprises at collection.
When one way hire makes sense
One way car hire is particularly useful if:
- You plan a road trip across mainland Greece
- Your departure airport differs from arrival
- You want to avoid returning to Athens
For shorter trips based around the capital, a standard return rental may be more cost-effective.
Comparing routes and return options in advance makes it easier to arrange car hire in Athens that fits your itinerary.
Official travel resources
Visit Greece official tourism portal
UK Foreign Office travel advice for Greece
Frequently asked questions
Is one way car hire available from Athens?
Yes. Many suppliers allow collection in Athens and return to another mainland location.
Is there always a one way fee?
Most of the time, yes. Fees vary by distance and supplier.
Can I return a car to Athens Airport after collecting in the city?
Yes. City-to-airport returns are common and often involve low or no additional fee.
Are one way rentals more expensive?
They can be due to repositioning costs, but this depends on the route.
Is availability limited for one way rentals?
Sometimes. Certain vehicle categories may be restricted for longer routes.
Do deposits differ for one way hire?
Deposits are usually similar to standard rentals, based on vehicle and insurance level.
Can I drive from Athens to Thessaloniki with a hire car?
Yes. This is a common mainland route supported by major suppliers.
Are tolls payable on long-distance routes?
Yes. Greek motorways use toll systems that accept cash or card.
Is one way hire suitable for short trips?
It can be, but for very short distances, standard return rentals may be cheaper.
Should I book one way rentals early?
Yes. Early booking improves availability and transparency on fees.
