Santorini car rental guide
Top 10 Car Rental Companies in Santorini
The best car rental companies in Santorini are Sixt, Europcar, Hertz. Prices start from €32/day for an economy car, the minimum age is 21, and airport pickup adds about 10%.
✓ Free cancellation options✓ No booking fee✓ Full-to-full suppliers✓ You book direct
Ranked comparison
Top 10 rental companies in Santorini
Ranked by customer rating, price transparency and pickup convenience. Each opens a pre-filled search.
#1
Sixt
Editor's pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€34/day
all-in estimate
View Sixt deal
#2
Europcar
Local favouriteFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€32/day
all-in estimate
View Europcar deal
#3
Hertz
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€34/day
all-in estimate
View Hertz deal
#4
Avis
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€33/day
all-in estimate
View Avis deal
#5
Budget
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€31/day
all-in estimate
View Budget deal
#6
Enterprise
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€33/day
all-in estimate
View Enterprise deal
#7
Alamo
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€32/day
all-in estimate
View Alamo deal
#8
National
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€35/day
all-in estimate
View National deal
#9
Dollar
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€30/day
base rate
View Dollar deal
#10
Thrifty
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€30/day
base rate
View Thrifty deal
Prices are indicative market estimates · Last checked 2026-07-05 · 2 public sources (DiscoverCars + market data)
Price guide
Prices by car type in Santorini
| Car type | From / day | Example | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | €32 | Hyundai i10 | 4 |
| Compact | €38 | Volkswagen Polo | 5 |
| SUV | €55 | Jeep Renegade | 5 |
| Minivan (7-seat) | €72 | Volkswagen Caravelle | 7 |
| Luxury | €95 | BMW 3 Series Convertible | 4 |
Pickup locations
Where to pick up a car in Santorini
Airport — Santorini International Airport — Thira (JTR)
Rental desks are in the small arrivals hall. JTR is compact and easy — the whole process takes minutes.
Downtown — Fira / Oia (delivery or agency office)
Many local agencies deliver to your hotel in Fira, Oia, or Kamari. Some major brands have offices in Fira town.
Fees
Fees at a glance
| Fee | Typical amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Airport surcharge | ~10% of base rate | Airport pickups at JTR |
| Young-driver fee (21–24) | €12–20/day | Drivers under 25 |
| Additional driver | €7–10/day | Per extra driver |
| One-way fee | N/A (island only) | No one-way rentals off the island — same pick-up and drop-off |
| Full insurance/CDW | €10–18/day | Recommended — narrow island roads increase risk |
| Child seat | €8–12/day | Required for children under 135 cm in Greece |
Local intelligence
Things to know before renting in Santorini
- Santorini's roads are narrow and winding — a small car (economy or compact) is much easier to manoeuvre than an SUV. Avoid large vehicles unless necessary.
- Greece drives on the right. Most Greek rentals are manual; automatic is available but book well in advance.
- Parking in Oia (sunset village) is very limited — arrive early (before 10am in summer) or expect a 20+ minute walk from the nearest lot.
- Santorini has no motorways or tolls. It is a small island (~18km long) — a tank of fuel will last your entire stay.
- Minimum age is 21; young-driver surcharge under 25. A credit card is required for the deposit. Debit cards are rarely accepted.
- The winding road from Fira to the old port (Fira Skala) is extremely steep and best done on foot or by cable car. Do not attempt to drive it.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Santorini
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Santorini?
You must be at least 21. Drivers 21–24 pay a young-driver surcharge of €12–20/day. Most agencies require a physical credit card for the deposit.
Is a car necessary in Santorini?
A car or ATV/scooter is the best way to explore the island independently. Public buses run between the main villages but are crowded and infrequent in peak season. For beach-hopping and hidden viewpoints, a car is very convenient.
What size car is best for Santorini?
A small economy car (e.g. Hyundai i10) or compact is ideal. Island roads are narrow with tight turns; large SUVs struggle on some tracks. ATVs/quads are popular alternatives for couples.
Are there any roads or areas I cannot drive in Santorini?
The steep path down from Fira to the old port (Skala) is not driveable. Some tracks to remote beaches (e.g. Vlychada) are unpaved; a compact car handles most of them in summer. Some rental contracts prohibit unpaved roads — check before booking.
What is the cheapest car type in Santorini?
Economy micro-cars (e.g. Hyundai i10) start around €32/day in shoulder season. Summer peak (July–August) prices can be 40–60% higher — book well in advance.
Nearby trips
