Kalamata car rental guide
Top 10 Car Rental Companies in Kalamata
The best car rental companies in Kalamata are Sixt, Hertz, Avis. Prices start from €24/day for an economy car, the minimum age is 21, and airport pickup adds about 13%.
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Ranked comparison
Top 10 rental companies in Kalamata
Ranked by customer rating, price transparency and pickup convenience. Each opens a pre-filled search.
#1
Sixt
Editor’s pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€26/day
all-in estimate
View Sixt deal
#2
Hertz
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€27/day
all-in estimate
View Hertz deal
#3
Avis
Top ratedFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€26/day
all-in estimate
View Avis deal
#4
Budget
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€24/day
all-in estimate
View Budget deal
#5
Alamo
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€25/day
all-in estimate
View Alamo deal
#6
Europcar
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€25/day
all-in estimate
View Europcar deal
#7
Enterprise
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€28/day
all-in estimate
View Enterprise deal
#8
National
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€29/day
all-in estimate
View National deal
#9
Avance
Local pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €200Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€21/day
base rate
View Avance deal
Prices are indicative market estimates · Last checked 2026-07-20 · 2 public sources (DiscoverCars + market data)
Price guide
Prices by car type in Kalamata
| Car type | From / day | Example | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | €24 | Hyundai i10 | 4 |
| Compact | €29 | Opel Corsa | 5 |
| SUV | €47 | Dacia Duster | 5 |
| Minivan (7-seat) | €63 | Volkswagen Touran | 7 |
| Luxury | €92 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 5 |
Pickup locations
Where to pick up a car in Kalamata
Airport — Kalamata International Airport (KLX)
Markedly seasonal — most flights are summer charters (roughly April–October). Outside that window, most travelers fly into Athens (ATH) instead and drive ~250km (2.5–3h) south.
Downtown — Kalamata city center
Desks near the port and city center serve local exploration of the Mani peninsula and Messinia region.
Fees
Fees at a glance
| Fee | Typical amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Airport surcharge | ~13% of base rate | KLX airport pickup |
| Young-driver fee (21–24) | €15–25/day | Drivers under 25 |
| Additional driver | €7–12/day | Per extra driver |
| One-way fee (Athens ↔ Kalamata) | €80–150 | Different pickup/drop-off city |
| Moreas Motorway tolls (A7, via Athens) | ~€9 per 100 km average | Driving between Athens and the Kalamata region |
| Refundable deposit | €300–500 | Standard hold at pickup |
Local intelligence
Things to know before renting in Kalamata
- Kalamata International Airport (KLX) is markedly seasonal — most flights are summer charters, and even DiscoverCars flags it as "mainly active during the summer months."
- Outside the summer season, most travelers fly into Athens (ATH) and drive the ~250km (2.5–3h) route south instead of relying on KLX.
- South of Areopoli on the Mani peninsula, fuel stations become scarce — top up before heading further south into the mountains.
- Public transport across the Mani peninsula is minimal; a car is essential, not just convenient, to reach villages, beaches and caves like Diros.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required alongside a home licence for non-EU visitors driving in Greece.
- Costa Navarino, Ancient Messene and Voidokilia beach all require a car — there is no public transport connecting these sites to central Kalamata.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Kalamata
Do you need a car in Mani, Kardamyli or Stoupa?
Yes — sources agree unanimously that public transport in the Mani peninsula is minimal and mainly serves locals. A car is needed to reach beaches, mountain villages and sites like the Diros Caves.
Is Kalamata airport open year-round?
Not really as a full-service international airport — most routes are seasonal summer charters (roughly April–October). Olympic Air runs some year-round domestic connections, but off-season visitors typically fly via Athens instead.
Kalamata vs Nafplio — which base is better for exploring the Peloponnese?
Kalamata suits the Mani peninsula, Costa Navarino and southern Messinia; Nafplio suits Mycenae, Epidaurus and the northeastern Argolis sites. Many visitors combine both on a longer road trip rather than choosing one.
How far is Kalamata airport from Costa Navarino and the Mani peninsula?
Costa Navarino is about 45km/45–55 minutes from Kalamata; the Mani peninsula begins just south of the city and stretches roughly 1–1.5 hours further to Areopoli and beyond.
Can you visit Ancient Messene and Voidokilia beach in one day from Kalamata?
Yes, with a car — Ancient Messene is about 33km away and Voidokilia beach roughly 40–60km, both easily combinable in a single day since neither has direct public transport from the city.
Do I need an international driving permit in Greece?
Yes, non-EU visitors (US, UK, Canada, Australia) should carry an IDP alongside their home licence — it can be requested at rental desks or by police.
What is the cheapest car type in Kalamata?
Economy cars like a Hyundai i10 start around €24/day. For families exploring Mani or Messinia, a 7-seat minivan starts around €63/day.
Nearby trips
