Budget-Friendly Car and Bike Rentals Firms in the Greek Islands

Renting a car or bike in the Greek Islands provides an efficient and affordable way to explore the island. Rental services offer compact cars for tight spaces and motorcycles for quick trips, with transparent pricing and comprehensive insurance securing a hassle-free experience. Travelers can navigate at their own pace, maximizing sightseeing while staying within budget. Choosing the right rental enhances mobility and convenience, making island exploration more efficient and enjoyable. 

1. Rental Center Crete (Crete)

Rental Center Crete, a budget-friendly car hire service on the Greek island of Crete, offers transparent pricing, premium service, and comprehensive insurance. Established in 1975 and operated by the Anapliotis family, the company is headquartered at Nidas 1, Heraklion, Crete, Greece, 71307, with operations at major locations such as Heraklion and Chania airports. Contact is available via +30 2810 240120 or through their official website. The well-maintained and fuel-efficient fleet includes economy cars like the Toyota Aygo, compact cars, SUVs, jeeps, family cars, and vans. Premium insurance packages provide zero excess coverage, including Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection (TP), Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), unlimited mileage, and 24/7 roadside assistance. Pricing follows a no-hidden-fees policy, with economy rentals starting at €18 ($19, £15) per day. A 4.9/5 Google rating based on nearly 2000 reviews highlights customer satisfaction with professional staff, smooth processes, and clear pricing. Affordable rates, all-inclusive insurance, flexible cancellations (free up to 48 hours before pick-up), and free extras like additional drivers and baby seats enhance the stress-free rental experience. No deposit or credit card block is required, ensuring convenience for travelers. Rental Center Crete offers tailored car hire services, allowing visitors to explore Crete effortlessly with a family-run business backed by decades of expertise.

2. Paros on Wheels (Athens) 

Paros on Wheels, based in Naoussa, Paros, Greece, offers affordable car and bike rentals with a well-maintained fleet and strong customer service. Contact is available at +30 2284 055374 or +306947561776. The company fleet includes economy cars like the Hyundai i10, compact models, scooters, ATVs, and quads, catering to various budgets and preferences. Economy car rentals start at €28 ($30, £24) per day during off-peak seasons, with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. Included third-party liability insurance is standard, with options for Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Full Damage Waiver (FDW) for added protection. The company provides 24/7 phone support for bookings, inquiries, and emergencies, with staff known for professionalism and assistance. Reviews highlight quality vehicles, smooth booking, and reliable customer care, with praise for honest pricing and friendly service. Paros on Wheels stands out for budget-friendly rates, a diverse fleet, and free extras like helmets for bike rentals and detailed maps. No credit card is required for booking, and no deposit is necessary for certain rentals. Free unlimited kilometers and roadside assistance ensure a hassle-free experience. Paros on Wheels provides personalized services for exploring Paros, making it a top choice for affordable car and bike rentals.

3. Justrentals (Crete)

Justrentals, a Crete-based car rental service, provides affordable rates, transparent pricing, and comprehensive insurance with strong customer support. Justrentals has been operating since 1975 and its headquarters are located at Gortynis Str. 1, Hersonissos, Crete, Greece, with operations at Heraklion and Chania airports. Contact is available via +30 28970 23083 or info@justrentals.gr. The diverse fleet includes economy cars such as the Toyota Aygo and Peugeot 107, compact models like the Toyota Yaris and Nissan Micra, SUVs including the Suzuki Vitara, family cars, minivans, and hybrids like the Toyota Yaris Hybrid. Economy rentals start at €15 ($16, £13) per day, following an all-inclusive, no-hidden-fees policy. The insurance package covers a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) with no excess, a Full Collision Damage Waiver (FDW) protecting glass, tires, engine, and underside, Theft Protection (TP), Public Liability Insurance (PLI) up to €1 million, and Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) covering passengers up to €1 million and drivers up to €15,000. Reliable customer support is available via phone and email, with professional staff ensuring an efficient rental process. A 4.8/5 Google rating reflects customer satisfaction, particularly with the company’s straightforward policies, clean vehicles, and seamless service. Justrentals offers competitive pricing, all-inclusive insurance, free cancellations, no credit card deposit, unlimited mileage, flexible fuel policies, free child seats upon request, and convenient airport delivery and pick-up services.

4. Santorini Rent a Car (Santorini)

Santorini Rent a Car offers affordable car rentals with transparent pricing, diverse vehicle options, and strong customer service. The company operates from multiple locations, including its main office in Perissa, 84703 Santorini Island, Greece, Santorini Airport (JTR), Athinios Port, and Perissa Village. Contact is available at +30 22860 82652 or info@santorini-rent-a-car.com. The fleet includes economy cars like the Fiat Panda, compact models like the Hyundai i20, luxury cars like the Fiat 500 Cabrio, SUVs, minivans, cabriolets, and ATVs. Insurance coverage includes a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection (TP), Fire Insurance (FI), Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), and an optional Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW) for zero excess. Pricing is all-inclusive, with no hidden fees, unlimited mileage, taxes, roadside assistance, and free cancellation. Economy rentals start at €23 ($25, £20) per day during the shoulder season. Santorini Rent a Car provides free delivery and collection at the airport, port, hotel, or any location, with 24/7 support for emergencies. The company holds a 4.8/5 average rating, with customers praising professionalism, vehicle quality, and hassle-free service. Competitive pricing, a diverse fleet, free delivery/pick-up, and flexible cancellation policies make it a top choice for budget-conscious travelers. Free child seats, no credit card requirements, a “return as received” fuel policy, and additional drivers at no extra cost enhance convenience.

5. Salonica Rent a Car (Thessaloniki)

Salonica Rent a Car, based in Thessaloniki, offers reliable and affordable car rentals with a customer-first approach. The company operates from the city center at 28 Monastiriou Street, New Railway Station, Thessaloniki 54627, and near Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG) in Thermi, 57001. Salonica Rent a Car provides seamless rental services and can be contacted at +30 231 052 7888 or info@thessalonikirentacar.gr. The fleet includes economy cars like the Toyota Aygo and Hyundai i10, family cars like the Skoda Octavia and Ford Focus, SUVs like the Nissan Qashqai and Toyota Rav4, and luxury models for added comfort. Economy rentals start at €12 ($13, £10) per day for long-term rentals, with all-inclusive pricing, unlimited mileage, taxes, and basic insurance. Insurance options include a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), a Full Damage Waiver (FDW) to eliminate most liability, and Theft Protection (TP). The company offers free pick-up/drop-off at the airport, train stations, or hotels, with free extras like baby seats and a second driver. Customer support includes phone and email assistance, roadside help, and car replacement within 24 hours in case of damage. Salonica Rent a Car holds a 4.9/5 Google rating, with customers praising professionalism, vehicle quality, and hassle-free process. Competitive rates, a diverse fleet, flexible pick-up/drop-off, and transparency make it a top choice for budget-conscious travelers. Additional features include free unlimited kilometers, no deposit for certain categories, flexible cancellation with no extra charges, and seasonal discounts. 

6. Rizos Bikes (Mykonos)

Rizos Bikes, based in Mykonos, offers affordable motorcycle and bike rentals with a modern fleet and reliable service. The company operates at Ano Mylos, Mykonos 84600, Greece, and is owned by Christos Rizos, providing free pick-up and drop-off at the airport, port, or hotels. Contact is available at +30 22890 28010, +30 22890 28388, or rizosmykonos@gmail.com. The fleet includes scooters like Piaggio Liberty (50cc–150cc) for city navigation, quads like MXH 450cc for off-road use, and buggies like Polaris 570cc for rugged terrain. Rental prices start at €15 ($16, £13) to €20 ($22, £17) per day for scooters, with long-term discounts available. Prices include helmets, roadside assistance, third-party liability insurance, and free transfers. Basic third-party liability insurance is included, with an optional Full Damage Waiver (FDW) for extra coverage. Customer service is available via phone and email, with staff providing maps and travel advice. Rizos Bikes holds a 4.8/5 Google rating from over 1,500 reviews, with praise for service quality, affordability, and well-maintained vehicles. Competitive rates, a diverse fleet, free pick-up/drop-off, and local expertise make it a top choice for budget-conscious travelers. Additional features include free helmets, island-wide roadside assistance, flexible cancellations, and multilingual staff (English, Greek, Italian).

7. Motorent  (Athens)

Motorent, based in Athens, offers trusted motorcycle and scooter rentals with a modern fleet and reliable service. The company was established in 1976 and operates at 4 Kavalloti Street, Athens, 11742, near the Acropolis. Contact is available at +30 210 923 4939, +30 6936 842 842 or info@motorent.gr. The fleet includes over 80 motorcycles and scooters certified by the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), such as SYM Symphony 125cc for city use, semi-automatic bikes for short trips, adventure models like BMW G310 GS and Honda Africa Twin, and premium touring motorcycles for long-distance travel. Rentals start at 

€17 ($18, £15) per day for scooters, with all-inclusive pricing covering taxes, helmets, unlimited mileage, and basic insurance. Insurance options include Third-Party Liability Insurance (included), Theft Insurance (with conditions), and a Full Damage Waiver (FDW) to reduce liability. Motorent provides flexible booking, free helmets, gloves, phone holders, roadside assistance, and personalized route recommendations. The company holds a 4.8/5 Google rating from over 280 reviews, with customers praising professionalism, well-maintained vehicles, and fair pricing. Competitive rates, a modern fleet, free extras, and a central location make it a top choice for budget-conscious travelers. Additional features include free cancellations within a specified period, guided moto-tours with multilingual guides, a “return as received” fuel policy, and rentals without a credit card requirement.

8. Rhorent (Rhodes)

Rhorent, based in Rhodes, offers reliable car rentals with transparent pricing, a modern fleet, and excellent service. The company is operating primarily from Diagoras International Airport (85106) and provides 24/7 pick-up and drop-off. Contact is available at +30 698 306 8501 or info@rhorent.com. The fleet includes economy cars like Citroën C3, station wagons for families, SUVs and crossovers for varied terrain, minivans for larger groups, and electric cars with island-wide charging access. Economy rentals start at competitive rates, with unlimited mileage, taxes, roadside assistance, and basic insurance included. No hidden fees or deposits are required. Insurance options cover Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Full Damage Waiver (FDW) with zero excess, Theft Protection (TP), Fire Insurance, and coverage for wheels, windows, and the vehicle’s underside. Rhorent provides flexible booking, free island-wide delivery, and 24/7 roadside assistance. The company holds a 4.9/5 Google rating from over 1,000 reviews, with customers praising professionalism, clean vehicles, and a hassle-free process. Competitive rates, a comprehensive fleet, easy pick-up/drop-off, and strong customer satisfaction make it a top choice for budget-conscious travelers. Additional features include free unlimited kilometers, baby seats upon request, flexible cancellations, and special discounts for repeat customers. 

How much does it cost to rent a car in the Greek Islands?

Renting an economy car in Greece typically costs between €20 ($22, £17) and €50 ($54, £44) per day. The price varies by season, location, and booking time, with costs ranging from €11 ($12, £9) to €15 ($16, £13) per day in the winter and increasing to €40 ($43, £35) to €50 ($54, £44) during the peak summer months. Low-season rates (November to March) drop to €5 ($5, £4) to €15 ($16, £13) per day, especially on larger islands like Crete and Rhodes. Mid-season (April to June, September to October) prices range from €20 ($22, £17) to €50 ($54, £44) per day. High-season rates (July and August) rise to €40 ($43, £35) to €70 ($76, £62) per day for economy cars, while SUVs and luxury vehicles exceed €100 ($108, £88) per day. Pricing differs by island; Crete and Rhodes offer lower rates, with small cars starting at €20 ($22, £17) per day in mid-season, while Santorini and Mykonos see higher prices, reaching €30 ($32, £26) to €40 ($43, £35) per day in mid-season and up to €80 ($87, £71) in peak months. 

What are the important things you should know when renting a car in the Greek Islands?

Renting a car in Greece is one of the most convenient and flexible ways to explore the country. Here are five important things to know when renting a car in the Greek Islands:

• Driving License. EU citizens need only their national license, while non-EU drivers, including those from the US or Australia, require an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home license. Most rentals require at least one year of driving experience, and the minimum age is usually 21. Always carry your license, IDP (if applicable), and rental documents while driving.
• Gas. Fuel is sold by the liter and is more expensive on islands. Gas stations are common in urban areas but limited in remote regions, making it essential to refuel before long trips. Most stations have attendants who pump the gas, and some close early on weekends or holidays.
• Insurance. Basic third-party liability insurance is included in most rentals, but additional coverage such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Full Damage Waiver (FDW), or Theft Protection is recommended. Some rental agencies offer packages that eliminate excess fees, reducing unexpected costs in case of damage.
• Road Qualities. Roads vary widely in quality. Main routes are paved, but rural and mountainous areas may have narrow, winding roads with potholes or unpaved sections. Drive cautiously, especially on unlit roads at night or in rainy conditions.
• Local Driving Rules. Greece follows right-hand driving. Drivers often overtake on narrow roads or use the shoulder as an extra lane. Adhering to speed limits is essential, and off-road driving is generally not covered by insurance unless explicitly permitted.

What are transportation alternatives to Car travel in Greece?

Greece offers multiple transportation alternatives to car travel, catering to different budgets and locations. Public buses, operated by KTEL, provide affordable and reliable connections between cities, towns, and villages, especially on the mainland and larger islands like Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu. Athens and Thessaloniki have metro systems for fast urban travel, supplemented by trams and trolleys for shorter distances. On islands like Mykonos and Santorini, quad bikes (ATVs) are common for navigating narrow streets and rugged terrain. Taxis operate across Greece with metered fares, while apps like FreeNow and Beat allow digital bookings. Uber Taxi functions as a platform for licensed taxi drivers in urban areas. Ferries and water taxis connect the mainland to over 60 islands and provide access to remote coastal areas where cars are unnecessary. 

What is best to rent in Greece? Bike or Car?

The best to rent in Greece is a car because it offers greater flexibility, comfort, and convenience. A car is especially ideal for families, groups, or travelers planning to visit multiple destinations across the mainland or larger islands like Crete, Rhodes, or Corfu. If you are a solo tourist who plans to travel short distances or explore smaller islands with narrow streets, then renting a bike might be a good alternative. Bikes and scooters are affordable and practical for navigating places like Mykonos or Santorini, where parking can be limited and distances between attractions are shorter.

What type of bikes can you hire in the Greek Islands?

The Greek Islands offer various bike rental options suited to different travel needs and terrains. E-bikes provide motor assistance for tackling hilly areas with minimal effort, making them popular for sustainable tourism. Scooters offer an affordable and convenient way to navigate narrow streets and short commutes. Motorbikes allow for greater flexibility in exploring rural areas and longer distances, especially on larger islands like Crete or Rhodes. Road bikes are suited for smooth rides on paved roads, while mountain bikes (MTBs) handle off-road trails and rugged terrain. Electric mountain bikes (E-MTBs) combine motor assistance with off-road capabilities, making them a versatile choice for challenging routes.

Is Greece good for biking?

Yes, Greece is good for biking, especially for those seeking routes and cultural experiences. The country offers a mix of coastal roads, mountainous trails, and villages that are perfect for cycling lovers. Islands like Kos and Corfu are particularly bike-friendly, with organized bike paths and relatively flat terrain, making them ideal for casual riders. Regions such as the Peloponnese and Crete provide more challenging routes for experienced cyclists, offering views of ancient ruins, olive groves, and rugged landscapes. Road infrastructure in some areas may not be ideal, with uneven surfaces and occasional obstacles. Drivers are generally accommodating to cyclists, but caution is advised on busy roads with limited bike lanes.

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