Cars & Transportation Greece

Metro

In Athens, there is a modern metro system consisting of three lines. The metro connects the city center with major areas and destinations, such as the port of Piraeus and Athens International Airport. In addition to single tickets, daily, three-day, and five-month tickets are available for multiple trips within a specified period.

Buses and Trolleybuses

The bus and trolleybus network covers numerous destinations, including Athens and Piraeus. The bus network connects major cities and towns throughout mainland Greece and offers convenient intercity routes.

Trams

Athens also has a tram line that connects central city areas with the coast, covering areas like Glyfada and Voula. The tram is popular among locals and tourists but operates slower compared to the metro and buses.

Railways

While the railway network in Greece is less developed compared to other European countries, it still covers key routes. The main line connects Athens and Thessaloniki, offering a convenient and scenic way to travel across the country. Additionally, trains in the Peloponnese region include the popular tourist route Diakopto-Kalavryta, known for its breathtaking mountain views.

Ferries

Ferries play a vital role in Greece's transport system, connecting the mainland with islands and various islands with each other. Major ports such as Piraeus, Rafina, and Thessaloniki serve hundreds of routes, allowing easy access to popular islands. Both regular and high-speed ferries are available, varying in cost and travel time depending on the type and route.

Air Travel

Greece has a developed domestic and international air travel system. The main international hub of the country is Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos," serving flights to Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia. Major regional centers such as Thessaloniki, Heraklion, and Rhodes also have international airports.

Domestic Air Travel

On domestic routes, airlines such as Aegean Airlines, Sky Express, and Olympic Air provide connections between mainland cities and islands. Domestic flights often use small regional airports that may have limited facilities, especially on less touristy islands. To visit multiple islands, travelers often need to return to Athens to transfer to another flight since direct routes between islands are rare and predominantly replaced by ferry connections.

Main Types of Tickets

In Greece, there are several types of urban transport tickets, including:

- A single 90-minute ticket suitable for all types of urban transport (metro, buses, trolleybuses, trams) and allows transfers within 90 minutes.

- A daily ticket allows unlimited trips within 24 hours.

- A five-day ticket grants access to unlimited trips for 5 days (excluding airport trips).

- A three-day tourist ticket includes unlimited rides on all types of transport and includes one trip to and from the airport.

Where to Buy Tickets

Tickets can be purchased at metro, tram, and suburban railway station machines and ticket offices. They are also sold at newsstands and public transport stops, making purchasing convenient for tourists and locals.

Features of Use and Validation

Before boarding any type of transport, the ticket must be validated in special yellow machines located at stations and stops. Failure to follow validation rules may result in a fine 60 times the cost of a single ticket. Guests are advised to purchase several tickets in advance to simplify travel and avoid queues.

Discount Categories

Discounts are available for students, pensioners, and children under 18, while children under 7 can travel for free. To receive discounts, a personalized Ath.ena card must be issued, available at ticket sales points and through the OASA online service.

Taxi

In large cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as on popular islands such as Santorini and Corfu, taxis are a popular and convenient mode of transportation. Travelers can use apps to call a taxi, such as Uber Taxi and FREE NOW, which connect users with officially licensed taxis. These apps allow users to track the car's location, view driver ratings, and pay for the ride through the app, making communication easier and simplifying the payment process.

Car-sharing and rental of electric scooters and bicycles

Greece is actively developing infrastructure for renting electric scooters and bicycles, particularly in tourist areas and major city centers. For example, the FREE NOW service offers electric scooter rentals in Athens. Electric scooters and bicycles can be rented in cities like Athens and Thessaloniki. Typically, this is done using apps where you can see the nearest scooter or bicycle, unlock it with a QR code, and pay for the ride through a mobile app.

Features

- Taxi apps — popular apps like Beat, FREE NOW, Taxiplon, and Uber offer convenient taxi-hailing features. They make it easy to book rides, including to airports. Uber operates only in the format of Uber Taxi, where licensed taxis with meters come to users.

- Car-sharing and scooter rental — these are popular and eco-friendly alternatives in big cities, especially for short trips and in tourist zones, making travel more flexible and convenient.

Yes, it is possible to live in Greece without a personal car, especially if you plan to settle in one of the major cities or on popular islands, thanks to the availability of public transport, ferries, and alternative means of transportation. On islands such as Hydra and Antiparos, wheeled transport is either completely absent or minimal, and most local attractions are accessible on foot or by bicycle. Ferries regularly operate between the islands and the mainland, making travel between islands accessible and convenient.

To obtain a local driver's license in Greece, foreign nationals need to fulfill a series of conditions, including undergoing training and passing exams.

Main requirements

Residence permit. To apply for a driver's license, a foreigner must have a residence permit in Greece issued at least 185 days ago.

Taxpayer identification number. This number is necessary for paying state fees and carrying out administrative procedures.

Medical certificate. The candidate needs to undergo a medical examination by an ophthalmologist and a therapist approved by the Ministry of Transport of Greece.

Training and exams process

Training at a driving school. At the driving school, you need to complete at least 20 theoretical and 20 practical lessons. The theoretical part can be taken in English, while the oral exam and practical driving are conducted in Greek.

Payment of fees and dues. To take the exams, you must pay several state fees: for tests and processing, as well as separately for the theoretical and practical exams.

Exams. After completing the course, the candidate takes a theoretical test on a computer and a practical exam on the road. The theoretical part includes questions on traffic rules and safety basics.

Costs and important details

The cost of training varies depending on the driving school, and there are additional costs for medical examinations and photographs. Upon successful completion of all stages, a driver's license valid in Greece is issued.

The process of obtaining a license for residents of Greece is strictly regulated, and although the exams require knowledge of Greek, many driving schools provide support in English, which facilitates adaptation for foreign citizens. Details can be clarified at the nearest driving school or Citizen Service Center.

Owning and operating a personal car in Greece requires compliance with a number of rules and consideration of features that may be useful for new residents and tourists.

Purchasing and registering a car

The process of purchasing a car in Greece may involve several bureaucratic procedures. If a car is purchased new or imported from another country, it is necessary to pay value-added tax, registration fees, and possible additional taxes such as luxury tax for cars valued above 20,000 euros. 

Mandatory insurance

Car owners in Greece are required to obtain third-party liability insurance, which covers damage caused to third parties. 

Technical inspection and taxes

All cars in Greece must undergo mandatory technical inspections. The owner is also required to pay an annual road tax, the amount of which depends on the engine capacity and age of the vehicle.

Traffic rules

Right-hand traffic: Greece has right-hand traffic, and all drivers must strictly adhere to local signs and speed limits.

Speed limits: Generally, the speed limit in populated areas is 50 km/h, on highways — 90-110 km/h, and on motorways — 130 km/h. Speeding fines range from 40 to 350 euros, with more severe penalties for serious violations.

Permissible blood alcohol level: In Greece, the permissible blood alcohol level for drivers is 0.5 per mille, and for novices — 0.2 per mille. Violations can lead to heavy fines and license revocation.

Parking and other features

In major cities, such as Athens, parking can be challenging, especially in the center. Some areas have paid parking zones and green zones where parking is restricted. It is also important to remember that smoking in the car is prohibited if a child under 12 years old is present, which incurs fines.

Toll roads

Greece has an extensive toll road system that facilitates quick travel between major cities and regions. To use motorways, a vignette is not required; instead, toll booths with fixed rates are installed on the roads.

Main toll roads and their cost

Athens – Thessaloniki (A1 or E75): The main road connecting the capital with Thessaloniki. The toll cost varies depending on the sections and ranges from 0.70 to 3.90 euros per toll booth.

Egnatia Odos (A2): A 670 km road connecting the west and east of Greece, from Igoumenitsa to Alexandroupolis. This route has 11 toll booths with rates from 1 to 2.40 euros.

Patras – Athens (Olympia Odos): This route has 5 toll sections with rates from 1.80 to 3.30 euros, with the total cost for passenger cars being about 12.60 euros.

The Rio-Antirrio Bridge: One of the largest in Europe, the toll for passenger cars is 14.70 euros one way.

Payment and discounts

Payment at the toll booths can be made by cash, card, or electronic passes such as eWay, which may offer discounts for frequent users. It is important to pay the tolls on time, as evasion is punishable by fines.

Main fines for violations

Speeding: For exceeding the speed limit by up to 20 km/h, the fine is from 40 euros, up to 30 km/h — 100 euros, and more than 30 km/h — 350 euros with possible license suspension for two months.

Parking violations: Fines range from 40 to 150 euros depending on the situation, and there may also be confiscation of license plates and vehicle documents for 10 days.

Running a red light and ignoring a "Stop" sign: These are considered serious violations, punishable by a fine of 700 euros and temporary license suspension for 60 days.

Fines for the use of phones and seat belts

- Using a mobile phone without hands-free equipment incurs a fine of 100 euros and possible license and document confiscation for up to 60 days.

- Not wearing a seat belt is punishable by a fine of 350 euros.

Driving under the influence

Drunk driving is strictly penalized. If the blood alcohol level exceeds 0.5 g/l, fines range from 200 to 1,200 euros, with the possibility of license suspension for up to six months and even imprisonment for repeated offenses.

Ways to Pay Fines

Fines can be paid at post offices or banks. The full fine must be paid within 15 days of receiving the ticket.

For foreigners in Greece, there are some peculiarities in paying traffic violation fines:

Payment Through Banks and Post Offices

In Greece, fines cannot be paid on-site — police officers issue a ticket, which is paid at post offices (ELTA) or banks. If the ticket has a barcode, payment through online banking is possible. For foreigners without a local bank account, this process may be less convenient, and they should use physical branches.

Payment Deadlines and Discounts

The fine must be paid within 15 days from the date of the violation. This is important for foreigners as delays can lead to additional sanctions.

Consequences of Non-Payment

If the fine is not paid on time, Greek authorities may take measures, including imposing additional fines or temporary confiscation of the driver’s license and license plates. This is especially important for foreigners, as non-payment may complicate future entry into Greece.

Options for Rental Cars

For those using rental cars, some companies offer services to pay fines on behalf of the customer for an additional fee. It is important to clarify this aspect with the rental company to avoid possible complications.

Technical Inspection 

In Greece, technical inspection is mandatory for all cars four years after first registration and then every two years. The procedure includes checking the condition of brakes, steering, exhaust gases, and other systems for compliance with safety and environmental standards. Car owners can choose from private or state centers for the inspection, which takes about half an hour. If a certificate is denied, the owner must fix the identified problems and undergo re-inspection.

Vehicle Registration

To register a car, a set of documents must be provided, including a passport, driver’s license, proof of residency, and insurance. The registration process may take from several days to weeks depending on the region and workload of the offices. The owner pays a registration fee based on the car’s parameters (such as engine volume and emissions).

Registration Procedure for New and Used Cars

When registering a used car, additional documents are required, like a maintenance certificate and proof of road tax payment for the current year. For new cars, a certificate of compliance with European standards is also necessary. Upon completion of registration, the owner is issued license plates.

Taxes and Annual Fees

All owners are required to pay an annual road tax, the amount of which depends on the car’s eco-class and engine volume. In case of failure to pay on time or to pass the inspection, fines may be imposed, along with temporary revocation of driving rights.

Thus, vehicle registration and inspection in Greece require adherence to several procedures and fee payments to ensure safety and compliance with the country’s eco-standards.

Foreigners bringing their cars to Greece must consider the rules of temporary use and registration, which depend on their residency status and planned length of stay.

Temporary Use

Foreigners residing outside Greece can temporarily use their cars for six months (continuous or intermittent) within a twelve-month period. The car must have valid foreign registration and insurance. However, only the owner or another non-resident can use the car, and handing over control to Greek residents is prohibited and may lead to heavy fines.

Registration for Long-Term Stay

Foreigners planning to stay in Greece for more than 185 days are required to register their car with local authorities and obtain Greek license plates. This will require completing customs formalities, including payment of import taxes, which depend on the age and type of vehicle. Additionally, a technical inspection is necessary to verify compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Documents for Registration

The following documents are required to register a foreign car:

- Passport and proof of residence permit;

- Insurance policy valid in Greece;

- Certificate of compliance with European standards (if the car is new);

- Proof of tax and customs fee payments.

Extended Storage

If the car will not be used after six months, it can be stored in a customs warehouse for up to 24 months with the possibility of reuse later. After this period, the car must either be taken out of the country again or registered for permanent use with Greek plates.

In Greece, the popularity of electric vehicles is gradually increasing due to government support and the expansion of charging infrastructure. 

The Greek authorities have also launched a subsidy program that encourages the purchase of electric vehicles and the installation of home charging devices. This has attracted interest, especially from young drivers and business owners. The program also offers support for replacing outdated taxis with electric models to improve environmental conditions in the country's major cities.

Charging Stations

As of the end of 2023, the country had approximately 2,120 charging stations with around 4,890 charging points, and this network is rapidly growing. Major stations are located in cities, along highways, near airports, and at major tourist sites, making travel across the country in an electric vehicle more accessible. Among the largest operators is the incharge network from nrg, which includes 99 fast charging stations that allow electric vehicles to charge up to 80% in less than 30 minutes, which is especially convenient for long trips.

Service Centers

Alongside the development of the charging network, Greece is also investing in the creation of service centers for electric vehicle maintenance. Government initiatives and private companies are working on expanding technical support and service offerings for electric vehicles, enabling owners of such cars to find service even outside major cities.