Car Hire in Thessaloniki
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        About Thessaloniki

        Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece and the capital of the geographic region of Macedonia, the administrative area of Central Macedonia, and the decentralized administration of Macedonia and Thrace. This critical industrial and commercial centre of Greece was built in 316 BC on the foothills and slopes of the 1,201-meter-high Mount Khortiátis, overlooking the delta plains of the Gallikós and Vardar rivers.

        This beautiful and charming city has a wealthy and turbulent past. Today, it is a modern city that perfectly coexists with many historical monuments that offer a glimpse into the town's history and the region.

        In Thessaloniki, you can visit many historical, cultural, and religious sites. Moreover, the city offers an excellent opportunity for quality shopping, as there are many shopping malls and many small boutiques and shops providing various products, from handmade things to branded clothing, furniture, etc. The city is multicultural and very lively, as there is also vibrant nightlife, especially in summer, as Thessaloniki is an excellent destination for all kinds of tourists worldwide. Thessaloniki also has a great cultural offer with many concerts, festivals, and other events during the summer months.

        Thessaloniki is also a good base if you want to explore the country. The city is well connected to the Greek islands, as there is a large port here from which you can take a ferry to one of the islands. But you can also explore the other parts of the mainland from here, especially the region of Macedonia, where there is a lot to see and do.

        Basic info and car hire in Thessaloniki

        • Location: Macedonia, Greece
        • Population: 325,182
        • Official language: Greek
        • Currency: Euro
        • Weather: Thessaloniki has a Mediterranean climate   
        • Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
        • Road conditions:  Most roads in Thessaloniki are in good condition.
        • Car hire in Thessaloniki: The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Thessaloniki is at Thessaloniki airport. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks before your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Thessaloniki!

         Driving in Thessaloniki

        Thessaloniki, like Athens, is a city with a high population density in Greece. It also affects the traffic, so be prepared to experience a lot of congestion in the city centre, especially during the summer months.

        Renting a car is the best solution if you want to explore a larger area. If you are moving around the city centre of Thessaloniki, you probably do not need a car, but if you're going to explore the city's surrounding areas, a car is the best solution. With a car, you will waste the least amount of time, and you can plan your road trip according to your preferences.

        The roads here are in good condition, but keep in mind that driving in Thessaloniki is quite different from going on the Greek islands or in smaller towns outside Thessaloniki. When you leave the city centre, the traffic immediately lessens. When you leave Thessaloniki and drive to the surrounding areas, driving becomes a pleasure because the scenery is beautiful, the roads are good, and the traffic is not as heavy as in the city.

        When driving in Thessaloniki and its surroundings, remember that there are many motorcycles on the roads, so you need to be extra careful.

        Fines for not following laws and regulations are strict and expensive. Running a red light or ignoring a stop sign will cost you 700 euros. Not wearing a seat belt in a car is punishable by 350 euros. Talking on a mobile phone without a hands-free device is punishable by 100 euros. Driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by a fine of between 200 and 1200 euros and a probable driving license suspension of between 10 days and six months, depending on how high the breathalyzer test is.

        • Age limits: The minimum age to drive a car in Greece is 18 years old. The minimum age to rent a car is 21 years old, and some rental companies for people over 75 years old. Young driver surcharges may apply to those under 25 with many rental companies.
        • International Driving Permit:  Visitors need a valid driving license to drive a car in Greece legally. Drivers of motorcycles up to 125cc must be at least 18 years old, while drivers of mopeds (up to 50cc) must be at least 16 years old. Driving licenses issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted. With an International Driving Permit (IDP), you can legally drive in Greece and 174 other countries and present your valid driver's license. Only two organizations issue IDPs in the US: Automobile Association of America (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), and you can order it online if there is no office near you.
        • Additional papers: Identification (passport), a valid driver's license, and valid proof of insurance. (It is advisable to take out insurance with the car rental company if your policy does not cover you when driving in Greece). 
        • Additional requirements: Warning triangle (mandatory in every vehicle), headlight deflectors (for vehicles from UK. Depending on the vehicle, you may either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually), fire extinguisher (mandatory in every vehicle), first aid kit (mandatory in every vehicle), warning triangles, spare wheels are required, and hands-free devices with hearing aids if you are talking on the phone while driving. 
        • Children in the car:  A suitable child seat must be fitted for children under three years of age. Local authorities approve child restraint systems that comply with the ECE R44/03 standard. A suitable child seat should also be used for children between 3 and 11 years of age smaller than 1.35 meters. Adult seat belts are already approved for children over 12 years of age and over 1.35 meters tall. If you wish to fit a rear-facing child seat, you may do so because the front passenger airbag is deactivated.
        • Driving side of the road: Right
        • Lights: In poor daytime visibility, use low beam headlights. The use of high beams in cities is strictly prohibited.  
        • General speed limits: Unless otherwise stated, the maximum speed on the motorway is 120 km per hour. On rural roads, you may drive 110 km/68 mi per hour. In residential areas, the speed limit is 50 km/31 mi per hour.
        • Parking suggestions: Parking is prohibited in Greece: Within 5 meters (m) of intersections, within 15m of railway crossings, within 15m of bus and tram stops, within 3m of a fire hydrant, within 5m of a stop sign, or traffic light. In some streets, signs indicate which side of the road to park on. Parking fees vary from city to city, with meters usually operating between 30 minutes and two hours. In Athens, particular parking areas are reserved for tourists. EU disability cards should be recognized in Greece. However, to be on the safe side, you should apply for a card from the Institute for the Rehabilitation of Disabled People in Athens or from local prefects in other provinces.

        Car Hire in Thessaloniki

        Most popular car hire at Thessaloniki

        The most selected hire car in Thessaloniki is Ford Fiesta, with Renault Clio and Seat Ibiza also being a popular option. The most popular car types in Thessaloniki are mini, economy, and compact.

        Popular Driving Routes

        Popular One-Way car hire from Thessaloniki

        Want to rent a car for a one-way trip? No worries! Orbit Car Hire offers a variety of one-way Car Hire options in many locations outside of Thessaloniki. One-way car rental is ideal for cross-town or cross-country travel, saving time not returning to your original site. Start your reservation with Orbit Car Hire and find great options on one-way car hire at locations across the Greece.

        • Thessaloniki-Kallikrateia (43km with approximately 45 minutes of drive)

        • Thessaloniki-Yerakini (76km with about 1 hour of drive)

        • Thessaloniki-Kavala (153km with about 1,5-2 hours of drive)

        • Thessaloniki-Athens (500km with about 4-4,5 hours of drive)

        What to see in Thessaloniki

        Renting a car here in Thessaloniki is the best solution if you want to explore the broader area of the city. But of course, before you go on a road trip through the Macedonia region or even beyond, you should explore the city of Thessaloniki. There are many fantastic sights that you can visit in this city.

        At Navarino Square, you will find the Galerius Palace, built by the Roman Emperor Galerius Valerius Maximianus at the end of the 3rd century. Then you should also visit the Roman Market and Theatre, located in Court Square, very close to another ancient site that you should not miss: the Roman Baths and the Nymphaeum, an elegant monopteral circular building.

        The ancient site of Vergina is on the World Heritage List UNESCO and is one of the most extensive archaeological sites in Greece.

        Sights in Thessaloniki that you should visit: The Rotonda, the Church of Ossios David, the Latinos Monastery, Agios Dimitrios, the City Walls, the Crypt, Agia Sofia, Panagia Halkeon, Agia Ekaterini, Agfi Apostoli, Agios Nikolaos Orfanos, Profitis Ilias, the Archaeological Museum, the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki, the Museum of Ethnological and Folk Art, the White Tower Museum, the New Museum of Byzantine Culture, the Museum of Attaturk...

        Drive your rental car beyond Thessaloniki

        Thessaloniki is a great starting point for your road trip through Greece. Greece is a pretty big country, especially if you also count the islands of Greece. Therefore, it is best to plan your road trip by region. Thessaloniki is well connected to other parts of the country by both sea and road. So, you can take a ferry to one of the many islands or other parts of the country or drive and explore Greece by road. It's entirely up to you which type of holiday you prefer. One thing is for sure; there are so many fantastic places to visit in Greece that you definitely will not be disappointed. You can indulge in many different activities here, from various water sports to hiking in the mountains, cycling, climbing, horse riding, etc.

        But Greece is also the perfect destination for people looking for a place where they can lie on the beach and enjoy the summer, cocktails, and the sea.

        There are so many fantastic places in this country that you will enjoy a trip through Greece. The roads are mostly in excellent condition, so you will have to think carefully about which parts of the country you want to explore.

        Greece, or many would say the cradle of western civilization, is the southernmost country in the Balkan Peninsula. This perfectly situated country of over 2000 islands, around 170 of which are inhabited. It has access to the whole world via the sea. Also, it has a beautiful inland area full of mountains and volcanic soil, a rich culture, many historical and religious sites, delicious food and genuinely lovely people - a place that every person should visit at least once in their lifetime. There are so many different things to see and do here that you are sure to find something for yourself.

        If you are planning a holiday to Greece, you should make a good plan. A rental car is the best solution if you want to explore the country to see different places, try other foods and meet different people from different parts of Greece. First, you need to decide if you want to explore the islands or are more interested in the interior. There are plenty of activities you can do for both options and plenty of sights you can visit.

        Athens, the capital of Greece, is one of the cities you should visit if you plan a road trip through Greece. Greece is a country that is a mixture of Europe, the Balkans, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. It is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa and is the legacy of classical Greece, the Byzantine Empire, and almost four centuries of Ottoman rule. All this gives the country a great religious, cultural, architectural, and political background that contributes to the country's diversity.

        The size of the country is equal to that of Great Britain, and it is divided into six main regions: Central Greece: the Píndos Mountains, North-Eastern Greece: Makedonía and Thráki, Eastern Greece: Thessalía and Attikí, Southern Greece: the Pelopónnisos, Western Greece: Ípeiros and Akarnanía, The Islands of Greece. Each of these regions has something to offer you. It is best to rent a car and explore the area by region. You will need time to explore this country well, so it may be best to explore the provinces one by one. The roads in Greece are in good condition, the people are friendly, the country is beautiful, the food is delicious, and the sights are breathtaking, so all you have to do is buckle up and drive safely.

        Visit Thessaloniki

        Explore Thessaloniki

        Where to eat, drink, and party in Thessaloniki

        Thessaloniki has a great culinary offering. As the second-largest city in the country, Thessaloniki offers everything that other parts of the country offer. You can visit many restaurants with traditional Greek cuisine. Still, at the same time, you will also find interesting and delicious restaurants with modern menus that combine Greek food with dishes from other parts of the world.

        Thessaloniki also has vibrant nightlife. As in all big cities in Greece, there are many nightclubs and discos where you can party all night long and listen to any music you like.

        Best restaurant in Thessaloniki

        Argofageio

        Kanoula

        Menu me...nou

        Bugatsa Bantis

        Sourtoukw Thessaloniki

        Prytanio

        My Booking

        What you need to know about renting a car

        faq
        How do you make a booking with Orbit Car Hire?

        You can easily book your vehicle with Orbit Car Hire. First, you must choose the date and location of your rental in our booking form. In the next step, you can pick the vehicle you want from the list. After filling out the personal information form, there is a step where you choose the payment method and fill in your credit card information. Finally, you can print out your voucher needed at pick-up time.

        What are the charges for security deposits?

        Every car rental has a security deposit policy. You will find the information about the security deposit while booking the vehicle or on your voucher. 

        What if I would like to change my booking?

        If you need to change the booking you made through Orbit Car Hire. Don't hesitate to contact our customer support team at customerservice@orbitcarhire.com or by phone at +44 20 8089 0089. You can cancel your booking free of charge at least forty-eight hours before your rental is due to start. For further information, please read the Terms of Use. 

        How do I cancel my booking?

        You can cancel your booking free of charge at least forty-eight hours before your rental is due to start. For further information, please read the Conditions of Use. Our customer service team will address your requests in due time:

        When do I pay for the rental car?

        You pay a small deposit when making the booking as a guarantee. The remaining balance is paid when you pick up your rental vehicle. Please keep in mind that the payment at the counter is paid in local currency. 

        What is included in the price?

        Most of the reservations made by Orbit Car Hire include unlimited mileage, local tax, mandatory fees, and collision damage waiver. In steps 1 and 2 in the booking process or on your voucher, you can see all the details about your booking inclusions.

        Are there any hidden fees?

        There are no hidden charges! All mandatory surcharges and fees are presented in the 3rd step of the booking process and our Terms and Conditions. Please note that additional charges may apply for some rentals in the case of:

        • Out-of-hours surcharge (when picking up the vehicle outside of office hours),
        • One-way fee (when returning the vehicle at a different location),
        • The service charge for fuel (prepaid fuel policy),
        • Young/senior driver fee (the car hire company sets this condition and is usually not about the regulation of the specific country),
        • Excess and deposit amount (before hiring, you need to ensure your credit card limit is high enough for the deposit amount to be blocked, which usually equals the excess amount or higher).

        We advise our clients to read the Terms and Conditions carefully before the rental to avoid surprises. Our knowledgeable customer service agents will gladly help you with any questions via phone, email, or live chat during our opening hours.

        What is a voucher, and why do I need it?

        A voucher is a document that confirms your booking, the price, and the payment of your booking. Having your voucher with you at the time of pick-up is mandatory. If you do not have the voucher at the pickup, the vehicle provider may refuse to release the vehicle to you or change the rental price.

        What is an airport or premium location fee?

        A Premium location/airport fee is a fee that covers the location service costs. This fee is usually included in the price but may still occur at some locations and is charged locally.

        What is Premium Coverage, and how does it work?

        Premium Coverage is an optional service by Orbit Car Hire that, if accepted, covers your financial accountability for damage or theft to the hired vehicle. This is not insured with a car hire company that reduces the excess amount, but a cover refunds you if the car hire company charges you for damage or theft. With this option, you will be reimbursed up to 3000 EUR. You can read the Terms and Conditions or contact us for more information.

        How do I find cheap car hire online?

        Prices vary frequently. Booking a car 3 to 8 weeks before your desired pick-up date is best - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. 

        How many countries do you compare to?

        We at Orbit Car Hire compare car hire prices in over 140 countries, including popular destinations within Europe such as Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Iceland, Croatia, Malta, France, Slovenia, and Germany. 

        What currency should I use to pay for the car?

        You can pay the confirmation fee on Orbit's page in EUR, GBP, ISK and USD. When you pick up your car hire, you will pay the remaining balance in the currency of the pickup country. 

        Can I rent a car from inside the terminal?

        You can hire a car from inside the terminal. When you compare our offers, you can filter "In Terminal" to see all the offers we have that are inside the terminal. 

        What is the cheapest car to rent?

        The cheapest car to rent is the Fiat 500, Volkswagen Up and Fiat Panda. 

        Can I add a driver to my booking?

        You can always add a driver to your booking when finding your car hire deal on Orbit Car Hire. If you have already made a booking, you can contact us to add the additional driver. You can also add a driver to your booking when you pick up the vehicle. 

        What payment methods are accepted?

        You can pay with a debit and credit card when booking with Orbit Car Hire. We accept Mastercard and Visa. 

        Can I drop off my car at a different location?

        Yes, you can. When you look for car hire deals on our webpage, you can press "Yes" to "Different drop-off location" and see all the best deals for one-way car hire. 

        How can I add a flight number to my booking?

        You can add a flight number on our webpage when booking. If you already have a booking, email us at customerservice@orbitcarhire.com, and our customer service will add your flight number to the booking. 

        Do I have to pay for toll roads?

        If you drive where toll roads are required, you are responsible for paying for the toll roads on which you drive the rental vehicle. 

        What does deductible mean?

        If a rental car is damaged or even stolen while on rent, there will be a limit to how much the renter has to pay to repair or fix it. Excess (also known as deductible) is a name for the amount that has to be paid. This excess is different between countries and car rental companies in each country. Depending on the car rental company, this can include fire, vandalism, theft, or loss of use while the car is being repaired. You can read more about deductibles right here.

        What is a Collision Damage Waiver?

        Collision Damage Waiver, or CDW, is a basic car rental insurance offered to renters by a car company. CDW limits your financial liability in case of damages to the body of the hired vehicle with an excess. The driver is responsible for paying for the excess, but the car rental company waives the rest of the cost. This excess can be different between rent a car company.

        What is Theft Protection?

        Theft Protection is a car rental insurance that car rental companies offer. It protects the renter up to a certain amount from the risk of stealing the rental car or somebody trying to steal it. An excess, also known as a deductible, comes with each Theft Protection. This excess is the limit to what the renter would have to pay if the car is stolen or if somebody tries to steal it.

        Which brands can I compare with Orbit?

        With Orbit Car Hire, you can compare car hire with all the major car rentals like Europcar, Enterprise, Alamo, Sixt and Budget. You can also compare over 100 local companies from all over the world. 

        Car Hire Locations in Thessaloniki 1 location(s) found

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