Rent a Car at Santorini Airport (JTR)

A large number of travelers arriving at Santorini Thira Airport choose to rent a car directly at the airport, both for their initial transfer and for exploring the island’s dramatic volcanic landscapes. Although car rentals come with both advantages and disadvantages, the benefits usually outweigh the drawbacks for most visitors.

Pros and Cons of Santorini Airport Car Rentals

Car Rental ProsCar Rental Cons
Move around the island at your own pace, start and stop whenever you want.You must drive the vehicle yourself, even when tired.
Access remote and less touristy areas that buses and taxis don’t reach.Parking can be challenging, especially in popular areas.
No waiting time for taxis or buses.You need to navigate the island, although GPS makes this easy.
Direct, hassle-free transfers without changing bus lines.
Choose the vehicle type that best suits your needs and comfort.
More cost-effective than using taxis repeatedly.

Overall, Santorini airport car rentals are a flexible and efficient transportation option. With many rental agencies operating at JTR Airport, finding a good value-for-money deal simply requires comparing available offers.

Car Rental Companies at Santorini Airport

Santorini Airport is small, and all car rental desks are located inside the Arrivals hall, just after baggage claim. Both international and local providers operate on-site:

  • Avance
  • AVIS–Budget
  • Hertz–Thrifty
  • Sixt
  • Suntime Car Rental

Our Tip: Other rental agencies also operate at JTR Airport, but the companies listed above have physical desks inside the terminal.

Useful Tips for Santorini Airport Car Rentals

  • Book your car in advance to secure better prices and a wider vehicle selection.
  • Pre-booking saves time and avoids queues at the airport.
  • All vehicle types are available, from mini and economy cars to vans and convertibles.
  • Extra amenities such as child seats, GPS, or Bluetooth are available for an additional fee.
  • Adding an extra driver usually incurs a surcharge.
  • Required documents: passport or ID, driving license, and a credit card.
  • Drivers from non-EU countries must present an International Driving Permit.
  • Some companies accept debit cards, but this is less common.
  • Pick-up and drop-off points are located at the airport parking area.
  • After-hours pick-up or return is possible, usually with an extra charge.
  • Choose a fuel-to-fuel policy and refill locally to avoid higher fuel charges.
  • Car rentals are charged per 24-hour period—return on time to avoid extra fees.
  • Full insurance coverage is strongly recommended.
  • Check whether your credit card includes rental insurance before purchasing extra coverage.
  • Take photos of the vehicle before driving off to document existing damage.
  • Minimum rental age is 21, with at least one year of driving experience.
  • Some vehicle categories require drivers to be at least 25 years old.
  • Young drivers may be charged an additional fee.
  • Santorini roads are narrow and steep—drive carefully and respect traffic rules.