Rent A Car In Kavala : Car Rental in Kavala Air Port & Port

Rent a Car in Kavala: Unlock Northern Greece on Your Own Terms

Written by Vasilis Skevis

“Kavala is the most beautiful city in Greece. Amphitheatrically built, she mirrors herself in the sea, facing the ‘island of the Sirens’, neighbouring Thasos.”
— Vassilis Vassilikos, Greek novelist & author of Z, in My Kavala (Greece Confidential, 2020).

Nestled between the azure waters of the Aegean Sea and the lush slopes of Mount Pangeo, Kavala merges the charm of a coastal city with the layers of centuries-old history. Byzantine walls, Ottoman aqueducts, neoclassical mansions—every corner tells a different story. Travelers come for the picturesque views, fresh seafood, and beaches that stretch for miles, but the real magic unfolds when you venture beyond the city limits.

Public transport in northern Greece tends to revolve around regional hubs, leaving limited flexibility for those craving spontaneous detours or hidden gems. Whether you’re heading toward the ruins of Philippi, exploring the forests of Nestos National Park, or planning a hop to Thassos Island via the ferry port, mobility creates freedom.

Renting a car in Kavala opens up the full spectrum of the Macedonian landscape. Unlike large cities where car traffic feels like a burden, Kavala’s layout and surrounding roads favor self-driving. Plus, rental prices in Greece—especially outside of peak-season Athens or Thessaloniki—remain surprisingly competitive. Pair that with well-maintained highways and scenic coastal routes, and you’ll have everything needed for a road trip that moves at your own pace.

Local Driving Culture & Safety

• Driving style: Greek motorists are fast and assertive. Expect frequent overtaking and horn taps. Drive defensively, keep a safe gap, and let quicker cars pass when you can.
• Horn & lights: A brief honk means “I’m here,” and flashing high-beams signals an overtake or a warning. Slower vehicles sometimes edge onto the paved shoulder to give overtakers room.
• Lane discipline: Keep right except to pass. On three-lane highways, the middle lane is mainly for passing. Always indicate and check mirrors—motorbikes may filter between lanes.
• City traffic: In Kavala and other cities, scooters weave through jams, pedestrians cross unpredictably, and double-parking is common. Streets in the old town are narrow; drive slowly. Parking laws are strict—use marked zones to avoid tickets or even plate removal.
• Navigation: GPS or phone apps work well, but carry an offline map for mountain areas. Road signs are bilingual (Greek/English); be aware of spelling variations (e.g., Chrysoupoli = Hrisioupoli).
• Safety & emergencies: Rentals must have a warning triangle and first-aid kit. For any accident, call 112 and your rental company, and secure a police report before moving the vehicle (unless the damage is trivial and both parties agree).

Car Rentals at Kavala Airport and Port

International tourists arriving in Kavala, Greece – whether by air at Kavala “Megas Alexandros” Airport (KVA) or by sea at the Port of Kavala – have several transportation options. This guide provides local transportation information for both the airport and port, and offers expert advice on renting a car in Greece, including required documentation, road rules, insurance, and driving culture tips. The information is sourced from official tourism and transportation authorities to ensure accuracy and help you travel with confidence.

Transportation Options from Kavala Airport (KVA)

Kavala International Airport “Megas Alexandros” is located about 34 km east of Kavala city Despite its distance from town, travelers have a few convenient ways to reach the city or other destinations:

• Public Bus: A KTEL intercity bus service connects Kavala Airport to the Kavala city center. The bus stop is directly in front of the terminal, and tickets are purchased from the driver. Buses may not run frequently (often timed with flight arrivals), so check the timetable on the KTEL Kavala website or inquire at the airport

Note that some routes involve a transfer at the nearby town of Chrysoupoli, so travel time by bus can be around 1–2 hours.

• Taxis: A 24/7 metered taxi service is available just outside the arrivals area of KVA. The ride from the airport to Kavala city takes roughly 35–40 minutes via the EO2 National Road or Egnatia Odos highway. The official flat fare to the city center is around €38 (always confirm the rate before starting the trip). Taxis offer a convenient direct ride, especially if you have lots of luggage or arrive when buses are infrequent.
• Private Shuttles & Transfers: For added convenience, you can pre-book a shuttle or private transfer from KVA. Numerous transfer companies operate at Kavala Airport, allowing you to reserve a car or van in advance. This option often provides door-to-door service to hotels or even directly to nearby destinations (e.g. Thassos ferry port at Keramoti), albeit at a higher cost than a taxi or bus.
• Driving (Car Rental Pickup): If you plan to rent a car directly at Kavala Airport, the good news is that the airport is adjacent to major roads. It lies near the EO2 Kavala–Xanthi road and the E90/A2 Egnatia Odos highway, Greece’s main east–west motorway across the north. This means you can quickly get on the highway toward Thessaloniki, Alexandroupoli, or other regions by car. The airport hosts several car rental offices (Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, etc.) on-site Driving to central Kavala from the airport takes about 40 minutes via the highway.

Tip: Upon exiting the airport, follow signs for “Kavala” or “Egnatia Odos” to merge onto the main road. Keep some change or a credit card handy for any highway tolls on longer trips.

Where to Rent a Car in Kavala: Options, Locations, and Booking Channels

Travelers from different backgrounds find suitable rental car options in Kavala. Travelers visiting Kavala for beach vacations and business meetings as well as family road trips can select from various rental providers based in the area. The rental fleet includes small compact vehicles along with large SUVs which accommodate city trips and extended Macedonian countryside excursions.

Local vs. International Rental Companies

Both local agencies and global chains compete for attention in Kavala. Local companies—like Avance, Drive Hellas, or Kalogiannis Tours—offer personalized service and frequently tailor deals for regional travel routes. Their fleets may be smaller, but customer satisfaction often runs high thanks to flexible drop-off points and less rigid procedures.

On the other hand, international firms such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Sixt operate with larger fleets, multilingual service desks, and standardized policies. These companies typically provide added benefits like loyalty plans or integration with international travel apps. However, stricter terms and surcharges for add-ons can surface, especially in peak summer months.

The market for Kavala contains both local rental companies and international chains which operate side by side. The regional travel routes of Kavala receive special promotions from local agencies including Avance Drive Hellas and Kalogiannis Tours. Their customer satisfaction remains high because they provide flexible drop-off locations and simple operational procedures although their vehicle selection remains limited.

The rental services have their main locations near the airport and port as well as throughout the city center. Rental car counters exist in key transportation areas. Travelers can find a complete selection of rental agencies at Kavala International Airport “Megas Alexandros” (KVA) situated 30 km from the city center. Major international operators along with several Greek car rental companies are available at this airport. Advanced booking enables travelers to exit their flight directly into their reserved vehicle.

The city center of Kavala hosts rental agencies which focus their operations on Erythrou Stavrou Street and nearby streets. The agency locations are within walking distance from major hotels and provide excellent access to people who take buses or ferries to the city. The Port of Kavala provides perfect locations for travelers who want to combine their island exploration with mainland road travel.

Booking: Walk-in or Online?

Tourists who arrive at Kavala without booking a vehicle first can visit a local office to obtain same-day car rental. The availability of walk-in car rentals becomes scarce during peak months of July and August. The rental duration for particular vehicle categories extends to multiple days or weeks throughout the period.

Online booking eliminates the guesswork. Most providers operate direct websites and are listed on aggregator platforms like Rentalcars.com, DiscoverCars, or Kayak. Customers who make online reservations benefit from immediate vehicle availability while being able to see all pricing details and choose additional features such as child seats or GPS units or automatic transmissions.

To compare prices between different companies customers should use platforms which display rates side by side instead of checking each website separately. Looking for last-minute availability? Mobile applications reveal limited-time promotions which local offices do not display.

Thessaloniki to Kavala one-way car rentals require which rental providers allow flexible drop-off options? The online booking platforms display which rental companies enable customers to return cars at different locations. The combination of efficient pickup processes with secure payment systems and flexible cancellation options makes pre-booking essential especially during festival periods and school holidays.

Top Car Rental Companies in Kavala: Who to Trust and Where to Find Them

Car rental services in Kavala consist of both local agencies and international brands. Customers identify AutoUnion, Avance and Hertz as their top choices because each company provides unique benefits.

AutoUnion stands out because it offers budget-friendly car rentals while maintaining dependable service quality. The Greek-owned brand maintains two locations in Kavala’s downtown area and near the airport and continues to grow its vehicle fleet. Customers praise the company for its speedy service and clear pricing structure.

Avance stands out because of its high-quality vehicles combined with a helpful team of customer representatives. The company regularly updates its vehicle collection with new fuel-efficient models. The company operates out of Kavala International Airport (KVA) alongside city centers near major hotels including Lucy Hotel and Galaxy Hotel.

International standard customers prefer Hertz as their car rental provider. The fleet includes everything from compact city cars to premium SUVs. Customers appreciate the option to book cars through the website because they get precise details about vehicle availability. Their airport branch at Kavala Airport lets travelers access vehicles directly upon their flight arrival.

Comparing Fleet Range, Pricing Structures, and Extras

Different agencies present separate operational differences in several functional areas. AutoUnion provides the lowest base car rental prices for weekly bookings. The company sets daily rental prices higher than others but offers numerous upgrade opportunities together with loyalty benefits. Avance presents mid-range car rental options with adjustable mileage packages to customers.

The agencies provide identical basic car categories which include economy vehicles and compact models and midsize cars and SUVs and passenger vans. AutoUnion draws customers through its increasing selection of hybrid vehicles. Hertz leads the market through its premium vehicle selection which includes BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class models.

During the booking process Avance presents clear details regarding insurance fees and additional driver charges and out-of-hours service costs. The company offers the most detailed fee structure for its insurance and additional driver services and out-of-hours services through its booking system.
Hertz provides the best child safety seat options and GPS systems among its competitors. AutoUnion provides no-cost second-driver registration benefits for various contracts.

All three providers offer multilingual customer service while providing 24/7 road assistance. Where to Find These Companies in Kavala. Most rental offices cluster around Kavala International Airport (also known as Megas Alexandros Airport – KVA). The arrivals terminal features rental counters operated by Hertz and Avance. AutoUnion provides shuttle transportation to its nearby depot. The rental offices in downtown Kavala remain accessible on foot from central hotels such as the Airotel Galaxy within 5 to 15 minutes.

The ferry port on the island of Thassos can be reached from Kavala’s mainland through a direct ferry service. The rental companies provide hotel and port delivery services to allow customers to avoid traveling back to the airport for their car pickup.

What Does It Really Cost to Rent a Car in Kavala?

Average Rental Prices by Vehicle Type and Season

The rental prices in Kavala vary according to both seasonal changes and car type selection. The rental prices for Fiat Panda and Peugeot 208 compact cars during low season (November to March) range between €20–€30 per day. The same models cost between €45–€70 per day during the peak summer months of June through August.

The daily rental prices for Opel Astra mid-size sedans range between €40–€60 during shoulder months but exceed €85 during the high season. The prices for SUVs and family minivans increase from €60 during off-season to more than €120 per day when travel peaks. The summer season brings daily prices starting at €90 for BMW X1 and Audi A3 premium vehicles.

How to Avoid Paying Too Much

The booking process through established online platforms produces superior rates than the walk-in prices. The tank should be filled up before returning the vehicle to avoid extra fuel costs because there is a Shell station near Kavala Airport and multiple EKO and BP outlets available in the city. GPS and child seat rentals should be declined unless absolutely necessary since navigation apps together with portable booster seats make these costs unnecessary. The inspection of the vehicle should be done thoroughly while taking time-stamped photos to prevent disputes about existing vehicle damage.

Fuel Stations and Fuel Prices in Kavala

The city of Kavala provides good fuel station access through locations along Leoforos Erythrou Stavrou and EO Kavala–Drama and near the port. The Greek Ministry of Development reports that Kavala’s average unleaded 95 petrol price stands at €1.95 per liter during May 2024 while following the national average. The price of diesel fuel is lower than petrol at €1.68 per liter. The fuel prices at central neighborhood stations and outskirt locations are generally lower than those found at highway stations.

What You Need to Know About Insurance and Rental Policies When Renting a Car in Greece

Mandatory Insurance Coverage in Greece

Every car rental in Greece comes with basic insurance, as required by law. This mandatory policy includes third-party liability coverage, which covers damage or injury you cause to others. It does not, however, cover damage to the rental car itself or personal injury to the driver.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) & Liability Coverage

Most rental agencies in Kavala offer a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) as part of their standard package, although often with a deductible ranging between €500 and €1,500. CDW limits the driver’s financial responsibility in case of damage but doesn’t cover everything. Items like tires, windshields, undercarriage, and interior damage are frequently excluded.

To reduce or eliminate the deductible, agencies provide a Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW) for an additional daily fee, usually €10 to €25 depending on the car class. Some providers also offer Theft Protection (TP) and Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) as optional extras.

Driver Age Restrictions and Deposit Requirements

Rental companies in Greece typically set the minimum driver age at 21. However, drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge of €10–€20 per day. Premium models often require the driver to be at least 25 or even 30 years old.

All renters must present a valid credit card when picking up the vehicle. This is used to place a security deposit, which can range from €500 to €2,000, depending on the car category and insurance chosen. Debit cards are rarely accepted for deposits.

Cross-Border Travel Policy

Planning to take your rental car from Kavala into Bulgaria or North Macedonia? Not so fast. Cross-border travel is restricted by most rental agreements. Even when permitted, it requires prior written approval and often incurs an extra fee between €80 and €150. In addition, insurance coverage must be extended to the destination country, which may not always be possible depending on the provider.

Without official authorization, taking the car abroad will violate the contract and fully void your insurance policy. Always clarify cross-border permissions before confirming your booking.

Smart Tips for Renting a Car in Kavala

Organize all required documents for vehicle rental in Greece before your arrival
Begin the process by collecting all required documents to rent a car in Greece. The basic requirement for renting a vehicle in Greece is a valid driver’s license from your home country yet visitors outside the EU need to present an International Driving Permit in addition to their domestic license. Rental companies require both a passport and credit card belonging to the driver under whose name the security deposit should be placed. The rental desk will not hand out keys when this checklist is ignored.

Summer season booking in advance becomes essential for Kavala’s popular times

During summer Kavala welcomes many visitors to its area. The summer months of June through August bring both decreased car availability and increased prices which happen rapidly. Advance bookings between two weeks and four weeks ahead of time provide superior rates together with better car options. If you want to drive an automatic transmission then you should not delay your booking. The first vehicles to disappear are those with automatic transmissions so delay your booking.

Dive Deep into the Fine Print

Spend time to examine the rental agreement thoroughly upon receiving the vehicle.
Examine all sections within the rental contract to determine if it covers unlimited mileage. Check the rental agreement for both cross-border limitations along with associated fees for one-way drop-offs.

Make sure to ask about fuel policies since full-to-full and full-to-empty options differ in terms of costs. The time you spend reviewing these documents during the first five minutes will help you avoid unexpected charges at the drop-off point.

Inspect the Vehicle — and Then Do It Again

Before starting the car engine inspect the entire vehicle by walking around it. Take note of any existing vehicle damage including tiny scratches and dents and chipped glass and worn tires.

Take photos with timestamps and request that any issues be marked on the rental form. When disputes emerge the record will prove essential. When you bring back the vehicle perform an inspection again with rental staff present while keeping records of the drop-off documentation.

The safety of driving depends on the state of tires and fluid levels.Verify that the warning triangle and spare tire along with jack are found in the trunk An error occurred while processing your request. Please try again.

Useful Resources

Kavala International Airport. “By Public Bus: Direct bus service to and from the airport.” Official airport website, Fraport Greece. Accessed 27 May 2025. Kavala Airport

KTEL Kavala Inter-city Buses. “Δρομολόγια από Καβάλα προς Αεροδρόμιο (Μέγας Αλέξανδρος)…” [Timetable: Kavala ↔ Airport]. Updated 28 Apr 2025. Accessed 27 May 2025. ktelkavalas.gr

Kavala Port Authority (ΟΛΚ). “Passenger Port ‘Apostolos Pavlos’.” Portkavala.gr. Accessed 27 May 2025. Ο.Λ.Κ. – Οργανισμός Λιμένα Καβάλας Α.Ε

Greek City Times. “Do I Need an International Driver’s License in Greece?” 23 Sept 2024. Accessed 27 May 2025. Greek City Times

U.S. Department of State. “Greece International Travel Information – Road Safety & Driving.” Updated Jan 2025. Accessed 27 May 2025. Travel.state.gov

European Commission. Road Safety Country Profile: Greece. European Road Safety Observatory, 8 Feb 2024. Mobility & Transport – Road Safety

European Commission. “Seat Belts – EU Road Safety Policy.” Mobility & Transport portal. Accessed 27 May 2025. Mobility & Transport – Road Safety

European Commission. “112: EU Emergency Number.” Digital-Strategy portal. Accessed 27 May 2025. Digital Strategy

Avis Car Hire. “Driving in Greece – Road Rules Guide.” Avis.co.uk. Accessed 27 May 2025. Avis

Visit Greece (GNTO). “FAQ – Street signs and navigation.” Visitgreece.gr. Accessed 27 May 2025. visitgreece.gr