Motorbike or Car in Athens? What’s Better for Getting Around

When it comes to navigating a major European capital like Athens, travelers and locals alike often face the same question: Should I rent a motorbike or a car? Both options come with their own advantages, but choosing the right vehicle can make or break your experience in this ancient yet bustling city.

In this article, we’ll compare both modes of transport from every angle — traffic, cost, flexibility, safety, and more — to help you decide what’s truly the best way to move around Athens. Spoiler alert: if you value time, freedom, and authentic city exploration, the motorbike wins.

The Athens Experience: Urban Maze Meets Mediterranean Spirit

Athens is a city full of contrasts — ancient ruins beside modern buildings, narrow cobblestone streets mixed with wide avenues, and a rhythm that blends European energy with laid-back Mediterranean vibes. It’s also a city where transportation can be… complicated.

Public transportation works, but it’s not ideal for spontaneity. Taxis are available, but traffic can be overwhelming, especially during rush hour. That leaves two main options for independent travel: renting a car or renting a motorbike (or scooter).

Let’s break down each one.

Traffic and Parking: The City’s Real Challenge

Athens is famous — or infamous — for its traffic. From 8:00 to 10:00 in the morning and again from 17:00 to 19:00 in the evening, major roads like Kifisias Avenue, Alexandras Avenue, and the coastal Poseidonos Avenue turn into parking lots.

With a car, you’ll often find yourself stuck behind long lines of other vehicles, especially in the city center or on the way to popular spots like Plaka, Monastiraki, or the Acropolis. Even worse, parking is a nightmare. Many streets are off-limits, and parking garages are expensive or full.

With a motorbike, on the other hand, you can weave through traffic (legally and safely), reach your destination faster, and park almost anywhere. In most areas, scooters and motorbikes can be parked free of charge on the sidewalk or in designated spaces — something that car drivers envy every single day.

Cost Comparison: Who’s More Wallet-Friendly?

Another factor to consider is your budget. Let’s compare:

• Car rental: Prices in Athens range from €40 to €80 per day, depending on the season and car type. Add fuel (which is expensive in Greece), parking fees, and possibly highway tolls if you leave the city. Insurance is often extra.
  
• Motorbike/scooter rental: You can rent a 50cc–300cc scooter or motorcycle for as little as €20 to €40 per day, including helmet and basic insurance. Fuel consumption is minimal, and parking is usually free.
  

✔️ Bottom line: Motorbikes are significantly cheaper both in rental cost and in daily expenses — and you won’t waste money on paid parking or sitting idle in traffic burning fuel.

Flexibility and Freedom of Movement

If you’re the type of traveler who wants to explore beyond the tourist zones, stop for photos, or grab a quick espresso without worrying about parking, the motorbike is your best friend.

Cars limit your options in the city:

• You’ll avoid smaller streets because of width or parking.
  
• You may need to park far from where you want to be.
  
• You might waste valuable time navigating large avenues.
  

Motorbikes, however, allow you to:

• Explore hidden neighborhoods like Anafiotika or Petralona.
  
• Cruise along the Athens Riviera with the sea breeze in your face.
  
• Stop spontaneously at viewpoints, small bakeries, or flea markets.
  

This is real city freedom — the kind you can’t experience through a windshield.

Environmental Impact: Less Emissions, Less Noise

In recent years, cities across Europe have been making efforts to reduce their environmental footprint. Athens is no exception, especially when it comes to reducing emissions in the city center.

Motorbikes and scooters consume less fuel and emit fewer pollutants than cars. Many rental agencies also offer electric scooters, which are completely emission-free and silent — perfect for travelers who want to be eco-conscious.

If you care about your carbon footprint, choosing a two-wheeled vehicle is a small but meaningful way to travel responsibly.

Group Travel vs. Solo or Couples

Now, if you’re traveling with more than two people or have a lot of luggage, a car may be more practical. Families with young children or travelers with mobility issues may feel more secure in a vehicle with air conditioning and space.

However, for solo travelers, digital nomads, couples, or groups of friends, renting multiple scooters or bikes can be more fun and flexible. Each person gets their own pace and independence, and you can split off or regroup as you wish.

Plus, nothing beats riding together through the streets of Athens as the sun sets over the Acropolis.

Safety Considerations

This is often the number one concern — and rightfully so. Is riding a motorbike in Athens safe?

The answer is yes — as long as you respect the road rules and drive defensively. All reputable rental companies provide:

• Helmets (required by law)
  
• Third-party insurance
  
• Safety instructions for the specific model you rent
  

If you have prior experience riding scooters or motorbikes, you’ll find it easy to adjust. And even for beginners, a 50cc or 125cc scooter is manageable and beginner-friendly.

Stay alert, avoid aggressive drivers, and be extra cautious in older neighborhoods with narrow, slippery streets — and you’ll be just fine.

Legal Requirements and Driving Licenses

To rent a motorbike in Athens:

• EU citizens can use their regular driving license (AM or A category depending on engine size).
  
• Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) unless their license is in English and accepted by Greek authorities.
  
• Most rental companies offer automatic scooters, which are easy to use even if you’ve never ridden a manual motorbike.
  

It’s always a good idea to check license requirements before booking — your rental agency can advise you based on your nationality and experience.

Sightseeing Made Easy

Athens is packed with places to visit: the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, Lycabettus Hill, Stavros Niarchos Center, beaches like Vouliagmeni, the port of Piraeus, and much more. A motorbike makes it easy to go from point to point, stopping where you like, skipping crowded metro stations or slow buses.

You’ll save hours during your stay — and you’ll see more in less time, without being tied to schedules or traffic lights.

Final Verdict: Motorbike Is the Smarter Choice in Athens

While renting a car in Athens might seem like the familiar or comfortable option — especially for those used to driving everywhere — the realities of the city often turn it into a frustrating experience. Between relentless traffic, high parking costs, narrow backstreets, and unexpected delays, a car can end up limiting your freedom instead of enhancing it.

A motorbike or scooter, on the other hand, offers everything that modern travelers seek: efficiency, flexibility, and affordability, all wrapped in an experience that feels adventurous and fun. It allows you to move like a local, discover hidden corners, escape the main roads, and truly connect with the rhythm of Athens — something you simply can’t do from inside a car.

Whether you’re in the city for sightseeing, business, or a spontaneous getaway, two wheels open up possibilities that four wheels often close off. You’ll save time, reduce stress, explore more, and likely create more vivid memories along the way.

So if you’re wondering how to get around Athens the smart way, the answer is simple:

Skip the traffic. Embrace the breeze. Ride the city.Because in Athens, freedom doesn’t come with four doors — it comes with handlebars.