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Car Hire In Argostoli, Kefalonia: Competitive Prices And A Practical Guide

Compare great-value options for airport or town pick-up and get clear advice on insurance, fuel policies and local driving so you can explore Kefalonia with confidence.

UK Traveller Guide
Argostoli Car Hire Guide: Where To Pick Up And What To Expect
Hiring a car in Argostoli is one of the easiest ways to reach Kefalonia’s beaches, viewpoints and villages on your own timetable. Public transport is limited outside peak routes and taxi costs can add up, so a small car is often the most cost-effective choice for couples and families. For UK travellers, remember Greece drives on the right, manual gearboxes are common, and many insurers require you to declare any cross-island or off-road plans. Always check the fuel policy, deposit amount, mileage limits, and whether tyres, glass and underbody are covered—these are frequent sources of surprise charges on island rentals.
Cephalonia International Airport (EFL) – Car Rental Area
The main airport for Argostoli (around 10–15 minutes by car). Most suppliers have desks in or near the arrivals area, with vehicles collected in the adjacent car park. Pros: widest choice of companies and opening hours timed to flights, easy start for multi-stop itineraries. Cons: can be busier and pricier at peak times; queues are common around weekend arrivals—pre-booking is strongly advised.
Argostoli Harbour & Lithostroto (Central Shops Area)
Pick-up points around the harbour front and the main pedestrian shopping street are convenient if you are staying in town and want to avoid airport crowds. Pros: walkable from many hotels, often more flexible for later-in-trip rentals, easier to inspect the car in calmer surroundings. Cons: limited stock in high season and shorter opening hours; parking and narrow streets can make collection and return slower.
Argostoli Bus Station Vicinity
A practical area for travellers arriving by intercity coach or staying near transport hubs. Pros: straightforward meeting point and easier onward navigation to main roads. Cons: fewer suppliers and car categories; some offices may require a short walk to the vehicle location.

Argostoli Car Hire Made Easy: Top Picks for Island Driving

Find the ideal vehicle for Keflavik's coast, mountains and village lanes. Browse our most popular rentals to match your driving plans.

By Trip Type
Popular Makes

Narrow Streets

Small

Narrow-Lane Nimble & Wallet-Friendly
5
2
Auto

Argostoli's old-town lanes, tight harbourside parking and one-way streets around Lithostroto are much easier in a compact hatchback. A small car also keeps fuel costs down on day-long hops between beaches. It's the most popular choice with British visitors who want fuss-free island driving.

Coastal Day Trips

Convertible

Open-Top Ionian Bliss
4
2
Auto

Summer driving along the coast to Lassi, Fiscardo or the famous Myrtos viewpoint is unforgettable with the roof down. A convertible suits the relaxed pace, the short scenic stretches and the consistently warm, breezy weather. It's the quintessential way to enjoy Keflavik.

Mountain Roads

SUV

Hill-Ready Grip & Comfort
5
3
Auto

Winding climbs up to Mount Ainos National Park and the switchback road down to Myrtos Beach demand extra ground clearance and a sturdier feel. An SUV gives confident handling on hairpin bends and rough patches while keeping everyone comfortable. It's a sensible pick if your itinerary leans towards inland villages and elevated viewpoints.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Best For Flight Arrivals And Maximum Choice

Airport pick-up suits UK travellers landing at EFL who want to start driving straight away. You’ll usually find the broadest range of vehicles, longer operating hours aligned with flight schedules, and easier one-way logistics if permitted. Booking ahead can secure better rates during summer peaks and reduces time spent queuing on arrival.

Argostoli Car Hire Ratings from Real Travellers

Browse verified customer reviews for car hire in Argostoli, Kefalonia. Compare scores across pickup, vehicle quality and service to book with confidence.

Rental companyRatingAvg. Daily RatePickup Method/DistanceSecurity depositAccepts Debit CardsKey Advantages
Selecta
2.9
2 reviews
$5170.6 mi from argostoli Downtown
$580
  • Airport Pickup Service Available
  • Multiple Vehicle Types Offered
AvanceBudget Friendly
2.7
360+ reviews
$9518 mi from argostoli Downtown
$696 - $2,320
  • Friendly and helpful staff
  • Competitive pricing
  • Smooth pick-up and return
Wheego
1.4
160+ reviews
$6710.6 mi from argostoli Downtown
$812 - $2,088
  • Easy online booking process
  • Clean and fuel-efficient cars
  • Quick pick-up and return

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental
Last updated: Jun. 16 2026
Essential Rental Hub
Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.
A Brit's Guide to Fuelling a Rental Car in Greece
This guide offers essential tips for fuelling a rental car in Greece, covering the differences between full-service and self-service stations, communication tips, payment methods, and important fuel types to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
View details

Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Kefallinia Airport (EFL) serves Argostoli with 621K passengers (2017), capturing 65-70% of car rentals. Airport pickups dominate at 65-70%, city centre locations 20-25%, with port and ferry terminals accounting for 5-10% of rentals in this island destination."

Booking Patterns

"Greece recorded 32.7M international tourists in 2023 (up 17% from 2022). SUV/4x4 bookings surge 25% in summer for coastal routes. Average rental duration 5-7 days. July-August captures 40% of annual rentals, with advance bookings up 30% vs pre-pandemic levels."

Customer Pain Points

"28% of Greece car rental customers cite hidden fees as primary complaint, with 22% reporting confusion over CDW vs Super CDW coverage. Deposit disputes affect 18% of renters, while insurance comprehension issues impact 25% of first-time visitors."

Data Sources

  • QEEQ internal booking databse
  • WorldData.info - Greece Airports
  • WorldData.info - Greece Tourism
  • Auto Europe - Greece Car Rental
  • WorldData.info - Greece Tourism
  • Auto Europe - Greece Driving Information
  • Trustpilot - Auto Europe Reviews
  • Auto Europe - Car Rental Insurance Tips

Drive Smart in Argostoli, Greece

Your Complete Guide to Hiring a Car, Road Rules and Fuel Prices in the Capital of Kefalonia

LANGUAGES

Greek

CURRENCY

EUR

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+30

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$38 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

7 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

30-50 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

90-130 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.05% (Strictly Enforced)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$2.32/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$1.52/L - $2.79/L

Argostoli Car Hire FAQs

Practical answers for British drivers renting a car and exploring Kefalonia's roads

Can I drive in Greece with my UK photocard licence, and do I need an IDP?
Yes, your full UK photocard licence is accepted in Greece without an International Driving Permit, both before and after Brexit. You must have held it for at least one year, and some suppliers on Kefalonia apply a young-driver surcharge of around €7–€10 per day for drivers under 25. Carry the paper counterpart-equivalent details and a utility bill as proof of address just in case.
What is driving really like on Kefalonia, and which roads should I avoid as a tourist?
Roads are mostly well surfaced but narrow, twisty and unforgiving in the mountain interior between Argostoli and Fiskardo. Drive on the right, overtake only on solid dashed sections, and treat every blind bend as if a goat is round it. Single-lane bridges are common in the south, and after summer thunderstorms rockfall briefly affects the Poros road. Allow at least 1 hour 30 minutes for the 35 km Argostoli to Fiskardo run.
Are there any toll roads on Kefalonia, and how do I pay for parking in Argostoli?
Kefalonia itself has no motorways or tolls, but if you take a day trip to the mainland via the Rio–Antirrio Bridge expect a €3.20 toll. In Argostoli, seafront and Lithostroto street parking is mostly metered 09:00–21:00 in summer at roughly €0.50–€1 per hour, paid only in coins or via the MyPark app. Free white-line bays exist further out along the coastal road towards Lassi.
What type of petrol does a hire car take on Kefalonia, and where do I refuel?
Most economy cars run on unleaded 95 (amolyvdi 95); diesels are common in larger estates. Stations are scarce outside Argostoli, Sami and Skala, and many close after 20:00 or on Sunday afternoons, so refuel early. Full-to-full is the norm and a missing €25 fuel top-up is the typical penalty, so photograph the dashboard and pump reading at return.
How much do insurance excesses actually cost in Kefalonia, and should I buy the full coverage?
Basic CDW still leaves an excess of €600–€1,200, and a single scratch on a Kefalonian olive-tree-lined lane will be deducted. Full zero-excess upgrades cost €10–€18 per day but cap your liability at zero for bodywork, glass and tyres. Given the island's tight stone walls and goat-dotted rural roads, most experienced travellers say the upgrade pays for itself after one incident.

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