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Hire a Car in Zakynthos (Zante) and Explore More for Less

Compare competitive prices, pick the right cover, and follow our practical guide to collect smoothly at ZTH Airport or in Zakynthos Town—ideal for UK travellers.

UK Traveller Guide
Zakynthos Car Hire Guide for UK Travellers
Zakynthos is easiest to explore by car: beaches, viewpoints and quieter villages are spread out, and public transport is limited outside main routes. With a rental you can time your visits to Shipwreck Beach viewpoints, Keri Lighthouse and the Blue Caves without relying on tours. For UK drivers, the main adjustment is driving on the right and getting comfortable with narrower roads, scooters, and limited parking in peak season. When comparing deals, check the fuel policy (full-to-full is usually simplest), the deposit and excess, and what is genuinely included in the price (tyres, glass, underbody, and roadside assistance often differ).
Alamo
Avis
National
Dollar
Thrifty
Budget
+ more
Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) – Car Rental Area
Most UK travellers collect here. After arrivals, follow signs for 'Car Rentals' in/near the terminal. Some companies have counters inside the arrivals hall; others run meet-and-greet handovers in the short-stay car park. Allow extra time at peak changeover hours for paperwork, damage checks and card authorisation for the deposit.
Zakynthos Town (Chora) – Port & Waterfront
Pros: convenient if you arrive by ferry or stay centrally; easier to return the car before a town hotel stay; good access to cafés and amenities while waiting. Cons: parking and traffic can be busy in summer; some streets are narrow and one-way; limited late-night opening hours.
Zakynthos Town – Solomos Square & Central Streets
Pros: central pick-up for those based in town; walkable from many hotels; often straightforward for quick paperwork. Cons: kerbside parking is limited; you may need to circle for a space when collecting/returning; return can be slower at peak times.
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Best Hire Cars to Collect at Zakynthos Airport

Tailored vehicle picks to match Zakynthos' winding village lanes, hidden cove tracks and sun-soaked coastal drives. Scroll on to discover the most popular makes booked by fellow travellers.

By Trip Type
Popular Makes

Village Lanes

Small

Nimble & Wallet-Friendly
5
2
Auto

Zakynthos' charming villages like Bochali and Volimes feature narrow, stone-walled lanes where compact cars truly shine. You'll glide through tight bends, find kerbside parking outside seafront tavernas with ease, and sip less fuel during island-hopping drives. A sensible pick for couples exploring the Ionian coast without unnecessary fuss.

Hidden Beaches

SUV

Built for Backroad Coves
5
3
Auto

Reaching the famous Navagio viewpoint and quieter coves like Porto Limnionas often involves steep, gravelly tracks unsuited to ordinary cars. An SUV's raised ground clearance and sturdy suspension tackle Zakynthos' rugged hillsides with confidence, while the generous boot swallows beach gear, picnic hampers and snorkelling kit for full-day adventures.

Coastal Sunshine

Convertible

Roof-Down Holiday Magic
4
2
Auto

With glorious Mediterranean sunshine from May through October, a convertible turns the coastal road from Keri to Cape Skinari into pure holiday cinema. Roof down, you'll soak up sea breezes, sweeping Ionian panoramas and golden sunsets over Laganas Bay. A proper treat-yourself choice for couples chasing memorable scenic drives along the western cliffs.

Choose Your Ride

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

Airport
Town

Best For Quick Getaway After Landing

Airport pick-up at Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) is usually the most convenient for UK arrivals, with longer opening hours in peak season, a wider choice of vehicle categories, and faster access to resorts such as Laganas, Kalamaki, Tsilivi and Alykes. It can be slightly pricier at busy times, and queues are possible during weekend changeovers.

logo
Nimble ExplorerSmall
Toyota Aygo

Toyota Aygo

Secret dealFree shuttle bus
4
1
4
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$833.46
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
Nimble ExplorerSmall
Toyota Aygo

Toyota Aygo

AbbycarFree shuttle bus
4
1
4
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$833.46
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
Nimble ExplorerSmall
Toyota Aygo

Toyota Aygo

Volta 4u0.3 mi
4
1
4
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$885.85
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
Rugged CapabilitySUV
Kia Stonic

Kia Stonic

AlamoIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$345.29 - $464.35
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
Rugged CapabilitySUV
Kia Stonic

Kia Stonic

BudgetIn terminal, Pick-up service
5
2
4
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$740.42
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
Rugged CapabilitySUV
Kia Stonic

Kia Stonic

EnterpriseIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$345.29 - $464.35
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Nimble ExplorerSmall
Toyota Aygo

Toyota Aygo

NationalIn terminal, Walk to counter
4
1
4
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$345.29 - $1,190.66
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Nimble ExplorerSmall
Toyota Aygo

Toyota Aygo

HertzIn terminal, Walk to counter
4
1
4
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
Nimble ExplorerSmall
Toyota Aygo

Toyota Aygo

AbbycarFree shuttle bus
4
1
2
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$714.39
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
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
Zakynthos Car Hire Insurance: Avoid the €2,000 Mistake
Essential guide for UK travellers hiring cars in Zakynthos. Understand why CDW isn’t full cover, how excess and exclusions work, compare zero‑excess vs third‑party reimbursement, and follow a step‑by‑step checklist to protect your holiday and finances.
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

"Zakynthos Airport (ZTH) captures 55-60% of car rentals as primary gateway with 12 airlines serving 21 destinations. Airport pickup preferred by 70-75% of tourists for seamless arrival integration."

Booking Patterns

"Greece recorded 36M international tourists in 2024 (up 9.8% from 2023). SUV/4x4 bookings surge 30% in summer for coastal routes. Average rental duration 5-7 days. July-August captures 45% of annual rentals, with advance bookings up 25% vs pre-pandemic."

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. Insurance comprehension issues impact 25% of first-time island visitors."

Data Sources

  • QEEQ internal booking databse
  • WorldData.info - Greece Airports
  • INSETE Statistical Bulletin 2024
  • Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE)
  • INSETE Statistical Bulletin 2024
  • WorldData.info - Greece Tourism
  • Auto Europe - Greece Driving Information
  • European Consumer Centers - Car Rental Rights
  • Auto Europe - Car Rental Insurance Tips

Discover Zakynthos: Drive Through Greece's Ionian Paradise

Essential driving and car rental guide for exploring Zakynthos Island - from pristine beaches and sea turtle sanctuaries to vibrant nightlife and scenic coastal roads

LANGUAGES

Greek

CURRENCY

EUR

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+30

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

£47 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

6 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

$2.39/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$1.32/L - $2.42/L

Zakynthos Car Hire FAQs for UK Travellers

Post-Brexit licences, island roads, and other practical questions before you collect the keys

Does my UK photocard licence work in Greece, or do I need an International Driving Permit?
Your full UK photocard licence is accepted for rentals in Greece, but most major firms (Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Europcar) will also ask for a 1968-convention IDP, which costs £5.50 from the Post Office and takes under 10 minutes. Carry both, plus a passport, or the desk may refuse to hand over the car. Paper-only old-style licences are not accepted.
What are the roads actually like on Zakynthos, and are there any dangerous routes?
You drive on the right, as on the mainland. The island has no motorway; the coastal road from Zante Town round to Keri, and the climb up to the Navagio viewpoint near Anafonitria, are steep, single-track in places, and unlit after dark. National limit is 90 km/h outside towns, 50 km/h in built-up areas, but expect locals doing 30 km/h on bends. Allow at least 45 minutes for a 25 km cross-island trip.
How young is too young to hire, and what is the young-driver surcharge?
Most rental firms in Zakynthos set a minimum age of 21, though a few (Budget, some local agencies) accept 19. Drivers under 25 typically pay a daily young-driver fee of €6 to €12, capped at around €60 per rental. Over 70 you will usually face no extra fee, but bring a recent doctor's letter and check your insurer's medical-cut-off policy before booking.
Will my excess be sky-high, and is the local full-coverage upgrade worth the money?
Standard CDW in Greece leaves an excess of €600 to €1,500, and Greek roads mean scrapes are common. The on-site 'Super Cover' or 'Premium' waiver (€12 to €18 per day) drops excess to zero and usually covers tyres, glass and underbody. UK credit-card excess insurance is valid, but you must still leave the full pre-authorisation on your card at pickup, so have at least €1,500 headroom.
Where do I fill up, and what happens if I forget to return the car full?
Petrol stations cluster in Zante Town, Argasi, Laganas, Tsilivi and around Volimes; many close by 18:00 and almost all shut on Sunday afternoons. Fill up within 10 km of the airport on the main road towards Zakynthos Town. Return it full or expect a refuelling charge of €25 to €40 plus around €1.95 per litre, easily 50 % above pump price, so topping up yourself is far cheaper.
Is parking a nightmare in Zante Town, and where should I leave the car at the beaches?
Paid blue-line bays in Zante Town cost roughly €1 to €2 per hour and fill up by 11:00 in July and August; the free Paliostafida and Agios Dionysios car parks on the edge of town are safer bets. At Laganas, Tsilivi and Kalamaki you'll find private beachside lots charging €3 to €6 a day. Never park on yellow kerbs or in disabled bays — fines start at €40 and the local tow truck is famously swift.

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