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Hiring a car on Zante (Zakynthos) is not optional: it’s the essential condition for truly experiencing the island. Zante spans over 400 km² with a coastline of approximately 123 km, and its most important attractions – from the Navagio Shipwreck Beach to the Laganas Marine Park where Caretta caretta sea turtles nest – are located at opposite ends of the island and are only accessible with your own transport. Public buses do exist but serve only the main routes with limited schedules; if you skip the car, you’ll miss much of what makes Zante special.
The good news is that hiring a car on Zante is straightforward and relatively affordable, especially if you book online in advance. Average prices run at €15–20 per day for a compact car in low season, rising to €30–50 per day in July and August. Rental agencies are available at the airport, the port and in Zante Town: booking before you travel and comparing rates between several companies is almost always the most cost-effective choice.
Below are the cheapest prices for car hire at at the airport of Zakynthos, to book click here.
The prices of car rental at the at the airport of Zakynthos varies depending on the time of year. This graph shows the average prices in the various months to help you find out which is the best period to rent a low cost car.
According to reviews by other travellers, the following are the best car rental companies at the airport of Zakynthos. To compare rates click here.
Zante’s geography rewards independent travellers. The island has three very distinct zones: the eastern coast, flatter terrain, where resorts concentrate, along with equipped beaches such as Banana Beach and tourist settlements like Tsilivi, Kalamaki and Laganas; the north-west coast, with white cliffs and the famous Navagio, reachable by road only as far as the viewpoint on the promontory; and the Vasilikos peninsula to the south, where you’ll find the wildest beaches such as Gerakas and Dafni, protected by the Marine Park as a sea turtle nesting zone.
Without a car, travelling between zones requires taxis (expensive) or combinations of buses and waiting. With a car, you can drive across the island from north to south in under an hour and organise your day freely: the Navagio viewpoint in the early morning, beaches in the south for the afternoon, Zante Town in the evening. A single day’s rental, well chosen, can define your entire holiday.
Rental agencies operate at three main locations across the island, each with different advantages depending on where you’re staying and how you arrive.
Zante Airport (ZTH) is the most convenient pick-up point for those arriving by flight. Major international companies (Europcar, Avis, Sixt, Budget, Hertz) and several local agencies have desks in the arrivals area. The advantage is straightforward: you collect your car as you exit the terminal and reach your accommodation without transfers. The cost of hiring at the airport typically includes airport taxes, which can add a few euros per day; compare the total price carefully with agencies in town before deciding.
Zante Port is the second option for those arriving by ferry from Killini or other islands. Several local agencies have offices near the port here too. Picking up your car at the port and returning it at the airport (or vice versa) is possible but typically incurs a drop-off charge at a different location: check this when booking.
Zante Town and along the eastern coast host numerous local agencies, often cheaper than multinationals and with greater flexibility. If you’re staying at one of the eastern coast settlements (Tsilivi, Argasi, Kalamaki), there are likely agencies within minutes of your accommodation. Local agencies with strong traveller reviews include names like Dirent a Car Greece, Yours Car hire and Xenos Car hires, with average ratings above 9/10.
Roads on the eastern coast are smooth and well maintained. A few things to bear in mind: the road climbing to the Navagio viewpoint is narrow, with hairpin bends and no guard rails in some sections; the Vasilikos peninsula (towards Gerakas and Dafni) has paved roads but single-track sections in places; Laganas town centre in August is often congested in the evening – better to park outside and walk.
There are no tolls on the island. Petrol stations are available in all main settlements but scarce in the more rural areas of the north: fill up before heading towards Navagio or the north-west coast.
For regulations, speed limits and advice on driving a car on Zante, consult our Driving in Greece section.
Here are some quick answers to the most common doubts about car rental in Zante.
To reserve a car in Zante a credit card or debit card is sufficient. However, when you go to collect the car, you will need:
The car rental companies in Zante allow to rent a car to all those who are between 21 and 70 years old. However, there is an additional cost for under 25 and for those over 70.
A car rental in Zante always includes:
Any extras or additional insurance coverage are separate.
Find the best rates by comparing all car rental companies in one search.
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