So you’ve decided to explore Greece by car, bravo! (And yes, due to the Venetian occupation of many of the islands in Greece, you will hear “bravo” as a compliment in Greece and Italy). But wait, what is that strange object that stretches across the lanes and blocks the road? go ahead? It’s a bank of the dreaded tollbooths, and you’re about to pay for the privilege of riding that section of the road.
Toll booths are located on national highways or on Ethniki Odos, designed for fast and long-distance travel throughout Greece. You’ll find them on the main highway that runs between Athens International Airport and the city center, and the toll will often be in addition to your quoted taxi fare.
Sometimes a traveler is lucky: the national highway that runs along the top of the great Greek island of Crete does not have toll booths; There are no toll roads in Crete. The downside is that there are few roads that qualify as motorways in Crete: only the National Highway and a small part of the north-south road running from Heraklion to Moires offer a highway-like driving environment.
If you are used to using toll roads in the United States, you will probably find that the Greek toll booths are further apart and that their costs are cheaper than traveling an equivalent distance on the toll roads in the United States. On a trip to Illinois, which is totally free, from California free of charge, where only a few “private” roads charge tolls, I was surprised how expensive the road trip rates were for a short trip, much more expensive for the distance. traveled than any other. tolls I have paid in Greece.
Where are the toll roads in Greece?
Attiki Odos – This toll road crosses Attica, the peninsula where Athens is located, and runs towards the Peloponnese peninsula.
Egnatia Odos : also known as A2. This toll road in northern Greece, which partially follows an ancient Roman road, runs between Epirus, Macedonia, and Thrace.
Corinth-Patras : While not considered to be of the same quality as some of the other toll roads, it is still the fastest way to cross the northern part of the Peloponnese peninsula. But it runs parallel to the old coastal road, which travels through each beachside town, so if you want a slower but more scenic option, it exists for this route. Athens-Thessaloniki Variously known as Highway 1, A1, E75 or PAThE (for Patras, Athens, Thessaloniki and Egnatia), this highway is an easy way to get between the two main cities of Greece.
There are modern truck stop-type complexes offering food, gas and souvenirs, and plenty of opportunities for a meal or sightseeing. It still has a couple of tight spots that are slated for expansion, but most average drivers will be happy to drive on this highway with at least two lanes going in both directions along most of its length.
How much are tolls?
Toll rates can change at any time, but are generally from about .70 euro cents to about 2 euros per segment. You’ll want to have 1 and 2 euro coins on hand while you drive.
How can I avoid toll roads in Greece?
The quick answer is that you may not want to try. Greece has been quite low-key in adding toll booths, and they are generally only on roads that are by far the most convenient for travelers, in places where alternative routes don’t make much sense. If you love back roads and driving in Greece, you can get around them quite easily, but for the average tourist, the comfort and speed they offer is just too rugged.
