Driving from Bulgaria to Greece – Rules, Fees and Important Things to Know in 2026

Every year, thousands of people travel from Bulgaria to Greece by car.
And honestly — it is one of the most convenient ways to travel.

More freedom. More luggage space.
Easier movement between beaches and resorts. And the comfort of travelling at your own pace.

But in 2026, there are several important things drivers should know in advance.

Especially if they are travelling with a rental car.

What Do You Need When Travelling to Greece with a Rental Car?

If you are using a rent a car vehicle, you should check in advance:

• whether crossing the border is allowed;

• if there is an additional cross-border fee;

• whether a Green Card is included;

• if a power of attorney is provided;

• whether there are mileage limits;
what the insurance covers outside Bulgaria.

  These are things that should be clarified before the reservation — not at the border.

Why Do Rent a Car Companies Charge a Cross-Border Fee?

Many customers are surprised by this fee.

But the reality is that travelling outside Bulgaria usually means:

• higher risk for the vehicle;

• significantly more mileage;

• additional documentation;

• more complicated procedures in case of an accident;
• 
faster wear of the vehicle.

  That is why most rent a car companies in Bulgaria charge an additional fee for travelling abroad.

New First Aid Kit Requirements in Greece in 2026

This has become one of the most discussed topics recently.

In 2026, Greece announced updated requirements for vehicle first aid kits. The new kits are expected to include an emergency thermal blanket (isothermal blanket).

According to the published information, the kits should comply with DIN 13164:2022 standards or equivalent ISO standards and include additional medical supplies.

The updated requirements mention:

• thermal emergency blanket;

• gloves,
medical mask,
bandages and dressings,
emergency scissors,
wet wipes;

• first aid instructions.

  Important clarification: After the first announcements, Greek authorities later stated that the mandatory implementation of the new kits may be postponed until 2027, while during 2026 they are expected to remain more of a recommendation than a strict obligation.

Still, many drivers are already preparing in advance — especially for the summer season.

What Did We Do at DL Rent?

As soon as this topic started appearing in the news, we decided to prepare our vehicles in advance.

The cars at DL Rent are already equipped with the necessary items, including thermal emergency blankets and updated first aid kits.

For us, it is important that our customers travel with peace of mind and do not worry about missing equipment during checks in Greece.

Highway Tolls in Greece

Most highways in Greece are toll roads.

The fees depend on the route and are paid at toll stations along the way.

If you are travelling to destinations such as:
Kavala,
Halkidiki,
Thessaloniki,
Lefkada and
Athens

you should expect additional road toll expenses.

Payments are usually possible
in cash,
by card,
through electronic toll systems on some highways.

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What Else Should You Check Before Travelling?

Before heading to Greece, it is a good idea to check:

your documents;
the Green Card;
whether the first aid kit is available;
spare tire or repair kit;
Bulgarian vignette validity;
insurance conditions.

If you are travelling with a rental car — taking photos of the vehicle before pickup and after return is always a smart idea.

Why Do More People Choose Rental Cars for Greece?

More and more customers use rental cars for vacations in Greece.

In Google reviews, customers often mention:
new vehicles;
fuel efficiency;
easy travel experience;
comfort for long distances;
peace of mind during the trip.

Many of our customers travel to: Halkidiki;
Kavala;
Thessaloniki;
Thassos;
Lefkada;
Asprovalta;
Paralia.

That is exactly why we focus on preparing our vehicles properly for long-distance and cross-border travel.

Conclusion

Travelling to Greece by car can be comfortable and stress-free — especially when everything is prepared in advance.

The most important things are: clear rental conditions;
a reliable rent a car company;
proper documentation;
a well-prepared vehicle.

And when the car is already equipped with everything needed for travelling in Greece — it simply makes the journey easier and more relaxing.

Author: Gergana Ivanova
DL Rent – Rent a Car Bulgaria