Airport If you are flying into Zakynthos and heading to the resort of Argassi, picking up a hire car is a straightforward process. Zakynthos International Airport (IATA: ZTH, ICAO: LGZA), named "Dionysios Solomos," is a compact, single-runway terminal. Despite its size, it gets very busy; Fraport Greece data shows it processed over 519,000 passengers in July 2025 alone. Critically, there are no in-terminal car rental desks; all operators, from global chains to local firms, use a "meet and greet" system. This means a representative from your car hire company will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name on it. After you connect with them, they will walk you approximately 300 metres to either a shuttle van or directly to their nearby office to complete the paperwork. The entire process usually takes less than 10 minutes. Follow these steps for a smooth and predictable car hire pickup at ZTH. Collect Luggage: Proceed through passport control and collect your bags from the single baggage reclaim carousel. Enter Arrivals Hall: Exit the baggage area into the public arrivals hall. This is a small, single room. Find Your Name: Look for a representative holding a sign or tablet displaying the name you booked under. They are typically standing just beyond the sliding glass doors. Show Documents: Present your driving licence and passport to the representative for verification. They will also confirm your booking details. Walk to the Office/Van: The representative will escort you on a short 2–5 minute walk from the terminal exit to their office or shuttle van in the designated rental car area. Sign the Contract: Carefully review the rental agreement before signing. Pay close attention to the insurance excess amount (the maximum you'd pay in case of damage), the fuel policy (aim for "full-to-full"), and any mileage caps. Photograph the Car: Before you drive away, use your phone to take clear photos of all four sides of the car, the roof, the windscreen, and the wheels. Also, take a photo of the dashboard showing the starting mileage and fuel level. Receive Keys: Once the paperwork and inspection are complete, you will receive the keys and a local, direct emergency contact number for the rental office. 🚗 Local insight: Photographing every panel is not paranoia. Forum members report charges of over €400 from major operators at ZTH for coin-sized scuffs that were likely pre-existing. A clear, timestamped photo is your best protection. The drive from Zakynthos Airport to the resort of Argassi is straightforward. The total distance is just under 10 km, and in normal traffic, the journey takes approximately 15 minutes. To get there, exit the airport and turn right onto the main Kalamaki road. Follow the signs for Ζάκυνθος (Zakynthos Town). As you approach the town, you will see clear signs for Αργάσι (Argassi); follow them, turning right at the main junction to enter the resort. Be aware that Saturday is the main "changeover day" for package holidays. Between 10:00 and 14:00, the main road leading to and from the airport can experience significant congestion, adding 30–40 minutes to your journey time. Ensure you have the correct documentation ready to avoid delays or refusal of the vehicle. Requirements vary based on the licence-issuing country, in line with Greek Traffic Law updated on May 14, 2018. Document EU / UK / US / CA / AU / Gibraltar Nationals All Other Nationals National Driving Licence Required (must be held for at least 1 year) Required International Driving Permit (IDP) Not required Required (1968 Vienna format). A €1,000 fine applies if missing. Passport or National ID Card Required Required Booking Voucher Required (digital or printed) Required (digital or printed) Credit Card Required (in main driver's name if a security deposit is held) Required (in main driver's name if a security deposit is held) Most local Zakynthos-based car rental companies are accustomed to flight delays, especially during the peak season from June to September. Reputable local operators track your flight number and will have a representative waiting for you, regardless of the delay, at no extra cost. However, some larger international chains may have stricter policies. There are documented cases of operators like Green Motion at ZTH charging a €25 "out-of-hours" fee for flight arrivals after 21:00. In contrast, local firms like Olympic, Faros, and Levantino are known to waive these fees as a standard practice, provided you supplied your flight number. 💡 Tip: Always enter your flight number into the designated field when booking online. This is the single most important piece of information that allows the local agent to track your arrival and adjust their schedule accordingly without any need for you to call them. The return process is quick and efficient if you follow these steps. Plan to arrive at the rental car return area at least 60 minutes before your airline's check-in desk opens. Refuel the Car: If you have a "full-to-full" policy, you must return the car with a full tank. The last petrol stations are an EKO and a BP on the main airport road, approximately 2 km from the terminal. As of 2025, expect to pay around €1.75 per litre for Unleaded 95. Keep the Fuel Receipt: Get a paper receipt from the petrol station as proof of refuelling. Arrive at Return Bay: Drive to the same area where you picked the car up and park in a bay designated for your rental company. Damage Check: An agent will meet you to perform a quick inspection of the vehicle, comparing its condition to the photos taken at pickup. Sign Return Form: Once the agent confirms there is no new damage and the fuel is full, you will sign a return form to close the contract. Early/Late Returns: If returning outside of office hours, photograph the dashboard (mileage, fuel) and lock the car. Write the final mileage and the current time on your contract copy and deposit it with the keys in the secure drop-box provided. ⚠️ Warning: Be cautious of "full-to-empty" fuel policies often used by budget chains. They charge an inflated per-litre rate for the initial tank and offer no refund for unused fuel, a practice that can add a hidden cost of €20–€30 to your rental. Choosing the right local operator can significantly improve your pickup experience. Most provide airport delivery, flight tracking, and waive late arrival fees as standard. Operator Airport Delivery Out-of-Hours Fee Flight Tracking Faros Car Rental Yes, Meet & Greet No Yes Levantino Rent a Car Yes, Meet & Greet No Yes Euro Alfa Yes, Meet & Greet No Yes Rentity Yes, Meet & Greet €15 after 22:00 Yes Olympic Car Rental Yes, Meet & Greet No Yes For more detailed information on driving in Zakynthos, explore our related guides: Learn about local driving rules and speed limits in Zakynthos. Find out where to park in Argassi and Zakynthos Town. Get help deciding which car suits your group. Compare Car Rental Deals