AUTO ATHINA 2026: The Complete Guide, Plus How to Use the Show to Pick Your Next Car

For nine days in October, Athens becomes the centre of the Greek car world. AUTO ATHINA 2026 brings together 52 car brands at the Metropolitan Expo, a record for Greece and a big number even by European standards. City cars, family SUVs, premium models, sports cars and commercial vehicles will all be in one place, many of them making their Greek premiere.

That's great news if you're shopping for a car. It can also be overwhelming. Here's everything you need to know, and how to turn a fun day out into a smart buying decision.

Dates, tickets and practical info

The show runs from Saturday, October 3 to Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the Metropolitan Expo, next to Athens International Airport. On opening Saturday, doors are open from 10:00 to 21:00. Check autoathina.gr for the hours on other days.

Tickets cost 12 euros. Children up to 12 years old and people with disabilities get in for free. Parking is also free. You can buy tickets online through more.com or through the official autoathina.gr website, and they'll also be on sale at the ticket booths on site.

Selected new models will also be available for test drives, so bring your driving licence.

Why this year matters

The Greek market is changing fast. Traditional European, Japanese and Korean brands now share the floor with a wave of newcomers, especially from China. More choice is good for buyers, but it also means more names you've never heard of, more trim levels and more price lists to compare.

Your smart visit plan

Most people walk around, sit in a few cars and leave more confused than when they arrived. Here's how to avoid that.

1. Know your shortlist before you go. With 52 brands, you can't see everything properly. Decide in advance which 3 to 5 cars really fit your budget and your life, and visit those stands first while you're still fresh.

2. Set your real budget. Think beyond the list price. Include insurance, road tax, fuel and service costs. A cheaper car can end up costing more over five years.

3. Test the everyday things. Forget the lights and screens for a moment. Check the driving position, rear legroom, boot space and how easy the controls are to use. Fold the seats. Imagine your school run, your commute or your summer trip.

4. Book a test drive. A few minutes behind the wheel tell you more than any brochure. If a car on your shortlist is available, try it.

5. Ask the right questions. What's the real delivery time? Are there show-only offers? What warranty comes with the car, and what does servicing cost? Write down the answers, because after ten stands everything blurs together.

6. Don't sign on the day. Show offers can be good, but a big purchase deserves a night's sleep. Compare your notes calmly at home.

Bonus for motorsport fans

Opening day also brings motorsport to Athens. The Allwyn x McLaren Racing: Live in Athens event takes place at OAKA on October 3, making it a full car weekend in the city.

Find your match in 2 minutes

The hardest part is step one: building the right shortlist. That's exactly what KAR AI does. Answer a short multiple-choice questionnaire, and in 2 minutes our AI combines your answers with real-time market data to show you the cars that truly fit you. Do it before you visit AUTO ATHINA, and walk in knowing exactly which stands to head for.