Europe > Greece > Kefalonia (EFL)
The Car or no Car advice for Kefalonia can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Kefalonia ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Kefalonia ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Kefalonia?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
Kefalonia without a car 🚶♂️🚌
It is possible to visit Kefalonia without renting a car, but it requires compromise. Local buses operate between the main towns, including Argostoli, Lixouri, Sami, and Fiskardo, and services are more frequent in summer. Taxis are available, but costs add up quickly due to long distances and winding roads.
Argostoli itself is walkable and pleasant, especially along the harbour and main shopping streets. If you are staying in one town or a single beach resort and plan to relax rather than explore, you can manage without driving.
However, buses do not reach many of the island’s most famous beaches directly, and timetables are limited outside peak season.
Why a rental car changes everything 🚗🏖️
Kefalonia is large, hilly, and slow to cross. Roads twist through mountains, and journeys take longer than distances suggest. This is exactly why a rental car is so valuable. With a car, you can easily visit Myrtos Beach, Petani, Xi, and Antisamos, often in the same day.
A car also makes it simple to explore inland villages, viewpoints, and caves such as Melissani and Drogarati. Public transport does not offer this flexibility, and organised tours only cover a fraction of what the island offers.
Driving standards are generally fine, but roads can be narrow, so confidence helps.
Ferries and island hopping 🚢
Kefalonia connects by ferry to Ithaca, Zakynthos, and the Patras on the mainland. From here you can drive or take a coach or train to Athens. A car allows you to plan ferry crossings more freely, although foot passengers can still travel easily and much more cheaply, without worrying about extra charges from the rental company for taking the car on the ferry.
Conclusion: should you rent a car in Kefalonia?
Yes, for most visitors. While you can manage without one if you stay put or accept slower travel on buses, but having a rental car makes life much easier.
