Car rental - from Piraeus

Have you considered just taking a bus to Nafplio? You could take a train or bus from the port to the bus station (Athens, Leoforou Kifisou - KTEL) easily enough and then hop a bus for the 2+ hour trip to Nafplio. If you choose to have a car for that part of your trip, rent one once you’re in the Nafplio area.

The thought of driving in Piraeus gives me anxiety. I agree that the coach sounds like a great option.

I visit Nafplio on every trip, and highly recommend the intercity(KTEL) bus. If you take the Blue Star Ferry to Piraeus, that arrives about 3:15, and earliest you get off with bags, probably 3:30pm

When does the KTEL express bus from Athens - Nafplio leave the Kifissou KTEL bus terminal?? HEre is the current timetable: https://www.ktelargolida.gr/en/athina-isthmos-fichti-mikines-argos-nafplio/ -- on Sundays, it's at 12:30, 2 pm 3:30, and 5:30. The Direct KTEL bus from Piraeus to the Kifissou terminal is every half-hour & takes at least 35 minutes ... so If you want to catch a particular intercity bus, It may be worth it to you to taxi... takes 15 minutes, used to cost abouot €15, but probably a bit more now, but worth it.

At the bus station, just say NAfplio? and they'll point you to a bus right beside an exit door. Unlike many routes, the Naxos route has a room right beside the bus where you can buy tickets. A round-trip may save you a couple of Euros... If they ask you to specify and exact return bus, just pick the last bus of the day on your planned return date... you can always trade it in beforehand. All seats are reserved -- Outbound, ask for LEFT-hand side (tap your left arm), because you'll get a sea view much of the way. These busses are modern, clean, airconditioned, upholstered reserve seats w footrests, big suitcases stored underneath bus, prompt departures. No onboard bathrooms but a rest stop just after Corinth Canal, about 1 hr. The last 30 mins of ride is off the big highway on small local road, rolling countryside of olive groves & citrus orchards. Very enjoyable. BUs station is riiht at edge of Old Town, with a taxi rank to take you to hotels.

Two tips: (1) If you booked a balcony room w nice view, it's always nice to sit there on arrival & relax with snack & adult beverage. ONe of you stays at Nafplio station with baggage, the other walks on that street 200 yards toward seafront and on RIGHT hand is small supermarket with full array of cheeses snacks, treats, beverages & returns & THEN you taxi to hotel. (2) many nice agencies rent cars -- with just 2 full days, you may just want a car for ONE of those days. After you book hotel, you could ask hotel to take care of this... or ask them for recommend, and book beforehand. Advance is good idea if you require automatic shift... and this way they could have it ready for an early start. Delivery at hotel may or may not be possible (if it's on a stairstep or no-cars street).

There is nothing easier than renting a car at the port of Piraeus and picking it up when arriving by ferry.

Just tell the car rental company which ferry you are taking and what time you are arriving in Piraeus. You will have all the necessary instructions and there is a good chance that the guy from the rental agency will be waiting for you with the car near the ferry disembarkation point.

Ferries from Naxos arrive either at Gate E9 if it is a Seajets ferry or at Gate E7 if it is a Blue Star ferry.

Honestly I don't see where the problem could be.

Thanks for your replies and pointers. I think I will stick with the plan to rent and communicate with the agency about ferry details. Good idea! The thought of the bus with luggage and time needed actually gives me more stress. Hopefully the agency will us great directions to navigate out of Piraeus to the main highway.

You don't have to worry about driving to Nafplio, after the first few kilometers to get out of the city of Piraeus which is always very busy near the port in terms of traffic (but nothing unmanageable), you will be on large avenues and then join the highway.

Thanks and good to know. We’re from Toronto which is known for horrid traffic congestion and construction. Should hopefully be a breeze then ;)