I noticed a lot of people back tracking after a stay in Athens to the airport to pick up a rental car to avoid the city driving. Is it really that bad? Worse than Naples? I'm looking to pick up my rental from Avis in the city center to drive to Delphi. It seems silly to go all the way back to the airport for a rental. I would appreciate any feedback from the RS community. Thank you!
Look at the map and evaluate the route—if it’s something of a straight shot, then I would have no qualms about a drive out of Athens.
Driving away from the port is reported to be fine if that’s something of use to you.
I think only an especially nervous driver would need the airport departure point. Though getting to the airport by taxi was fairly painless if it works out better.
Thanks for your reply! It looks like a pretty straight shot to the highway. You’ve given me some confidence.
If you're accustomed to navigating big cities, you'll have no trouble picking up a rental car from the Avis office on Syggrou Avenue.
Having driven in Athens a few times, I've always wondered why some people are so afraid of driving there. There’s quite a bit of traffic in certain areas, bus lanes, traffic lights, a few anxious drivers, pretty much like any big city around the globe. To me it's just the usual hustle and bustle.
Also note that from Athens, if you go to the airport to pick up a car you go to the South East while Delphi is to the North West
I’ve also driven in Italy and Sicily, and I can say it’s a whole different story, definitely more challenging! LOL
I really appreciate your reply. Did you mean that you felt driving in Italy and Sicily was more challenging or in Athens and Greece?
I meant, IMO it's more challenging in Italy compared to Greece, both in urban areas and rural settings.
If you're planning to stay in Athens on your way back, you can return the car at the same office on Syggrou Avenue. Just keep in mind that getting there might involve a small detour. Syggrou Av is a kind of six-lane highway with a central median, U-turns aren't allowed at the intersections. However, any GPS should guide you easily on the right route.