Any recommendations for car rental that would be good for a 2.5 week term?
We will be picking up in Athens on our way to Meteora (outside city maybe easier?) , then dropping back in Athens (or ideally Piraeus) about 2 1/2 weeks later. Any suggestions for a company, tips for selecting a car, location for pickup/dropoff, etc welcome!
Picking up, and returning a car in a big city is always easier at an airport or other location outside of the congested city center. That often comes at a higher price, due to airport pickup surcharges, or extra driving distance from where you might be coming or going, but the convenience usually makes it worth it.
Although Greece has all the big rental companies companies like Hertz, we rented from Pop’s, a Greek company with several locations. We rented at a small port town on the Peloponnese peninsula, south of Piraeus, then turned it in in Athens (airport), so they allow pick up and drop off at different places.
We get the smallest (so, also cheapest) size car that will fit the number of people, and luggage. Better gas mileage that way, as well. We both drive manual transmission cars at home, so we can get them on trips, although many on this Forum are adamant about only renting an Automatic.
We have used ACR Athens car rentals several times. They rent from the airport. They do not have an office there just the car. Its a different business model from most airport rentals.
They meet you at arrivals door, help you with your luggage and take you to the car parked just outside arrivals area. They give you a run through on the car then do a walk around looking for existing dents or scratches. Its a good idea to video the walk around. I totally missed a dent but my wife videoed the walk around and the dent was clearly there before we took the car.
They do take a credit card chit for the deductible if you have an accident.
On return drop the car off at the agreed time but this time in the departures level.
The nice thing about renting at the airport is you immediately get on a 4 lane highway that continues on to Corinth or heads north towards Meteora. Both are toll roads. You do not have to drive in Athens traffic at all.
It's a real good idea to have a GPS to guide you. We also suggest you have a paper map so you can double check the route the GPS is taking you. You have to program the GPS for where you want to go. Who knew there are 7 Meteoras in Greece!
