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Transfer from Athens airport to Napflio

My husband and I will arrive in Athens at 2:55 pm on September 3, after a flight from Denver, connecting through Munich. We're going directly to Nafplion, and would appreciate some advice on getting there.

Rental car is out -- we are in our 80's so can't rent cars (and wouldn't want to anyway after that long flight).

Welcome Pickups would charge 258 euros to transport us, which seems like a lot. I know there's an inexpensive bus, but taking the bus from the airport to the bus terminal in Athens, and then waiting, and then a long bus ride, sounds exhausting.

I'm wondering if anyone knows of a more reasonable transfer option?

Posted by
4124 posts

From 220 to 250€ is roughly the price range for an airport transfer to Nafplio.

Try these ones which might be a bit cheaper than Welcome Pickups since WP isn't a taxi company, just an intermediary that takes a commission on the fare

https://taxiathens.eu/

https://taxiathensservices.gr/

You could take a taxi to the Kifissos KTEL bus station to catch the bus to Nafplio. The taxi should cost around €50, and buses run roughly every hour; the ticket costs €15.

https://ktelbus.gr/arg/ticketweb/

If you take the 5:30 PM or 6:30 PM one, you'll arrive two hours later, perfect timing for dinner in Greece.

Without a rental car, I don't see any options other than a taxi or the bus.

Posted by
13771 posts

Welcome Pickups would charge 258 euros to transport us, which seems like a lot.

Considering its a 210+ mile trip for the driver, that is not an unreasonable cost.

Have you asked your lodging for a suggestion?

Posted by
1265 posts

Looks like Daytrip would charge $237. That is only slightly better, so the cost that Welcome Pickups quoted is in the ballpark. Both of those prices seem very reasonable considering the time and distance required for your transfer. Based on our experience, I do know that Daytrip is door to door and has always been very reliable. We have not used Welcome Pickups.

Posted by
1504 posts

The bus would be your least expensive option but a bit more involved as mentioned.

I used this transfer company a number of years ago.

At the time it was 150 euros so may be more expensive.

However, it was door to door service, pick up at airport and drop off at your accommodation.

https://www.greek-taxi.gr/en/home/

You could also check out the best website for Nafplio and contact the person who runs it who may be able to help with a transfer.

https://visitnafplio.com/really-useful-info/contact-and-disclaimer.html

Posted by
2402 posts

Thanks everyone! I appreciate and will look into all these suggestions.

Part of my concern is EES in Munich ... our connection is just 1 hour and 20 minutes. We're flying business class, so we'll get out of the plane quickly and maybe have an expedited EES lane? But if we get delayed there, and I have a driver waiting ... that would be stressful.

So initially JoLui's solution sounded perfect. And it would be if we were younger and hadn't already been in transit 18 hours when we arrive. But the more I think about it, the idea of one taxi from Athens airport to Napflio hotel is probably worth 258 euros (or whatever it turns out to be). And I'll make sure I can communicate with the driver from Munich should there be a delay.

Posted by
4124 posts

Lufthansa offers incredibly short connection times in Munich or Frankfurt (sometimes 50 minutes for an intra-European flight), I’ve always found that surprising, though I’ve never tried it myself. I assume it works, otherwise they wouldn't offer it.

That said, Welcome Pickups drivers are supposed to wait for 1h starting from the pickup time you specified when booking, no longer than that. Given that it involves a significant taxi fare, if you use a different taxi company, check also their policy regarding delays.

Posted by
58 posts

I have taken these LH flights. Immigration is basically a walkthrough, so it does work. And the airline usually has agents at the door to shepherd you through short connections.

Posted by
1504 posts

I did a test booking with the transfer service I mentioned and got this response:

20-09-2026 Athens Airport at 16:40p.m. – to Nafplio for 2 people Cost: 170 € Mercedes E-class up to 3 medium size luggage

A lot less expensive then most other recommended services!

Posted by
2402 posts

Wow Tommy! That is much better. Thank you. I did not have a chance to check all the recommendations yet. But will take care of this today. Then my trip preparation is done.

As for the Munich transfer, on a previous Denver-Athens trip, we had a Lufthansa-Lufthansa connection of 50 minutes in Munich and had plenty of time. Which is why I accepted this short one, which I’d booked before EES. I’ll just hope for the best and keep that driver’s number accessible just in case.

Posted by
1504 posts

While I am not cheap I am economical and do a lot of research not only on where to go but how to get there and cost of getting there.

The service I used for transfer to Nafplio was excellent. The driver was waiting for me at the airport holding a sign with my name on it.

The vehicle was just outside the arrivals area so it wasn't a long walk.

The driver spoke English was friendly and drove safely, at least for Athens!

He dropped me off at my accommodations so just had to carry/lug bags to the front door!

I can't guarantee you'll get the same price but I think you'll get a great offer.

Posted by
1504 posts

Charlene:

Not sure what your itinerary is for Nafplio but here are photos from some of the lesser known parts of the Argolis Peninsula that doesn't get the hype like Mycenea, Epidavrous, Tyrns, Nemea, Ancient Corinth, etc. Nothing wrong with the sites are they are a must but if you want more then it could be worth checking out.

More out of the way and you'll probably be the only ones there!

https://tinyurl.com/39mm5ys6

Posted by
1435 posts

Charlene, please report back on what you end up doing as we hope to do something similar in late May.

Posted by
2402 posts

Tommy -- Thanks for the photos and videos. You make everything look so appealing! We're just starting to plan Napflio -- it's our first visit and we're staying near Syntagma Square. We're thinking of taking the Pegasus Cruise to Hydra and Spetses one day, and a tour to one of the archeological sites (Epidaurus or Mycenae) on another. We've been to lots of ruins in Turkey and Sicily, and are using walking sticks now, so this needs more research. And then we'll see what else we can find. I don't think we'll book anything ahead unless we are advised otherwise.

Mostly we are looking forward to wandering along the sea, stopping for a frappe or a Mythos, sitting at little cafes. We've heard so much about beautiful Napflio that we thought we should finally see it. After a week here, we'll travel back to Athens and fly to Crete for the rest of our vacation.

Again thanks for your help.

And Barbara, I will report back!

Posted by
1504 posts

Charlene if there is any possibility to renting a car by all means do so.

Is it because of fearing of driving in Greece or age/physical limitations?

There is so much to see in the surrounding area of Nafplio and buses don't go everywhere.

Many of the places in the video are only accessible by car.

What I normally do is take the bus from Athens to Nafplio and pick up at rental at Staikos Car Rental. They are great, easy to work with and age is not a factor for them.

Using some type of navigation system will help you get to where you want to go.

Roads are good and in safe condition.

You don't need to rent for the entire time but a few days will really enhance your experience exploring the Argolis Area.

FYI: We took the Hydra/Spetses tour and was OK but you do spend a lot of time on a boat, probably as much time on each island combined. Hydra was worth it for us but Spetses was just all right.

If you had a car you can drive to Metochi or Ermioni in the south of the Argolis and get a quick boat ride to Hydra and spend as much time there as you like rather than spending a lot of money for just a short time on each island.

Posted by
13771 posts

Rental car is out -- we are in our 80's so can't rent cars

Well, Budget will, if you were inclined to get a car at some point when you are not just walking off the overnight flight.

Authorized Drivers must be (i) at least 25 years old (or in some states, at least 18 years old), and (ii) capable and validly licensed drivers in possession of a license that is not modified, suspended, revoked, or restricted.
https://www.budget.com/en/reservation#/review-and-book-paylater

Posted by
2402 posts

We'll look into a couple of days car rental in Napflio -- I'll contact Staikos and see what they say about an 83 year old driver, and if an IDP is needed. We've rented a car on almost every Greek island we've visited over the years and did enjoy the freedom. We haven't rented on our last few trips to Crete because I'd heard that 80 was the cut-off age. Plus we could get around well with buses and ferries. So I'll check it out.

The trip to Hydra and Spetses being mostly at sea is fine with us. We love being on the water. Thanks for your help!

Posted by
1504 posts

Each car rental agency may have different policies on renting to "older" people.

I believe Staikos is very flexible with age requirement so you may be able to rent a vehicle.

I've used Staikos on all trips to the Peloponnese and they have been wonderful and some of the lowest rates I've had anywhere renting a car in Greece.

Send them a personal email (Christos) rather than trying to book through their website and you can explain your situation.

[email protected]

Posted by
58 posts

You do not need an IDP if your license is from a US state (and some others) according to a Greek law explicitly passed in 2021 (or 2022?).

Posted by
1504 posts

Correct that you no longer need an IDP but you still need to bring your home driver's license.