Hi all! Unfortunately, I and my family have an 11:10 p.m. arrival into the Athens airport (ATH) from Kos Island (our original, reasonable time was cancelled and we had to rebook on the late flight). My intent is to drive to Delphi the next day (we will be coming back to tour Athens at the end of our visit). What makes the most sense: 1. Booking a hotel very near the airport, picking up the car the next day at the airport, and driving? or 2. Picking up the car that evening, drive to somewhere less expensive for the evening and carry on the next day?
Option 1 seems to make more sense to me. Any advice for a hotel, rental car company, etc.?
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3122 posts
Your options for inexpensive hotels near the airport are Peri's Hotel, St. Thomas B&B and Pantheon Hotel. Peri's has a free shuttle service between 7am and 11pm so even though you'd have to take a taxi there at night you can get a free ride back to the airport in the morning after breakfast to pick up a rental car. If it's in your budget the Athens Airport Sofitel is right at the airport, and the Attika Avenue Holiday Inn is about 20 minutes away and they do have a late-night shuttle pickup service. Be sure to go to your local AAA office to pick up an International Driving Permit, no test or membership required, for $15 plus a photo fee if you don't have 2 passport photos with you.
Posted by
OP
Minneapolis, MN, USA
13 posts
Thanks so much, Lee! I'll arrange to stay at one of these hotels!
Posted by
Brighton, UK
1388 posts
Jeff We stayed at the Peri's 18 months ago. The hotel is fine and the people really friendly and helpful. It's pretty much in the middle of nowhere but that isn't presumably a problem if you are going to be straight in and out. Alan
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3122 posts
I just received this email from Janet at the St. Thomas B&B. "Hello from St. Thomas B & B. Would like to point out to all interested that we do pick up at the airport at no extra charge until midnight and sometimes in special circumstances even later. Family room is Euro150 including breakfast."
Posted by
OP
Minneapolis, MN, USA
13 posts
I just made a reservation at the St. Thomas B&B, and she will pick us up at the late hour. Looks like a great place! Thanks for the recommendation!
Posted by
Louisville, KY, USA
255 posts
I had a similar problem when my flight arrived 14 hours late! I took a taxi into Athens, stayed at the Attalos Hotel and the car rental agency brought the car by the hotel the next morning and I drove to Delphi. The traffic in Athens wasn't THAT bad, just different. If there is a 1/4 inch clearance on either side, they'll go thru it. I just kept going, obeyed the lights and listened to my GPS. Once on the Greek version of the interstate, it was an easy drive to Delphi. The mountains, as you get closer, are spectacular!
Posted by
Louisville, KY, USA
255 posts
I had a similar problem when my flight arrived 14 hours late! I took a taxi into Athens, stayed at the Attalos Hotel and the car rental agency brought the car by the hotel the next morning and I drove to Delphi. The traffic in Athens wasn't THAT bad, just different. If there is a 1/4 inch clearance on either side, they'll go thru it. I just kept going, obeyed the lights and listened to my GPS. Once on the Greek version of the interstate, it was an easy drive to Delphi. The mountains, as you get closer, are spectacular!