Is it a good idea to rent a car in Athens?
Not sure whether you should rent a car in Athens or not? Are you wondering if driving in Athens and its suburbs is safe, or whether car rental is an affordable option? Here is a handful of answers and suggestions that you might find useful, during or prior your trip to Athens.
Car Hire in Athens
The very first thing that you should look at is a cheap and trustworthy car hire option. The truth is that once you start searching online, you will come along various alternatives. Depending on the season, you will find several competitive offers from a wide range of companies. A safe bet could always be one of the major car rental agencies, such as Hertz, Avis, Sixt, etc.
Local Car Rental Agencies in Athens
However, if you are interested in striking a good deal with a medium sized local company be mindful! The devil is in the detail. Several local companies offer great car rental deals that do not include CDW or even Theft Insurance. You might think that you found an amazing offer of 50 euros per week for a small car and end up paying 150 euros, once you arrive at the airport.
How to avoid bad surprises?
My first suggestion is to meticulously look into the Terms and Conditions hidden somewhere in the websites. You have nothing to lose if you give a call (most companies provide their local phone numbers) and ask a couple of smart questions. What should I pay in case of an accident? What is the deductible amount of my insurance coverage? Is there insurance coverage in case of a traffic violation? Ask the representative to send you by email a written confirmation of your reservation and the relevant coverages.
Drive around Athens
Driving in Athens nowadays is definitely safe. The good news is that traffic is heavy only during the rush hours and mainly in local roads. This means it is a great idea to book your car rental in Athens and enjoy the beauty of the city and its suburbs. There are several places that you must visit. Drive with your rental car to Piraeus and taste the authentic fish food in one of the traditional fish taverns. If you stay close by, you could always rent a car to Peiraeus and avoid the hassle of Athens airport. One of your stops should also be Eleusis, a town in West Attica just 25 minutes drive from Athens Airport via Attiki Odos. Visit its archeological museum and discover the Eleusinian Mysteries. For those keen on a drive outside the city, Delphi, the center of the world is less than 2 hours away!
All in all, if you are careful and choose the right car hire company, either your rent a car in Athens Airport or elsewhere in Athens, driving around will be an unforgettable hassle-free experience.