Mykonos - to rent a car or to not.
 

Hello fellow Fodorites! I'm wrestling with a bit of a problem here - to rent a car or to not rent a car while on Mykonos. My mom, sister and I will be staying in Ornos Beach. We'll be a short walk (10 min or less) walk from the bus stop which will afford us access to town and other points, but having a car will allow us to go anywhere at any time. In addition to that, we won't have to get to the airport so early for our 9a flight back to Athens. Should we rely on the bus service and taxis or rent a car? Also, if we did rent a car (from Avis), should I take all the insurance options they offer?

It sounds like you prefer to rent a car. Why are you hesitating?

How long will you be on Mykonos? I would just rent a car for the drive to the airport in Athens and just use local transport.

Since there aren't a lot of responses yet you might check at your local library for some of the Rick Steves, Fodor's, and other travel guides on taxi, bus, rental cars for Mykonos and they'll probably have info & advice on insurance options.

We rented a car on all of the Greek islands, arranged by our hotels after we arrived. The car rentals were quite inexpensive.

For return trip to the airport, taxi is more convenient and there is no hassle of turning your car in, checks for damages and final bill.

Rent a car! Unless it's changed dramatically, there are very few taxis in Mykonos. In fact, make sure you have your hotel reserve one for arrival and departure. We found it a hassle to rely on the buses. Have fun!

How long will you be in Mykonos? We were based in Ornos for 4 nights in May. Took a taxi from the airport. Buses to and from Mykonos town from Ornos, as well as walking there one day. Bus to the nearby beach one day. Didn't miss having a car, but if we did we could easily have rented locally for 25 euros a day.

Hi
I was in Mykonos in May with my husband and sister and talked about hiring a car.Asked our hotellier who suggested we didn't due to the number who drink and drive.It was very busy and crowded then.I would pre-arrange a taxi for the airport and enjoy the bus rides.

Hello all! Thanks for the replies. Sorry I haven't responded sooner, but it got a bit hectic at work.

I'll be in Mykonos for a week. I'd been looking at a rental from Avis, but with all the taxes, etc - the car would be at least $500+ for the week. I suppose we could use the buses to get around the island and a taxi to get to and from the airport.

500$? For seven days? I think they are way too much.. For which period are we talking about?

Lots of rentals available through local companies in Mykonos town--daily rate of 25 euros, and perhaps less if you rent for the week. The agency we talked to in Ornos charged 30 euros per day.

You may want to check out www.cheapcarhire.gr/Mykonos as well.. I used it for my last visit in Greece. Cheap, safe and good cars..

@travelingseeker - Well, that's through AVIS and with a discount code, not to mention that's also with taxes and insurance. We'll be in Mykonos from Sept. 13th to the 20th.

I've looked at a number of rental agencies including Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Hertz and found that Avis was the best, not to mention that they were the only one who seemed to have automatic cars for rent. So, here's the breakdown: the car I'm looking at is $275.82 for 6 days. Add on to that the taxes of $83.94 and that bumps it up to $359.75. Ok so far. Then there's the optional insurances of collision damage waiver for $21.70 per day (if I add this on, then the total becomes $535.96). There's also personal accident insurance of $2.71 per day (and if this is added, then the total is now $557.99). I can also add theft protection, but seriously, this is an island and I don't think we'll be in any area where we'll have to worry about that.

This is where the $500+ for 6 days and 21 hours comes from. Question is, will I need a damage waiver or personal accident insurance? It's not like we'll be driving around the island every day, but it would be a nice convenience to have and be able to go when we want and to not have to wait for the bus. Then again, on the downside as it's been pointed out, turning the car back in and having to do an inspection is one thing we would not have to worry about.

Our flight back to Athens was originally around 11a or so, but the departure time got moved up to 9a. I suppose we could just rely on the bus service to get in to town and just use a taxi to come from the airport and get back to it.

@trafaelwyr I think that the taxes are included... Check the terms again or make a contact with them to be sure.
(I am not sure but they also may cover a small amount for collision damage anyway)

About the insurance of collision damage waiver.. It's a tough choice.. It's up to you. September is not on the high season and the traffic it is slightly better.