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Welcome to Arillas => Arillas general information => Taxi and Bus Transfer => Topic started by: biglil on June 06, 2015, 06:59:49 PM

Title: When and who to book with
Post by: biglil on June 06, 2015, 06:59:49 PM
Hi again,it's been a long time since I 1st posted but have been an avid daily reader on the forum. It's our 1st time in Arillas and will be staying at the Matharaki in August. We do not have any tranfers  but would like some suggestions about how far in advance we should book a taxi and who should we go with. I have read about corfu taxis and theos. Do we have to pay online or do you pay on arrival? Any help/suggestions would be very much appreciated.
Title: Re: When and who to book with
Post by: Donpipez on June 06, 2015, 07:22:00 PM
Hi

Last Year we arranged a ta I to pick us up at the airport through Theo - cost was 60 Euros and we paid the driver on arrival at the Mathraki. On leaving we asked Nikos to call us a taxi - same price but a very nice limo and paid the driver at the airport
This Year we have booked through San Stefano's travel once again for the same price.
From what I have read on the forum 60 euro sseems to be the going rate - We booked a couple of weeks ago for 3rd July - You could always see if anyone wants to share depending on how many are in your party?
Hope this helps
Neil & Jill

Title: Re: When and who to book with
Post by: ness44 on June 06, 2015, 11:41:51 PM
Hi lil
When in August. We are at the mathraki 21 August. Just wonder why you have no transfer?  The coach journey can take between 1-2 hours depending which way they go but lovely scenery. It was part of our package
Title: Re: When and who to book with
Post by: justphil on June 07, 2015, 12:39:36 AM
I guess you have booked direct and then your flights. We always do.  If so, rely on your accommodation to help with the transfer.  I am sure Akis and family at Mathraki will sort things out with a local provider for you. Contact details on here, but in case you can't find them I have:

Mathraki studios. Contact Manager. Akis Kasimis. Address. Arillas Corfu. Telephone. +302663051603. Mobile. +306932658911. Fax. +302663052153. E- mail. booking@mathrakistudios.net

At worst you can jump in a taxi at the airport, but this will cost more.

There are many options - you may find that Anna (studios) and her family can help - they are recently offering cheaper transfers on specific dates/times on the forum and Facebook. If in doubt, keep posting until you are sorted.

Jen and I now always stay at Bardis Sun Studios, and the family organise it all for us, at the bet price possible.

Phil
 

Title: Re: When and who to book with
Post by: Val n Bill on June 07, 2015, 01:48:05 AM

Phil,  all 16 rooms at the Mathraki can only be booked through Thomsons now. It's been like this for a few years and as far as am aware it still is for 2015.
 
We have already booked for next year through Thomsons so I don't think there has been any change.
You can opt out of transfers with Thomsons though on their booking form.

    Val x
 
Title: Re: When and who to book with
Post by: Chris G on June 07, 2015, 01:30:29 PM
Shuttle bus transfer, beware if you are tempted to book an independent resort transfer we did this last year, to be fair Bobby (Bardis Sun studios) did warn us that it may be a mistake but we went ahead regardless and booked a return shuttle. We were told that it would be a mini bus type vehicle (wrong) with approximately a transfer time of 1 hour (wrong), to be honest we have paid a lot more for a tour around Corfu and we did see places that a bus would not normally go to, and I don't think we have been on a bus that traveled as far in reverse (not being able to turn in the narrow lanes) as this bus did. we arrived on a late flight from the UK about 10.15 pm however following our world tour (that's what it felt like) we arrived in Arillas at about 1.45 am then were told because of the length of the bus it would not be able to cross the dry stream without bottoming out and were asked would we mind walking the rest of the way (that reminds me must get some new wheels for our cases), The driver was very good and very chatty (felt like I new him like a brother by the end of the trip) we waved goodbye after as we left the bus and he reversed again back towards the Mariner restaurant to turn and leave for home. Not so much a bus transfer but an adventure, never mind we did have a laugh about it as we drank a cool Mythos on our balcony kindly left in our fridge by Bobby.
We looked forward to our return tour so much we got a taxi back to the airport, Kindly arranged by the Bardis Sun Studios. We have gone back to our normal routine this year and booked a hire car again, my wife likes to share the driving, (back seat driver!!!! she keeps me right all the time) . 13th June cant wait!!!!!!!
Title: Re: When and who to book with
Post by: biglil on June 07, 2015, 01:39:30 PM
We booked the holiday through Tesco travel(no longer) but the operator is Thomsons. Last year we went to San Stephanos and had to wait on the coach for an hour before setting off as we had to wait for other flights to come in to fill the coach. We didn't want that to happen this year and this company gave as the option of not having transfers or paying an extra £60 ?( I believe) We thought it would be worth paying a little bit more to start the holiday earlier. We chose not to go for transfers and as time is approaching I'd thought Id ask for your help
Title: Re: When and who to book with
Post by: biglil on June 07, 2015, 03:47:04 PM
Sorry I forgot to say thanks for your responses. Much appreciated.
Title: Re: When and who to book with
Post by: Val n Bill on June 07, 2015, 05:00:20 PM
The quickest time we have done the transfer to the Mathraki with Thomsons was just under an hour. This was with one stop for San George at the mini bus pick up point. Two couples got off and we were in Arillas within ten minutes. It was late at night though.

But, the longest was an occasion going back  to the airport....we picked up all over Corfu, took us well over two and a half hours but then we didn't have to hang about the airport, we were taken to the front of the queue.

 Swings and roundabouts I know but think I preferred  the seat on the coach to no seats at the airport.

      Val x
Title: Re: When and who to book with
Post by: suzy61 on June 07, 2015, 08:14:53 PM
Val n Bill are quite right, it is swings and roundabouts!
Our first visit to Arillas took about 2 hours and 15 minutes on the Thomson transfer coach! However the second time it only took less than 1 and a half hours. That said, on both occasions the journey was calm and relaxing and the scenery was breathtaking! We also enjoyed seeing all the traditional Greek villages on the way.
The drivers were also brilliant and drove with care and consideration and despite what some people say about Greek drivers, we felt completely safe throughout the whole journey.
For me it's part of our holiday!

Suzy X
Title: Re: When and who to book with
Post by: soniaP on June 07, 2015, 08:30:36 PM
If its part of your  package then I would take the free transfer and have 100 extra Euros spending money.
Title: Re: When and who to book with
Post by: Bumpkin on June 07, 2015, 08:59:21 PM
We hired a car for £48.53 for the week and arranged private insurance to cover any potential excess charge (about £16 if I remember but you can get it cheaper).
Worked well for us with just about an hour to Arillas. Added benefit of being able to get around as well so no excursion costs. The biggest benefit was getting back to the airport at the end of the week before the coaches turned up - so no queue!

This was our first time in Corfu and we used directions from the airport to Arillas via a link posted on this site somewhere. We also used sat-nav on my smart phone during the week (having downloaded maps before we left home). Not perfect but it would be difficult without it (considering Corfu roads)
Title: Re: When and who to book with
Post by: Steph ~ on June 07, 2015, 10:18:26 PM
I use Dimitris at Corfu Holiday Taxis for transfers - this year he's charging €55 each way and I book about 12+ weeks ahead.. Always reliable, and nice clean cars - and often have water in the car for us too.   email is info @ corfuholidaytaxi .com  (remove the spaces!)
Title: Re: When and who to book with
Post by: ness44 on June 07, 2015, 10:54:13 PM
biglil when in august are you there?
Title: Re: When and who to book with
Post by: Linsey on June 07, 2015, 11:38:10 PM
Have used both a transfer coach and private taxi transfer. Far preferred the taxi - quick, comfortable and straight to the door. Lets you start your holiday as quickly as possible. We are also travelling with our young daughter and she does not have the patience for the coach. Mathraki is an excellent place to stay - have a great time x
Title: Re: When and who to book with
Post by: soniaP on June 07, 2015, 11:58:04 PM
Sorry biglil you said not included in price so ignore my previous post. Lol
Title: Re: When and who to book with
Post by: Rachel B on June 08, 2015, 05:12:17 AM
€60 is a little steep I'd say. In August 2013 I paid €55 (Lena at the Makris arranged it for me). Last year & this year, I used Arillas Travel (across from Coconut) for my taxi transfer and it was/is only €50 (each way) I would definitely recommend them. New, comfortable cars with air con. They also drove us to Sidari and Kassiopi for our excursions, lovely people, very chatty.

I'll be slumming it on a coach in October lol but, if nearer the time I decide that 2 hours+ is too long, i'll be emailing them the week before and arranging a transfer again :D
Title: Re: When and who to book with
Post by: Val n Bill on June 08, 2015, 08:35:10 AM

Bumpkin who did you hire your car from......£48.53 for a week!!!!! 😮🚗🚗

      Val x
Title: Re: When and who to book with
Post by: biglil on June 08, 2015, 10:00:27 AM
Hi again thanks so much for all your replies. We will be there from the 7/08/15 for 14 days. The price of the transfer was £60 but that was by coach and it would be the same flight  as we did last year. We  had to wait for 2 other flights to arrive so we were sat on the coach for at least an an hour before  we set off. The scenery was enjoyable and we did see  a little bit of Arilllas which made as  want to book.(so that's a bonus)but thought for an extra £40  it would be worth getting a taxi. The point made about the return journey  to the airport and getting there before the coaches arrive is a very good one. It was utter carnage last year with people pushing in and fights nearly breaking out! I think Ill have to book sooner rather than later.
Title: Re: When and who to book with
Post by: Donpipez on June 08, 2015, 12:41:35 PM
Hi Lil

In reality the cost will be slightly less depending on the Euro/Sterling rate - Today 60 Euros is roughly £45 so gives change for some extra Mythos!!

Cheers

Neil
Title: Re: When and who to book with
Post by: Bumpkin on January 19, 2016, 01:44:09 PM
Sorry Val & Bill, I know this post is old but I only just picked up your query about our car hire.
I used comparison sites like Kayak, Travel supermarket, etc. The one I used for Corfu car hire was Autos Europe and the final hire company was Kings. It was a very good personal service, meet and greet in arrivals and  they carried our luggage to the car. Excellent service. I usually book our holiday late (within weeks) and was checking car hire prices which was more like £70/ week if I remember correctly. Checking nearer to the date the prices had dropped so at less than £50 I booked it.
We have just got back from Fuerteventura, having booked the holiday late again. Car hire was £38.12 for the week. This was through Autos Europe again, hire company was Thrifty (Hertz)
I think if you can risk leaving it late, you can get the bargain as the hire companies would rather rent a car out cheaply than not at all.
Title: Re: When and who to book with
Post by: Erja on January 19, 2016, 06:23:08 PM
I have used Corfu Cabs for two years and had a brilliant service with a smile from all the drivers :) I usually book about 6 weeks before to make sure their availability.

More info and prices etc can be found here: http://corfucabs.com/

What ever you choose have an excellent holiday biglil 8)

Title: Re: When and who to book with
Post by: JohnTheRef&Dot on January 19, 2016, 11:11:21 PM
We have just got back from Fuerteventura, having booked the holiday late again. Car hire was £38.12 for the week. This was through Autos Europe again, hire company was Thrifty (Hertz)
I think if you can risk leaving it late, you can get the bargain as the hire companies would rather rent a car out cheaply than not at all.

We have also just returned from Fuerteventura and Car hire was a real bargain. Booking a Hyundai i10 pick up at airport (price 40 euro per week) upon Arrival we found we had been upgraded to a Volkswagen Tiguan at no extra cost. my son was also there over Christmas and also found they were up graded ....Off season car hire in is usually much cheaper with up grades offered. High demand during high season can work out quite expensive.
This is usual in Spain and the Canary Islands. My youngest sons partner travelled home to visit her mother in Valencia last week and picked up car hire at Alacante airport for 30 euro for ten days, she has done the same in high season and had to pay up to 150 euro for the week. all depends on demand
Title: Re: When and who to book with
Post by: Val n Bill on January 20, 2016, 12:35:23 AM
 
So real bargains are possible, glad to hear that..... although Bill hates driving while on holiday.

When we go to visit other places he prefers to be chauffeured...and not by me. Lol

    Val x

Title: Re: When and who to book with
Post by: Dai on January 21, 2016, 12:51:07 AM
Theo and Tasos at Arillas Cars offer a range of transfer options and are always provide a very reliable and efficient service. Check out their website for further information http://www.arillascars.com  (http://www.arillascars.com)