Information about taxis
The most popular taxi apps in Greece are:
- BEAT: calls a taxi, displays fare, you pay in cash, card or PayPal. Operates in Athens and Thessaloniki
- UBER: calls a taxi without displaying the fare. Operates in Athens
At Athens airport, the taxi rank is at exit 3 at the arrivals level.
The fare from/to Athens airport is regulated by the law, the driver can't charge whatever he wants:
| From/to | Tariff 1 | Tariff 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Athens airport - Athens | 38 € | 54 € |
| Athens airport - Piraeus port | 48 € | 65 € |
| Athens airport - Rafina port | 25 € | 35 € |
| Athens airport - Lavrio port | 47 € | 70 € |
| Athens airport - Glyfada | 32 € | 40 € |
The fare is also regulated from/to Macedonia airport:
| From/to | Tariff 1 | Tariff 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Macedonia airport - Thessaloniki | 20 € | 28 € |
The fare includes everything: airport charge, flag drop charge, luggage, VAT and tolls. You don't have to pay anything more than that. It's a good practice to drop the flag in case you change the destination en route.
Tariff 1 is 05:00 - 24:00 and tariff 2 24:00 - 05:00. It's clearly displayed with the numbers 1 and 2 on the taximeter, on the section "TARIFF" or "ΤΑΡΙΦΑ" in greek.
Tourists are easy victims and some drivers may try to scam you. The taximeter is your ally on this. Follow these simple rules:
- don't negotiate or agree on a fare. Fares are regulated by the law
- on picking up a taxi, make sure the driver drops the flag. If not, ask for it. Make sure the tariff is correct and the taximeter isn't already running. If the flag doesn't drop, the driver can ask you whatever he wants
- a common practice is to change the tariff to 2 during the ride. Watch out the taximeter
- make sure the tariff on the taximeter is not covered
- always get on a vacant taxi, if there's another passenger on, you may be overcharged
- some taxis accept cards for payment. If you pay in cash be careful about the amount of money and the notes you hand on. The driver may pretend you gave him less
Some extra tips:
- the driver may take a longer route
- drivers are selective, tell your destination before getting in
- drivers don't like the taxi to be full of passengers. Usually they want a seat to be empty, in case they pick up another passenger en route. If you are a company of 3-4 ask
Also, you can call a radio taxi to pick you up or arrange an appointment. There may be an extra charge.
Fares are regulated as follows:
- flag drop 1.29 €
- from and to Athens airport 4.18 € (tolls included)
- from and to Thessaloniki airport 3.44 € (tolls included)
- from and to other airports 2.83 €
- from ports, railway stations, intercity bus stations (KTEL) 1.17 €
- for every baggage over 10kg 0.43 €
- minimum fare in Athens and Thessaloniki 3.44 €
- minimum fare in rest of Greece 3.69 €
- at Christmas and Easter there's an extra fare of 1 - 2 €
In towns and islands there are radio taxis and ranks too. The taximeter is set on tariff 2 when out of the boundaries of the city.
For sightseeing, tours and excursions, fares are usually fixed by the local associations. For details check on the local taxis websites.
In small islands there are no taxi ranks. You call the driver directly on his mobile phone.