There are about 15,000 taxis on the streets of Athens. There are very many different taxi companies.
Unfortunately, the taxi drivers do not have the very best reputation, and not entirely without reason. Many try to charge a higher price, do not adhere to the official fees, drive a longer route or manipulate the taximeter during the ride so that it runs faster and a higher price is displayed.
In this complete guide about taxis in Athens, read everything you need to know. This includes rates, taxi apps, payment, tipping and more.
Let's start with important recommendations.
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Important Recommendations
- Ordering a Taxi: You can either order a taxi by phone or app, go to a taxi stand, or hail a taxi on the side of the road. If the taxi is free, the taxi sign on top of the car is illuminated. If possible, order a vehicle through taxi apps. If you order a taxi by phone, have the front desk at your hotel help you. Use UBER services.
- Hailing a Taxi on the Side of the Road - License: If you hail a taxi on the street, be sure to check that it is a licensed vehicle. The sign on the roof must be installed in all cases, and it must have the word TAXI on it.
- Taxi Meter: Be sure to check that the taximeter is turned on and that the correct fare has been selected. During the day, fare "1", the daytime fare, should be selected. "2" stands for the night fare and is only valid between midnight and 5:00 a.m. in the morning.
- Price: Ask for the approximate price of the route as soon as you board the train.
- Orientation: It is an advantage if you know approximately where you are, where you want to go and how far the route is. Knowing the major roads is often a help as well.
- Shared Taxis: Taxi drivers often try to pick up other passengers who have the same route. However, this is not legally allowed, and the passenger must explicitly agree. It does not make it cheaper for the passenger, as the taxi driver will charge both guests the full price.
Payment
Payment is made by taximeter. In Greece, taxi rates are set by the authorities of cities or counties. The taxi fare for Athens was last set in July 2015 and published in the official fare ordinance.
It is binding for all taxis and taxi companies within the compulsory driving area and may not be exceeded or undercut.
This is ensured by officially calibrated taximeters installed in the taxis.
Payment is usually made in cash; some taxis accept credit cards. In the case of cashless payment, an identification document must be shown at the driver's request.
The passenger is entitled to a receipt. This receipt must be issued to the passenger from the taximeter's printer.
Language
Many taxi drivers speak English, however, it may happen that a driver does not know English.
Destination Address
Due to possible communication difficulties, it is recommended to write the destination address on a piece of paper and show it to the driver.
Indicating a major landmark such as a landmark near the desired destination is very helpful, as is indicating the neighborhood.
If you want, you can follow the route in Google Map.
Rates
- Basic Rate: The basic rate is 1.29 euros, the price per kilometer is 0.74 euros.
- Night Rate: Between 24:00 and 5:00, the night rate applies. The basic charge here is also 1.29 euros, but the price per kilometer is 1.29 euros.
- Standing and Waiting Times: Standing and waiting time is charged at 11.81 euros per hour.
Color of the Taxis
In Athens the taxis are yellow, in other cities of Greece they can have other colors, for example gray in Heraklion or white in Rethymnon.
Taxi to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport
- Taxi: A taxi ride from the city center to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is fixed at a flat rate of 38, -- euros, at the night rate the ride costs 54, -- euros. The night tariff is valid between midnight and 5:00 am. The fare is charged by taxi meter, there are no additional fees. You can easily book your taxi transfer from Athens Airport to your hotel via this link.
- Private Transfers: Several companies offer airport transfers by limousine, where the chauffeur picks up the guest at the gate. Please refer to the appropriate websites for more details. Book your private transfer from Athens Airport online in advance here!
Obligation to Transport
There is a requirement to transport each passenger to any desired destination, as long as it is within the city limits. The taxi driver is obliged to take the shortest and therefore cheapest route, unless another route has been agreed.
Smoking Ban
There is a general ban on smoking in taxis for drivers and passengers.
Tipping
Tipping is not a must, but it is expected. A 5 - 10% tip is within reason.
Taxi Numbers
There are numerous taxi stops in Athens, but usually taxis are ordered via app. Should you order a taxi by phone, you can find the numbers of some major taxi stops here.
Ask the front desk of your hotel to help you order a taxi.
- Kosmos: Tel: 18300 - 18300.gr/en/
- Hellas: Tel: 18180 - RadioTaxiHellas.gr/
- Taxiplon: Tel: 18222 - Taxiplon.gr/en/
Taxi-App
The most famous and popular taxi app is Beat (formerly Taxibeat). With this app you can order a taxi online. The taxi finds the location and offers the possibility to pay in cash, by card or through a paypal account.
The app is very convenient, especially for all visitors who do not know Greek.
Pre-Ordered Taxi
Of course, a taxi can also be pre-ordered, either by phone or by mobile app. Your hotel will be happy to assist you in ordering a taxi. Extra fees may apply for pre-ordering.
Uber
The UBER company is headquartered in San Francisco, USA. It is a US-based service company that arranges services for transportation in many cities worldwide online.
Once you download the app on your phone, you can start using UBER services. When you order an UBER, you will be told the price for the route you want to take. Payment is made by credit card, Eurocard, PayPal or Google Play.
Complaint Hotline
Complaints about taxi drivers can be filed at the Headquarters of the Traffic Departments of Athens (Trochea Athinon), Tel: +30 210 5230 111.
You can also simply call the tourist police at 1571. It often helps to simply threaten the driver with the police.
The National Tourism Organization has two e-mails through which complaints can also be filed: complaints@gnto.gr or info@gnto.gr.