Athens, Greece Travel Community

Tips for taking taxis in Athens!

1 - 14 of 14 Posts
d_kakavouli

d_kakavouli

Active member
Of course, there are many reputable taxi drivers in Greece, and these days it's hard to get ripped off… but you always have to remain cautious. Some of the best advice that I can give you about taking taxis in Athens is knowing a bit about what is the normal price for your area and distance. I recommend that you ask waiters, Greek friends, or your hotel concierge about what should be expected for your trip. Before you start your ride, make sure that you ask about how much the trip will cost. And make sure that they turn the meter on at the start of your trip. In addition, I always check Google maps to make sure that the taxi driver is taking the fastest route.
 
d_kakavouli said:
Of course, there are many reputable taxi drivers in Greece, and these days it's hard to get ripped off… but you always have to remain cautious. Some of the best advice that I can give you about taking taxis in Athens is knowing a bit about what is the normal price for your area and distance. I recommend that you ask waiters, Greek friends, or your hotel concierge about what should be expected for your trip. Before you start your ride, make sure that you ask about how much the trip will cost. And make sure that they turn the meter on at the start of your trip. In addition, I always check Google maps to make sure that the taxi driver is taking the fastest route.
Click to expand...
You can use this, it will give you approximate cost for day and night trip. It takes into account the traffic as well.

Taxi-Calculator - Get your Taxi Fare now

Get your taxi fare now: Exact taxi price estimates in many different countries. Fast + Simple + Free! 1130 taxi rates worldwide available!
www.taxi-calculator.com www.taxi-calculator.com
 
  • Like
Reactions: Vangelis and kosta_karapinotis
Jerry s said:
You can use this, it will give you approximate cost for day and night trip. It takes into account the traffic as well.

Taxi-Calculator - Get your Taxi Fare now

Get your taxi fare now: Exact taxi price estimates in many different countries. Fast + Simple + Free! 1130 taxi rates worldwide available!
www.taxi-calculator.com www.taxi-calculator.com
Click to expand...
Amazing resource!! Thank you so much
 
d_kakavouli said:
Of course, there are many reputable taxi drivers in Greece, and these days it's hard to get ripped off… but you always have to remain cautious. Some of the best advice that I can give you about taking taxis in Athens is knowing a bit about what is the normal price for your area and distance. I recommend that you ask waiters, Greek friends, or your hotel concierge about what should be expected for your trip. Before you start your ride, make sure that you ask about how much the trip will cost. And make sure that they turn the meter on at the start of your trip. In addition, I always check Google maps to make sure that the taxi driver is taking the fastest route.
Click to expand...
We have both Uber and TaxiBeat downloaded to our phones. Per our discussions with some cab drivers, Uber is a better deal for them. But use them both, because you have better bet on securing a taxi. DO NOT get a cab from the port, as the meter is always "broken" and they will rip you off more often than not. Walk inland a bit and use your apps. Good news is that the Metra now runs into Piraeus port.
 
  • Like
Reactions: blopez34
Sandyrigo said:
We have both Uber and TaxiBeat downloaded to our phones. Per our discussions with some cab drivers, Uber is a better deal for them. But use them both, because you have better bet on securing a taxi. DO NOT get a cab from the port, as the meter is always "broken" and they will rip you off more often than not. Walk inland a bit and use your apps. Good news is that the Metra now runs into Piraeus port.
Click to expand...
I've had the same experience, it's a bit tricky to get a good driver from the airport.
 
blopez34 said:
I've had the same experience, it's a bit tricky to get a good driver from the airport.
Click to expand...
Depending on where you are going and the number of bags you have, there is both the Tram and a bus that you can use from the airport. We are in Alimos near the water and the express bus works great, and its only 6 euro. There is a ticket station at the airport on the far end of the B side.
 
Hey, this is all really good information for living and traveling in Athens. I checked the taxi-calculator against the Uber estimate and they were pretty close (11.40 vs 12.25). You can use Uber's global estimator here: Uber Estimate
 
  • Like
Reactions: francescool
Vangelis said:
Hey, this is all really good information for living and traveling in Athens. I checked the taxi-calculator against the Uber estimate and they were pretty close (11.40 vs 12.25). You can use Uber's global estimator here: Uber Estimate
Click to expand...
Excellent resource, I've never seen this before but it seems pretty accurate. I used it for my own neighborhood.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Vangelis
I have had good luck taking taxis from the airport or the port in Athens or wherever else in Greece but before I get in, I ask them the fare, and if I don't like it or think it sounds like a rip off I move on and ask another driver. Eventually I find one who quotes me a reasonable rate. Many don't run the meter in those situations and prefer to quote a standard rate. I wait to agree with them about the rate before I get in. Sometimes, when I find a driver I like, I take their card and call them directly throughout the trip.
 
I've had some tricky experiences in taxis in Greece until I found a driver I can rely on. I call him whenever I am in Greece and I trust that his rates are fair and he won't overcharge.
 
  • Like
Reactions: redsoxdw_
Many taxis won't accept a card if you walk up to them and ask for a ride. The way you find a taxi that will accept a card is by downloading the app Beat. Uber is not a thing in Greece, so don't bother with it. The taxis forced uber out of the country by, literally, beating anyone who tried to uber in the country.
 
  • Like
Reactions: redsoxdw_
Greek_John87 said:
I've had some tricky experiences in taxis in Greece until I found a driver I can rely on. I call him whenever I am in Greece and I trust that his rates are fair and he won't overcharge.
Click to expand...
This is really great advice. Everything becomes easier in Greece when you develop a relationship with someone and then are able to depend on them. I highly recommend doing the same.
 
redsoxdw_ said:
This is really great advice. Everything becomes easier in Greece when you develop a relationship with someone and then are able to depend on them. I highly recommend doing the same.
Click to expand...
It's excellent advice. I hope more people take advantage of this!
 
  • Like
Reactions: mastichas09
Greek_John87 said:
It's excellent advice. I hope more people take advantage of this!
Click to expand...
I wish I did this more, it's a bit difficult for me because I don't go to Greece often and can't make connections
 
1 - 14 of 14 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Best Places for Sunset in Athens?

I realized recently that even though I visit Athens about once a year, I’ve never actually paid attention to the sunset there. I don’t have a trip planned at the moment, I’m just gathering ideas for the future, but now I’m curious about the best places in the city to watch the sun go down.

Are there classic spots locals love? I’ve heard of Lycabettus Hill and some rooftop bars, but I’m sure there are lesser-known viewpoints, coastal areas, or even neighborhood corners that offer beautiful light in the evening. I’d also love to know if certain places are better at different times of year or if the atmosphere changes depending on whether you’re in the center or closer to the Athens Riviera.

If you had to recommend your favorite places for a memorable sunset in Athens, where would you send someone who’s finally ready to pay attention?

Is the Acropolis Museum Worth It?

I might be planning another trip to Athens and, oddly enough, I've never actually visited the Acropolis Museum. Every time I've been there, I've spent most of my time exploring the Acropolis itself, wandering through Plaka, or fitting in other sites, and somehow the museum has always ended up getting skipped.

This time I'm wondering if I should finally make time for it. I've heard great things, but I'm curious whether it's something that really adds to the experience of visiting the Acropolis or if it's better suited for people who are especially interested in archaeology and history.

For those of you who have been, did you feel it was one of the highlights of Athens? How much time would you recommend setting aside, and is there anything in particular that really stood out to you?

First-time impressions of Athens

I’m in the early stages of planning an upcoming trip to Athens, and it made me realize something a little funny. It’s been a very long time since it was my first time there.

Every time I go now, I tend to fall into the same rhythm: familiar neighborhoods, favorite walks, the same cafés and viewpoints. I love Athens, but I’d really like to experience it again through fresh eyes instead of repeating my usual routine.

For those of you who remember your first visit, what were your initial impressions of Athens? What surprised you, in a good or bad way? Was it the energy, the mix of ancient and modern, the pace of daily life, or something completely unexpected?

And for anyone who’s helped a first-time visitor plan a trip, what parts of Athens seemed to leave the strongest impression on them?

Is Kolonaki worth visiting?

I'm planning another trip to Athens and keep hearing good things about Kolonaki. I've walked through Plaka, Monastiraki, and Syntagma several times over the years, but I've never really spent much time exploring Kolonaki.

For those who have visited, is it worth adding to my itinerary? I've heard it's a more upscale neighborhood with great cafés, restaurants, shopping, and a different atmosphere than the more tourist-focused areas. I'm wondering if it's the kind of place where you can spend a relaxed afternoon wandering around or if it's mainly for luxury shopping.

If you recommend visiting, what shouldn't I miss? I'd love suggestions for cafés, bakeries, restaurants, viewpoints, or any hidden gems nearby. I'd also be interested in hearing what makes Kolonaki stand out compared to other neighborhoods in Athens.

Is Anafiotika Worth Visiting?

I might be going to Athens next year, and Anafiotika is one of the places I keep seeing mentioned. It looks beautiful in photos, with the narrow lanes, whitewashed houses, flowers, and almost island-like feel right below the Acropolis.

For those who have been, is Anafiotika worth making time for during a visit to Athens? I like the idea of wandering through a quieter, more atmospheric neighborhood, especially if it feels different from the busier parts of Plaka and Monastiraki.

I’m also curious how much time you would actually need there. Is it more of a quick walk while exploring Plaka, or is it worth setting aside an hour or two?

Are there particular streets, viewpoints, little churches, cafés, or nearby stops you would recommend combining with it? And is there a best time of day to visit when it is less crowded and easier to enjoy?
Share and discuss your Athens photos, questions and experiences!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top