Taxis in Athens

Most drivers in Athens speak basic English. Although you can find an empty taxi on the street, it's often faster to call out your destination to one carrying passengers; if the taxi is going in that direction, the driver will pick you up. Likewise, don't be alarmed if your driver picks up other passengers (although he should ask your permission first, and he will never pick up another fare if you are a woman traveling alone at night). Each passenger pays full fare for the distance he or she has traveled.

Taxi rates are still affordable compared to fares in other European capitals. Most taxi drivers are honest and hardworking, but a few con artists infiltrate the ranks at the airports and near popular restaurants and clubs frequented by foreigners. Get an idea from your hotel how much the fare should be, and if there's trouble, ask to go to a police station (most disagreements don't ever get this far, however). Make sure the driver turns on the meter and that the rate listed in the lower corner is 1, the normal rate before midnight; after midnight, the rate listed is 2.

Taxi drivers know the major central hotels, but if your hotel is less well known, show the driver the address written in Greek and make note of the phone number and, if possible, a nearby landmark. If all else fails, the driver can call the hotel from his mobile phone or a kiosk. Athens has thousands of short side streets, and few taxi drivers have maps, although newer taxis have GPS installed. Neither tipping nor bargaining is generally practiced; if your driver has gone out of the way for you, a small gratuity (10% or less) is appreciated.

Fares

The meter starts at EUR 0.75, and even if you join other passengers, you must add this amount to your final charge. The minimum fare is EUR 1.50. The basic charge is EUR 0.26 per kilometer (½ mi); this increases to EUR 0.50 between midnight and 5 AM or if you go outside city limits. There are surcharges for holidays (EUR 0.50), trips to and from the airport (EUR 2), and rides to (but not from) the port, train stations, and bus terminals (EUR 0.70). There is also a EUR 0.29 charge for each suitcase over 10 kilograms (22 pounds), but drivers expect EUR 0.29 for each bag they place in the trunk anyway. Waiting time is EUR 7.10 per hour. Radio taxis charge an additional EUR 1.30 for the pickup or EUR 2.20 for a later appointment. Athina 1, Ermis, Hellas, Kosmos, and Parthenon are reliable radio taxi services.

Taxi Companies

Athina 1. Ermis. Hellas. Kosmos. Parthenon.