We'll be staying and the Cypria - I've emailed them and they said a taxi would be between 35 and 45 euros, and also gave the number of a bus we might use. Are there any options in between? In some countries we've been able to book a mutliperson van than takes travelers from the airport to the hotels. Is there such a company I can book ahead via the Internet? Or is there something in the airport like that?

We could probably handle the bus, the problem is knowing when to get off! The taxi is a little expensive - I was hoping for another alternative.

Thanks,
Alice

The metro is closed from the aiport so a bus is the next best thing.

It is easier than you think... just take the airport express bus X95 to Syntagma Square. That's the last stop. It's also the main square of Athens with the Parliament Buildings at the top so it's hard to miss.

Unless you have massive luggage you should find it a pleasant walk to the Cypria.

Rob

Absolutely agree, the bus is easiest & cheapest. The last stop is Syntagma, not too far from the Cypria.It takes about 45 mins, depending on traffic. Cost €3.20 each, validate your ticket in the machine once on the bus. They depart from the far right as you walk out of the terminal, you can get your ticket at the booth there, or buy on the bus if it is closed. The buses have a luggage storage part in the middle.
A van or taxi would take just as long to get there & cost a lot more.

I have a general question while in Athens we had several times taxis that wished to overcharged, ( and most probably they did) has the situation changed? I am planing to go soon to Athens and was wondering what to do, I would like to take taxis as much as possible au lieu of buses, what is the best way to deal with them?

you just deal with the taxis. Ask the price before you get in. And now, they are more expensive than ever, but really, for good reason for all of the absurd taxes the drivers have to pay. They don't have it easy, at all.
Use the metro when in the City, and if you need transport from the airport, the bus is quite pleasant. Metro is not running from airport to city center for several more months.

The taxi should have the meter on, make sure it is on the right rate (day/night).
I posted the official fares on a previous thread when it was announced that they were going to increase.

>>>This was in an Athens paper:
from May 1st 0.48 0.84 (day/night)
from Nov 1st 0.60 1.05
from May 2010 0.72 1.20
The minimum charge will stay the same at €2.80 & ordering a taxi by phone charge will be between €3 & €5 (already charged by some).
Transport Minister Stylianidis said the scheme is allowing taxi drivers to put up their fares to these new prices on condition they improve their attitude towards customers(!), keep their cabs clean & well serviced & use aircon in the summer! The 1st increase is going ahead & the further increases will only happen if the drivers watch their behaviour in the intervening period!
To help monitor this customers with grievances are being encouraged to to use the 1019 complaint line.<<<

The €0.48/0.84 etc are cost per km.

Thanks, that was in fact the bus number the hotel gave us, so we will give it a try. We each have a medium sized rollaboard, so walking isn't a problem. And if it's the last stop, I don't have to worry about which one to get off at! I'll look at a map so I can figure out which direction the hotel will be.

Now, I buy the bus ticket in the airport and validate it on the bus, or buy it on the bus? Or either works?

I figure we'll be fine with this, because we're not arriving after flying all night, we're just flying from Naxos so we'll still have functioning brains!

Alice

Catch the X95 from outside Exit/Entry door 5. There is a kiosk to buy the ticket out there. Otherwise you buy the ticket from the driver but have the exact change if possible. Validate the ticket in the machine inside the bus. It's just a short walk from the bus stop at Syntagma Square to your hotel.

http://www.athenscypria.com/images/athenscypriamap.jpg

Sorry, that doesn't work, but this map is on the hotel's website.

http://www.athenscypria.com

Thanks, brotherleelove, you always know everything!

Alice