Updated Juin 2025
Taxis in Athens operate a 24-hour service and offer a great service charging very low. Taxis can be hailed down on the street otherwise they can be picked up at taxi stands around major tourist squares such as Monastiraki and Syntagma. You can also book one calling the radio taxi line.
The yellow taxi cabs in Athens are so many, that during the days that the taxi drivers are on a strike and they are not in circulation, Athens seems empty! Taxi drivers can be incredibly charismatic or incredibly rude, depending on traffic conditions and how hot and irritable they feel. By majority however, most are somewhere in between!
All licensed Athens taxis are required to take credit and debit cards, and you’ll spot a sticker on the rear right door window confirming this.
Cost of Taxis in Athens
Although there are many different Athens taxi companies, they all work under a regulated pricing system. All taxis in the city operate using a taximeter that will calculate your fare based on the distance you travel. It’s worth noting that there are two different tariffs that will show during the daytime (tariff 1 – 05:00 to 24:00) and at night (tariff – 24:00 to 05:00), this will always be indicated on the taximeter at the front of the cab.
Base fare rates
Base Fare – 1.80€
Minimum Charge – 4.00€
Rate/km daytime Zone 1 (05:00 to 24:00) – 0.90€
Rate/km daytime Zone 2 (05:00 to 24:00) – 1.25€
Rate/km nighttime all zones (24:00 to 05:00)- 1.25€
Waiting time up to 20 minutes (charge per hour) 15.00€
For a longer waiting time you the price is fixed by mutual agreement between the driver and the passenger with a maximum limit of 25.00€ per hour, including VAT.
Extra charges
Taxis in Athens also have extra charges for each piece of luggage over 10kg (0.39€), travelling during special holidays (€1-2) and a surcharge for pickup at the train station, bus station or port (1.07€).
Taxi reservation extra charge of 5.65€
Airport rate
When using a taxi to/from the airport form downtown Athens, there is a fixed price including all charges and tolls.
Athens city center to/from Venizelos airport - (05:00 - 24:00) fixed price 40.00€
Athens city center to/from Venizelos airport - (24:00 - 05:00) fixed price 55.00€
In any other caseto/from the Airport extra charge 4.00€
Tips
If you want to avoid the various types of taxi scams that exist, we suggest you read these following tips:
To know, more-or-less, in which part of the city you are, and where your destination is in Athens.
Learn the names of the main avenues in Athens to orient yourself.
Ask at your hotel how much the journey you wish to do should cost approximately.
If you believe you have been overcharged, ask the driver for a receipt that includes the taxi operator’s information and the taxi plate number, then head to the tourist police in Athens and they will help you.
Make sure the tariff on the taximeter is correct: during the day (05:00 - 24:00) taxis must have tariff 1 on.
Taxi apps & Radio taxi
Free Now (Android / iOS) is an taxi service which finds your location and offers the options of paying in cash, by card, or using a Paypal account.
Uber (Android / iOS) is also available in Athens with the UberTaxi product—you can call an Uber via your app and a taxi will pick you up.
Radio taxis are another option if you don’t feel like hitting the pavement to hail a cab, or if you want to ask for a specific pick-up time and date. Call them for a cab or pre-book online.
Ikaros: Website / Tel. +30 210 515 2800
Taxiplon: Website / Tel. 18222
Find an Athens airport transfer
✔ How to organize your holidays in Athens
Ferry to the islands: Book your ferry to to Santorini, Mykonos and other islands.
Hotels: Discover our selection with the best hotels and accommodation in Athens.
Tours and Activities: Explore the city with some amazing tours and activities.
Car rentals: Discover the the surroundings on your own by booking your car.
