Taxis and Transfers in Greece

Greece is a country of islands, mountains and busy cities, and how you move between them shapes a good part of your trip. Taxis, airport transfers and private drivers are useful almost everywhere, but they work differently from one place to another. This guide explains what to expect, how to avoid common frustrations, and when a taxi is the sensible choice over a bus or ferry.

Taxis in the cities

In Athens and Thessaloniki, official taxis are yellow and carry a roof sign, and most are metered. In Athens, the metered fare generally starts with a flag-down charge, and the meter runs by distance and time, with surcharges that apply at night, on weekends, on public holidays and for certain pick-ups such as the port or airport. Ask the driver to switch the meter on before you set off, and if you are unsure about a route, check it on a map app. Rates change, so check locally for current figures.

Taxi ranks are common at major squares, train stations and hotels. In quieter areas, it is often easier to order one by phone or app. Drivers in Athens generally speak some English, but having your destination written in Greek or shown on a map helps, particularly for smaller streets.

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Ride-hailing and apps

Several taxi booking apps operate in the major cities and some larger islands, letting you book a licensed taxi, see the driver's details and pay by card in the app. These are often more reliable than hailing on the street during busy periods, such as early mornings, rainy evenings or public holidays, when demand outstrips supply. Uber operates in a more limited way than in many countries, so do not assume it will be available everywhere. Check the app for coverage in your destination before you rely on it.

Airport transfers

Athens International Airport, Eleftherios Venizelos, is connected to the city by metro, by suburban rail and by bus, as well as by taxi. The metro and rail options are usually the cheapest and most predictable, though a taxi is more convenient with heavy luggage or a group. For a fixed price and a driver waiting at arrivals, a pre-booked private transfer is a good option. Pre-booking is particularly worthwhile late at night or early in the morning, when public transport runs less often.

At island airports, such as those on Santorini, Mykonos, Crete and Rhodes, taxis queue outside arrivals. In high season, the queue can be long, so arranging a transfer in advance can save time. Hotels on the islands often arrange transfers for you, and many will confirm the price in writing before you travel.

Agreeing a price in advance

For journeys outside the big cities, particularly to remote villages, to mountain areas or from ports, it is sensible to agree the fare before you get in. Many island and rural taxis do not use meters, and fixed rates to common destinations are often displayed or set by local rules. If the driver quotes a price, confirm it, and ask whether it includes luggage or extra passengers. Long trips across an island are often better arranged as a pre-booked transfer than as a spontaneous taxi.

Tipping and payment

Tipping taxi drivers is customary but not mandatory. Rounding up the fare to the nearest euro or leaving a small extra amount for good service is the usual practice. Many taxis now accept card payments, but not all do, and smaller island taxis may prefer cash. Carry some euro notes and coins, and ask before you get in if you intend to pay by card.

Getting between islands and the mainland

Taxis do not cross the water, so for island hopping you will need a ferry or a hydrofoil. Ferries from Piraeus, Rafina and other ports serve the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, the Saronic Gulf and the Ionian Islands, with schedules varying greatly by season. Ferry tickets can be bought at the port, through ferry company websites or through agents. Always check the timetable for your chosen date, as departures change in winter and during strikes or bad weather. Ferries are a traveller's classic, and the journey itself is often part of the pleasure.

Once you arrive at a port, taxis usually wait at the quay. Ask your accommodation whether they will send a driver, since many smaller islands have only a handful of taxis and advance notice helps.

Intercity travel on the mainland

Between major cities, intercity buses and trains connect many destinations, and private transfers or taxis cover shorter or more awkward routes. Long rural journeys, such as those to mountain villages or archaeological sites away from the main roads, are often easiest by hire car or by a pre-booked driver. If you plan to hire a car for part of your trip, you can compare it with a driver-led transfer, which is usually less stressful on narrow mountain roads.

Practical tips

• Keep your destination written in Greek alongside its English name, and save the address in your phone map.
• Check whether the meter is running before you set off in a city taxi.
• Confirm the fixed price in advance for island, rural and airport transfers.
• Carry cash in euros, as not every taxi accepts cards.
• Book airport and port transfers ahead during the summer peak and for early-morning or late-night arrivals.
• Check ferry and bus timetables locally before travelling, as they change by season.
• Round up the fare for good service, but tipping is optional.