Athens Port Taxis
Piraeus port taxis are one of the most popular transit options from the Port of Athens. Indeed, ferry passengers arriving at Piraeus are typically looking for a comfortable way to reach their journey’s end. Port taxis offer just that: a convenient and hassle-free way to travel from Piraeus Port.
Taxis in Athens Port are yellow. Thus, official taxis can’t be vehicles of other colors. Moreover, they have a “Taxi” sign on their roofs. When it is off, it indicates the cab’s unavailability. When it is lit, it suggests that the taxi is available. Finally, all taxis must clearly display their tariffs on their interiors. In general terms, most taxis are relatively new vehicles and drivers are competent. What’s more, the vast majority of cab drivers can communicate in English fluently. That being said, having the address of your destination written on a paper is always advisable to avoid communication problems. Furthermore, taxi-hailing services and called taxis (radio taxis) also operate at Piraeus Port.
How to Avoid Taxi Scamming Incidents at Piraeus Port
Despite their overall good reputation, Piraeus port taxi drivers have been known to engage in some rare scams. That’s the reason why you should always ask for a receipt at the end of the ride, so as to have all the necessary info to file an official complaint. So, what should you do to avoid getting scammed or overcharged? In other words, which are the most frequent scamming incidents at Athens Port?
Unlicensed Drivers
Once you disembark from your ferry, you’ll most probably be surrounded by cab drivers claiming to offer high-quality services at low-cost rates. Those drivers are almost always unlicensed, providing unofficial services. Thus, they aren’t regulated by authorities, and their fares aren’t the governmentally-implemented ones. As a result, they can arbitrarily charge passengers, imposing higher rates. Should individual drivers approach you, and despite their persistence, you are advisable to deny their offer.
Non-Functioning Taximeter
In general terms, taxis from Piraeus Port are metered. Hence, their fares are calculated by the taximeter. Once entering the cab, you should check if the taximeter is zeroed and on and if it is operating at the correct rate (Rate 1 for urban and day rides, Rate 2 for intercity and night taxi journeys).
Longer Routes
Some taxi drivers take longer routes to raise the final fare, although they are obligated to follow the shorter route to the passenger’s destination. If you use a GPS app, you’ll make sure that the driver won’t engage in similar practices.
Additional Passengers
It’s common practice for taxi drivers to pick up additional passengers from the street while driving to their passenger’s destination. In that case, each passenger pays the fare to the chosen drop-off location. However, that practice can lead to longer and more time-consuming journeys. It’s important to keep in mind that you are allowed to deny sharing your Piraeus port ride with other passengers.
Wrong Change
You should avoid paying with large bills. To begin with, most taxi drivers don’t have enough change. Additionally, some few Piraeus port taxi drivers might attempt to give back the wrong change.
Fares and Prices for Taxis from Athens Port
Overall, taxis from Piraeus Port charge according to their taximeters. Thus, rides depend on road congestion and the distance to the drop-off location. Fares are regulated by the government. Hence, all taxis adhere to the same price list. Explicitly, the fares for taxi rides from Athens Piraeus Port are:
Initial Fare: €1,80/1,93 | Minimum Charge: €4/$4,30 |
Fee per km: €0,90/$0.97 | Waiting Time (per hour): €15/$16,10 |
Night fare per km*: €1,25/$1,34 | Fare for rides from port: €1,07/$1,15 |
Rate for intercity rides (per km): €1,25/$1,34 | Fee for luggage more than 10kg: €0,39/$0,42 |
Moreover, if you book your taxi online or call for it, you should pay an extra fee, while if the route includes tolls, you should keep in mind that the toll fees burden the passenger. The port fee applies to all journeys from the Port of Athens, either from the taxi ranks within the port’s complex or from its perimeter. Thus, if you want to avoid paying the extra fee, you’ll have to walk further from the port or reach one of the side roads. On the other hand, tipping is optional. Locals usually just round up the final fare when the provided services are satisfactory. Payments can be made in cash or via bank cards. Verily, all taxis must be equipped with POS. Still, you should always check with the driver as some taxi drivers often claim that the POS is out of order to get paid in cash.
Where Are the Taxi Ranks at Athens Piraeus Port
You’ll conveniently find taxi ranks close to all the gates of Athens Port. Thus, taxi stands are to be found in proximity to Piraeus Cruise Port and the ferry gates. Taxis are always present at the designated pick-up locations, no matter the day or the time. However, during rush hours, you may have to wait in line to get your cab. Alternatively, if you don’t want to waste time waiting, you can pre-book your taxi or opt for a ride-sharing service.
Piraeus Port Taxi Fares to Popular Destinations
From | To | Day Rate | Night Rate | Duration |
Piraeus Port | Athens City Center | €25/$26,90 | €28/$30 | 30 min |
Piraeus Port | Acropolis | €25/$26,90 | €28/$30 | 30 min |
Piraeus Port | Kifissos KTEL | €23/$24,70 | €26/$28 | 35 min |
Piraeus Port | KTEL Liosion | €29/$31,10 | €32/$34,40 | 45 min |
Piraeus Port | Train Station (Stathmos Larissis) | €25/$26,90 | €28/$30 | 40 min |
Piraeus Port | Athens Airport | €56/$60,20 | €72/$76 | 70-80 min |
Piraeus Port | Sounio | €75/$80,60 | €80/$86 | 100 min |
Piraeus Port Taxis to Athens Airport and Downtown
If you want to travel from Athens Port to the city center, a ride with a Piraeus port taxi will get you to your destination in comfort. You should expect to reach downtown in about half an hour, paying €25/$26,90 during the daytime and €28/$30 from midnight to 05:00 am. However, during rush hours, taxi journeys from Athens Port to downtown Athens may last longer (even 55 minutes) and, expectantly, be more expensive. On the other hand, taxi journeys from Piraeus Port to Athens Airport last about 70-80 minutes. The usual fare is about €56/$60.20 from 05:00 am to midnight and €72/$76 during the nighttime.
FAQs
Can you get a taxi from Piraeus Port?
You’ll find taxi ranks located close to all Athens port’s gates. Thus, ferry and cruise passengers can easily catch a taxi from Piraeus Port to reach their destinations. That being said, during rush hours, waiting lines for a cab can be long.