Athens to Piraeus

[ElPadre]

I have heard too many horror stories about Greek taxi drivers. I will be arriving in Athens a few days early for a cruise, and wonder what would be my best option to get from the airport to (unchosen) hotel in Athens and then from the hotel to the cruise pier in Piraeus.

[Trixsea]

I just did this and had no problems. The taxi from Piraeus to the Athens Hilton was 10 euro. From the Hilton to the airport was 30 euro. Always ask the price up front. Have a wonderful trip!!

[HeinBloed]

I think you must differ between from Piraeus or to Piraeus and from an international hotel like Hilton to the airport or another one.

 

From Piraeus is no problem as there is a taxi stand and you get the next one.

 

From Athens downtown it's better since the Olympic Games in 2004.

 

Nevertheless:

 

It can happen that you must apply to be taken with...

Look at Syntagma Square:

All taxis drives slowly alongside of the bus stops with open windows...

Potential passenger screaming their destinations into the taxis...

 

And the best: someone could be already in the taxi...

 

If you are staying in a high-class hotel the hotel will handle it for you.

 

Otherwise:

 

pre book at:

 

tel.: (+30) 210-5239524, 5221123, 5227986, 5242589

e-mail: sataxi@freemail.gr

 

That does not mean that you will be taken to your destination promptly...

 

So there are so many "nationals" in Greece:

 

Greek, Crete, Macedonian, Rhodes etc... and Greek taxi-drivers...

 

We were glad that our cab driver was willing to take us to the opposite sidewalk of our hotel which was connected with a tunnel to our hotel. But he refused to make a turn to release us in front of the hotel.

 

And golden rule: when you are in - he must drive you to any place... so no discussion while you are outside!!!

 

... following is out of a German radio feature:

 

BUT... there is a button and the driver can simulate a breakdown and recommends you to leave... Once you left... you are wondering where you are and his engine works again and he drives away while you are trying to identify his license plate... but too late...

 

No idea - if it is comedy or truth - but after my experience in Athens I was more than happy that our hotel provided a free shuttle to Syntagma and I had no further need to experience Greek Taxis...

 

Regards,

HeinBloed