|
|
| |
Athens Taxi
Introduction
If you are in a hurry, the best way to get around the center of Athens
is with a taxi, which can be flagged down from any street corner.
Taxi fares are still among the cheapest in the world.
There are around 14,000 taxis in Athens alone and they are not too
expensive when compared to the prices you pay in other countries.
Fares are controlled by the Greek state and are valid throughout the
country. You can hail a taxi in the street or book one by phoning
a local taxi company, although there is a small surcharge for this
service.
All taxis must use the meter, if the driver doesn't switch it on when
you get in, ask him to. There are two basic tariffs, number 1 and
number 2. Depending on the time of day and the journey the driver
must select the correct rate. Tariff number 1 is the "day rate"
used from 5.00 am to 12.00 pm and tariff number 2 is the night rate
valid from 12.00 pm to 5.00 am. Also, tariff number 1 is used within
the limits of the town or city where the taxi is registered and tariff
number 2 is used outside that zone. The number 1 or 2 should be clearly
visible on the meter.
top
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
There are more than 20 radio taxi companies in Athens and as their
phone numbers often change, it's worth checking the daily listing
in a newspaper.
Your hotel can make the call for you and make sure that the driver
knows where you want to go. Most restaurants will call a taxi for
you without charge.
Taxis are plentiful, but avoid during rush hours (13.00-15.00) when
they are difficult to obtain. Also make sure you flag down one in
an area where the taxi can stop without causing traffic circulation
problems, otherwise it won?t stop. And don?t be surprised if there
are other customers in the car when it does stop. If the taxi is going
your way, it will take you along too.
Most taxis are owner-driven, some are radio-controlled, and licensed
to carry no more than four passengers at a time. Tipping is not expected,
except during the Christmas and Easter holiday seasons. Expect to
pay a small extra charge for each piece of luggage placed in the trunk
of the cab. Keep in mind that if a taxi flashes its headlights that
means it is for hire.
top
|
| |
Taxi
charges
|
|
|
|
|
Indicative taxi charges are presented in the following table:
Taxi Charges
Euros
Start of the meter
€ 0.75
Rate per km inside City limits
€ 0.26
Rate per km outside City limits
€ 0.50
Radio Taxi simple call
€ 1.30
Radio Taxi appointment
€ 2.20
Night Tariff (24:00 - 05:00)
€ 0.50
Minimum Fare
€ 1.50
From and to Airports
€ 2.00
From Sea Ports, Railways and Coach stations
€ 0.70
Waiting time per hour
€ 7.10
Baggage over 10 kg each
€ 0.29
top
|
| |
Receipt
|
|
|
|
| |
According to the Greek Legislation, taxi drivers should provide
upon request a receipt for the amount paid for transportation services.
The receipt should also indicate the taxi registration number and
the driver's name.
Lost items in taxis
In case of lost items in taxis, please contact, the radio taxi Service
Company where taxis are registered or the central police switchboard
and provide the taxi registration number and the driver's name.
top
|
|
|
