Intro
I have been hopping between the islands and Athens for 4 decades, and every time I meet inexperienced tourists having a hard time finding a decent cab.
Now, finally, I have the opportunity to help travelers do it the right way through this post.
In this post you will learn the best way to get a taxi at Piraeus port.
What not to do
So, to get things straight: Do not, I repeat, do not go with the taxi-drivers that wait there yelling to you.
They will stuff you inside a cab with other passengers, and very probably ask for a fixed fee that is above what you should pay by law.
And I get it, you just got out of the ferry, and you could be exhausted, but listen.
I have the perfect way for you to find your cab.
Grab a taxi at Piraeus the right way
First option
Call a cab through the taxi hailing apps (Beat and Uber). Super easy, works perfectly.
They have pick-up points at the perimeter of the port, and the app will indicate the closest one to you.
If you haven’t downloaded the app yet, go on and do it now. It’s fast, and you will be spared any potential trouble.
Read exact information about the apps in my post Athenian taxis. Should you trust them and what are the alternatives where I write about the proper way to get taxis in the metropolis of Greece.
I have also included links to the download pages for the apps.
Second Option
What should you do if you can’t call any taxi from the apps:
Walk past the standing/yelling drivers and get to the street.
Now breathe; you made it past those annoying people. It’s time to observe the situation.
What do you see? If you see vacant taxis passing by, hail them, and follow the rules of engagement.
If not, then maybe there are taxis passing on the opposite side of the road. Or perhaps a side-road.
Note that getting a taxi from inside the port or it’s perimeter will cost you the extra port-pickup fee.
I always head straight to side-roads as there are the best chances of finding a non-shark driver.
Besides, I save the additional port fee.
Rules of taxi Engagement
- When possible, ask someone for an estimate on how much the fare should be. Ask the concierge, your host, or anyone who might know;
- Make sure the driver turns on the meter;
- Do not get into smelly, dirty, or visually damaged cabs. Close the door and leave;
- If you sense anything dodgy, do not get in;
- Grabbing a cab from outside a hotel does not invalidate the above. Always perform your due diligence;
What to do when waiting
Relax, there are plenty of cabs in Athens.
Even if it’s taking more time than you expected, depending on the day and time, a taxi will eventually appear.
And remember, on a hot summer day, look for a shade under a tree or behind a building to wait. It might take some time.
train and metro in athens
Hey, have you considered taking the train? It might suit you.
The train/metro network is convenient as it connects the international airport with the historical center and the port of Piraeus.
Athens metro and train network is clean and safe
It’s clean and safe. And it is cheaper than taxi.
Escalators and elevators are available in all stations, so no need to worry if you have heavy luggage.
Find detailed maps, schedules, pricing and more on athenstransport.com
What about yourself, how has your experience been when looking for a taxi at Piraeus?
Share below; the other readers and I will greatly appreciate your input.
