Hello All - we are a group of 6 staying in Athens for a few days in late April. We will need transportation for 6 people (and luggage) from the Athens airport to our Airbnb near the Acropolis and then from our Airbnb to the ferry port at Piraeus. Are we better grabbing taxis, Uber, or is there a private transport van service you would recommend? Trying to stay on budget. Thank you!
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
9139 posts
I’d look into Welcome Pickups.
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3474 posts
Its not clear what "on budget" means for you. Welcome Pickups is a car service (using licensed Taxis with driver who speak fluent English; another similar car service has confusing name, City Cab). These charge same flat-fee as in the taxi line, for destinations in Central Athens - I believe still €43? no extra for tolls or baggage. Almost all taxis or car services in Athens use standard Mercedes 4-door, 4 passengers max (and back seat of course is a squeeze for 3 adults). You book car services online, pay thru credit card. Drivers hold cards with your name, near baggage claim (I think now just outside door). W-P I believe also has vans ... but it may be that 2 cars would be same or cheaper; good to check.
Posted by
France Southwest
2728 posts
The taxi fare (up to 4 passengers) to the city center from the airport is a flat rate of €40 from 5 a.m. to midnight.
There are services like Welcome Pickup, mentioned by Carol and Janet, which work well. You'll get an official taxi (unlicensed taxis are prohibited in Greece). Another equivalent service, among many others, that offers vans for up to 7 passengers is Travel Transfert:
For 6 passengers it's slightly cheaper than two taxis (or Welcome Pickups). Make sure you provide the correct number of pieces of luggage and their size, vehicles are also chosen based on the luggage.
Regardless of your chosen option, avoid any offer that exceeds €90 for 6 passengers.
Pre-booked taxis can no longer wait free of charge for more than 10 minutes in front of the airport exits. They wait in a separate area, so you will likely have to confirm your arrival as soon as you are able to take the taxi so that the driver can come and pick you up.
Regarding Piraeus, if it's the ferry port (and not the cruise port) you can also take the metro from the city center.
Two metro lines run to the Piraeus ferry port from the city center.
Bus 40 goes to the Cruise Port. You can take it from the stop at Syntagma Square here:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/A1ax6Unvhp6jzXHP7
or from two other bus stops near the Acropolis: Philellēnōn
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dxZuUttR2L4rushCA
and Makrygianni (less than 100 meters from the Acropolis Museum):
https://maps.app.goo.gl/iFr8HpUgTsuGBWji9
There is a bus approximately every 30 minutes.
Metro or bus ticket cost: €1.20. That's €7.20 for 6 people.
Two taxis to Piraeus will cost approximately €25/30 per taxi, depending on traffic.
Posted by
France Southwest
2728 posts
... you'll likely have to confirm your arrival as soon as you're able to take the taxi so the driver can come and pick you up.
Correction:
I asked Travel Transfert, whom I mentioned, about these new drop-off/pickup time rules at the airport.
It seems nothing has changed for taxis.
Here's their response:
Nothing has changed; the driver will be waiting for you inside. The new rules do not include taxis.
Posted by
OP
Pennsylvania USA
9 posts
Thank you all for the replies. I am reaching out to Welcome Pickups and Travel Transfer. Appreciate the help and so looking forward to our trip!