Strikes in Greece and getting to and from the Airport

Yes, it does appear that all forms of transportation are striking on the 27th and 28th, so if you are planning your arrival on these two days you will have some difficulty. Look for 'gypsy' cabs, people flying under the radar who cruise the airport looking for passengers. The normal taxi charges a flat rate of €35, but I'm guessing these entrepreneurs will be charging more. http://livingingreece.gr/strikes Although driving in Athens is difficult and confusing, you can rent a car at the airport to be dropped off in Athens, but be sure to go to your local AAA office to pick up an International Driving Permit before you go, no test or membership required, for $15 plus a photo fee if you don't bring 2 passport photos with you.

Justin According to the Greek press KTEL, the bus company, are running buses from the airport to central Athens for 5 euros on strike days. I can't confirm this personally but it makes sense: KTEL are a private company and the strikes are on government run services. Keep Talking Greece - http://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/ - runs a daily update of strikes as they are being announced and is worth monitoring. Alan

Thank you all for the helpful information!

I read recently that there were private buses hired during a recent strike to transport people into town from the airport to offset the lack of public ones.

I am also very concerned about this, and the more I look into it the more I am concerned. Normally everything does not go on strike at once, but you are right, on September 28 everything is on strike as far as transit goes. Here are some sites I have been following: http://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/ http://www.xpatathens.com/news/22183 http://www.easytravelreport.com/ http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/europe/greece#strikes http://livingingreece.gr/strikes/
I have been emailing to a number of companies that do private car transfers. Generally they will tell you, they are pretty sure they can get you to the airport. But when the taxis go on strike they also try and block the route to the airport and port. I have gathered from following this that most air traffic controller strikes are d illegal and do not come to pass. Or, they are for the afternoon only and flights back to the U.S. would typically not be affected (since most would leave before noon.) The best bet seems to be the private transfer services. There is a range but it's on the high side, 150 Euro for someone willing to assure you they operate in case of strike. One of the services that says they can probably get you there was around 60 Euro. They did not sound that definite though. (We'll do our best and let you know if unable to provide the transfer.) I think you need to book in advance with these private services. It's pretty painful to pony up $90-225 when you could get into town for $24 under normal circumstances, but I am thinking it's better than missing your flight and having to rebook at huge expense.

Our friends were in Athens last week, on a day when all forms of transit were striking, and their hotel arranged a car to take them to the airport. I'm not sure of the cost. Tomorrow (Thursday), we return to Athens from Lesvos. Everything except taxis is supposed to be running, so we'll take the metro to our hotel. On Friday, only buses and taxis will be running, so we'll take one of those back to the airport. Today we called our hotel (the Attalos), and they assured us that if we cannot find transportation (either from airport to hotel or hotel to airport) we should let them know and they will help us. It's a shame this is happening. But I hope it does not deter anyone from visiting this beautiful place.

For sure it is an inconvenience but you will be able to get to and fro. Definitely working with your hotel they can help you arrange transportation. Be prepared for extra time and extra cost though.

Everyone who is concerned should know that these pre-scheduled strikes usually only last 24-48 hours and happen mid-week, so you may not be affected by them at all.

We were in Athens last month. We were fortunate that the taxi strike had just ended before our arrival, but we had been assured that had it still been ongoing our reserved transfer would still happenjust via private car. We pre-booked our transfer as well as a day tour the following day with Spiros Tours (www.athenstaxi.net). Our driver/guide for the two day, Theodor Apostolopoulos ([email protected]) was excellent. He asked us to send a plea to other Americans to please keep coming. The regular folk like him and all those who depend on tourism for a living are really hurting through all this mess.

Were were in Athens end of Sep. Left on 27th. There was concern getting to airport. All transportation was due to be on strike. Clerk said he would arrange something. Probably private car. Luckily, taxi's decided to not strike afterall. Plan on E50 for the shuttle.