Taxi from Athens airport?

Hi, check out arimar.gr or call makis koulpalidis at 210 8981162 they do transfers from the airport and won't rip you off. tell them that Alexia from Spetses recommended you . They do this for many clients that arrive here on the island with their tickets also ready which usuallly cost with the tickets around 45 euro. so check them out. They will take you where ever you want. good luck.

What about the metro? terminal station within the airport. 40 minutes to the centre, and without traffic jams or demonstrations [a daily occurrence at the moment]
All this and only for 6 euro.

Only one way to go, take the train! I have had two strokes and get around with a cane now, and love to travel, that i still do [Been to Perth, Tassie & two trips to NZ, from Sydney], & i find getting to the airport via the train so easy!!

Or the bus (X95 to Syntagma Square), just in front of the exit doors of the airport, so easy.
Depending on the hour of arrival and possible traffic jams it could take a bit longer than the metro, but at least you see something (always good for your orientation) and it's cheaper too.

Thanks everyone. Spot on, #4: I'll probably get the bus. I don't really like being deep underground in any city, but to miss out on that Greek light would be a particular shame. The drive in from the airport makes me realise where I am and why I came. #1, your bloke was nice, but he wanted 45 euros, and my hotel will do it for 35. The last time I took a metered cab it was around 30.

It all depends from where you are going too, where your hotel is situated ( and this is not shown clearly in Tropicaltraveller's question ). Many hotels are close to metro stations, several near to Larisis train station. The airport bus is somewhat cheaper and takes more time that the metro, some hotels are a bit closer to the bus stops than the metro stations, but it would be my 2nd choice, definitely when travelling during rush hours.

Anyway : even if you do not use the metro, at least visit some of the stations - real gems, all with artistic decorations or archeological finds - : 'Syntagma' station is brilliant, 'Akropolis' shows you the Parthenon sculptures in 1:1 size, 'Panepistimiou' shows small finds, 'Monastiraki' original ancient road and drain constructions... - amazing ! And all for free ( or in some cases you just have to use your metro ticket - very cheap ! )

I think biebdab put it very well...

(especially the descriptions about art being displayed in the metro stations..wow!) ...please read the reply again!

I have used all the above in Athens; taxi, bus and metro - all without mishap; it really depends upon your abiliy to find your own way...I really only used a taxi when I felt lost in direction but always found the taxi drivers friendly and helpful, never overcharged me or overquoted a fare. I hope pitioussa comes back into your forum and reads your response, then relays your reply to the taximan so he learns not to overquote next time - people speak to each other whether by internet, in their hotels or just in bars and tavernas as they meet...word gets around and really tourists, visitors and travellers in Greece are not stupid!

I am Irish but now living on Crete nearly 4 years so very interested in your comments on how things can be improved from your point of view - not a commercial from me, I assure you..... just want your feedback! If you want to help me, any comments to littletreasurescrete@yahoo.com

Jackie

I'm heading to Thision. I do use the metro in Athens, and yes, the stations are fabulous; but, like a lot of people, I don't particularly like subterranean travel, and want to enjoy the ride in from the airport, especially as this is a short trip. This thread started because I was flirting with the idea of a pre-booked taxi - but not any more. Over here in the Tropics, pre-booked airport cabs are up to half the price of metered cabs, and very reliable. The ones I investigated in Athens were either pricey (eg 45 euros) or asking for strange sub-charges - extra 20 euros additional waiting time if you were late out of the terminal. Anyway, I'm going to pitch up at Venizelos tomorrow, see what the weather is doing, what I feel like, what the time is and whether I'm with a chance of getting to O Platanos in time for a late lunch, and then decide which way to go. Thanks again for all your suggestions.
TT

Hi everyone,
I live in Greece and have been on the island of Spetses for 40 years. this taxi is a radio taxi which is always a little more, but reliable and I am glad that you have had some very good experiences with cabs. But it is not always that way. Some people have been charged 500 euros and many other prices. Many of the cabbies are not fair at all . An aunt of mine was ready to write a book about her cab experiences. Once she was told that he could not take her down to the flying dolphin , that was then in Zea Marina, because there were bombs that could be planted just to get her to walk with him and her suitcase, so he could charge her more. She had looked at the meter and it was then 600 drs. he asked for 2,000. she didn't give it to him. then someone drove her all over the place and then charged her double with others in the cab, one guy took her stuff out of the trunk and told her that if she didn't give him the amount he wanted without the meter on he would leave her there. I had one short change me and by the time I realized it he was gone and many others. The point is there is a way, that costs, if you need it. If you are able and can haul your stuff and kids etc. all around the place, great. Some people can't and need the service. I have never really had any problems because I speak Greek and I talk with the drivers and we have a great old time, but when some of them realize that someone doesnt know where they are going or where they are, some of them can take advantage. They have them on the tv all the time with horrible things that they have done. Just wanted to warn against the bad ones. Just be careful all of you and have fun.