Uber in Athens: Everything you need to know

Ready for your upcoming trip to Athens? Don’t leave anything to chance; read all there is to know about Uber Athens, alternative transportation options, and the best way to get from the airport to your accommodation or any other destination around the vivid Greek capital.

Is there Uber in Athens?

In short, yes, Uber in Athens is available but provides only limited services, the Uber Taxi. Greece has strict regulations regarding private transport services and the government banned services like Uber X and Uber Black. However, as of 2021, Uber has expanded operations in other destinations, including Santorini and Mykonos, but still only for limited services.

Uber Taxi is the same as using a standard local yellow taxi, but you can order it online through the app. In most cases, Uber Taxi service can accommodate up to 4 passengers in regular sedans, but you may also find minivans for up to 8 passengers.

Uber Athens prices

If you’re comparing Athens Uber vs taxi to see which one is cheaper, the answer is simple; the rates are the same. Uber Taxi calculates fares based on taximeter regulations set by local authorities. However, ordering an Uber gives you an estimate of how much your ride will cost and you can also use a credit or debit card to pay online. Most taxis in Athens don’t offer card payment so that is a big plus if you don’t wish to carry cash.

The cost of an Uber in Athens from the airport to the city centre is fixed at €40 from 05:00 to 23:59 and €55 from 00:00 to 04:59. For a short ride of around 5 km, you can expect to pay €6 for up to 4 passengers during the day and €8 during the night.

*Tolls and surcharges may be added to your final fare for long-distance routes or rides during public holidays.

Alternatives to taking an Uber in Athens

From the airport

Private transfers are the best option to ensure a smooth ride from the airport to your accommodation. By pre-booking a personalised airport taxi with Welcome Pickups you can secure top-rated door-to-door service with an English-speaking driver at a fixed, competitive fare.

Ordering an Uber in Athens from or to the airport is possible but during peak hours availability may be limited. Also, the meeting point may vary so you’ll need to check your application or contact the driver.

Finally, standard taxis are always an option. The taxi rank is in front of Exit 3 at Athens Airport Arrivals and taxis are available there around the clock. Keep in mind that during peak hours, waiting times may be long due to increased passenger traffic.

Getting around Athens

You can use an Uber in Athens any time during the day, but keep in mind that during peak hours, finding an available driver may be more challenging.

Aside from Uber, you can hail a standard taxi from the street or a rank if the available sign on the dashboard is lit. Another option is to order a taxi over the phone or use another taxi-hailing app, like FREENOW. Note that these options may have additional surcharges on top of the standard fare.

For professional and timely service, you can book online with Welcome Pickups for a private taxi ride, cash-free payment, and stress-free transportation with a friendly, English-speaking driver.

Is Uber safe in Athens?

Uber Athens is a safe option to use both for locals and tourists. In the past, overcharging tourists by taking longer routes than necessary was common. However, booking your ride online allows you to check the driver’s rating and track the route on your mobile, ensuring the driver is taking the shortest route.

Another thing you can do to avoid being overcharged, whether you’re taking an Uber or a regular taxi, is to check that the taximeter is set to the base fare once you get in. You can also ask for a receipt at the end of the ride, which will help if you need to file a complaint regarding pricing or the driver’s conduct to the driver’s company or local police; the receipt will have all the necessary information including the driver’s name, registration number, and license plate.

If this seems like too much of a hassle, you can always pre-book a private, personalised ride with a trusted, top-rated company that also provides 24/7 customer support.

Taxi, Uber or Private Transfer?

Choosing the best service for you and your travel party depends on your specific needs and budget. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve gathered some of the most important factors to consider below.

–

FAQs

Is Uber safe in Athens?

Only licensed professional taxi drivers are allowed to operate rides for Uber in Athens, which means the service is regulated and safe. By ordering a taxi through the app, you get the driver’s name, license plate, and rating, giving you even more safety measures than hailing a taxi from the street.

How much is Uber from Athens Airport to the city centre?

Uber Athens prices are the same as those of standard taxis and are set by local authorities. The fare from Athens Airport to the city centre is fixed at €40 during the day (05:00 to 23:59) and €55 during the night (00:00 to 04:59) and includes all base charges, surcharges, and tolls.