Thessaloniki Airport Taxi Fare Calculator & Booking

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Thessaloniki Airport Taxi

Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia, is one of the primary hubs for tourists, business travelers and others who fly here from elsewhere in Greece or other countries because they’re heading to Thessaloniki, which is Greece’s second biggest city with more than 1 million residents.

Thessaloniki Airport Taxi
Thessaloniki Airport Taxis

But the airport is situated roughly 13 kilometers (or about 8 miles) from the city center, and therefore it is not walkable and you will need some type of transportation to get you into Thessaloniki after your flight has landed and you’ve got your bags and cleared security.

There are three main methods of transportation that are available at Thessaloniki Airport, and they are taking a taxi, renting a car or taking a public bus to get into the city.

Overview of Thessaloniki Airport Taxi Services

Upon arriving at Thessaloniki Airport, passengers will find a well-organized taxi service ready to transport them to their final destination. The taxi ranks are located just outside the arrival hall, easily accessible once you exit the baggage claim area. Taxis at Thessaloniki Airport come in various forms to accommodate different group sizes and preferences. Most taxis are standard sedans, but there are also options for executive cars and larger vehicles, which are ideal for families or groups carrying more luggage.

Thessaloniki taxis are known for their distinctive blue and white colors, which make them easily recognizable. All taxis operating at the airport are required to be licensed and are typically equipped with a meter, ensuring that fares are calculated based on the distance traveled.

How to Hire a Taxi at Thessaloniki Airport

Hiring a taxi at Thessaloniki Airport is straightforward. After exiting the baggage claim area, follow the signs to the taxi queue outside the terminal building. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

  • Step 1: As you exit the arrivals hall, look for signs that direct you to the taxi rank. These are well-posted and easy to follow.
  • Step 2: Join the queue at the taxi rank. During peak travel times, airport staff may be available to help manage the line and assist passengers.
  • Step 3: Once it’s your turn, a taxi coordinator will usually direct you to the next available cab. If you have special requests such as a larger vehicle or a baby seat, inform the coordinator.
  • Step 4: Before entering the taxi, it’s advisable to confirm that the meter is reset to start at the base fare. If you prefer, you can also ask the driver for an estimated fare to your destination.
  • Step 5: Ensure that all your belongings are securely loaded into the vehicle before you depart.

For travelers who prefer to plan ahead, some taxi companies and private operators offer pre-booking services. This can be particularly useful during the tourist season or if you require specific accommodations.

By following these steps, you can ensure a seamless experience when hiring a taxi from Thessaloniki Airport, setting a positive tone for your visit to Thessaloniki or onward travels in Greece.

Advantages of taking a taxi from Thessaloniki Airport

Deciding on the best transportation option for you to travel between the airport and Thessaloniki will be contingent on factors like how many people you’re riding with, how much luggage space you need, whether you need to be dropped off exactly at your destination, and your budget.

Taking a taxi can be an affordable method for the journey and one that has several benefits. For example, one advantage of this way of traveling is that it offers great privacy because the only people in the car will be the driver, you and any people you’re on vacation with.

You will also have the peace of mind of knowing that your suitcases and other luggage will be safely locked in the trunk of the taxi, compared to being unsecured on a public bus.

Another important benefit of riding by taxi is that the driver will take you to the front door of your hotel or other accommodation in Thessaloniki or elsewhere in Greece, compared to buses that might drop you several blocks away from your destination, requiring a long walk.

Thessaloniki Airport Taxi Important details

Taxis are available from the airport 24 hours a day, every day of the week, so you should be able to get a ride even in a situation where you land very early in the morning or late at night because of a flight delay. However, you should be prepared for possibly waiting longer than usual to get picked up at the airport if your flight arrives at a quieter time of day.

Once your flight has touched down and you have passed through the security checkpoint and collected your baggage, just look for the signs directing you to the taxi pickup area, which is between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at the doors marked for Exit 3 and Exit 4. If you are having difficulty with finding the taxi waiting area then you can just ask one of the airport staff members to help you out.

Riding in a taxi from Thessaloniki Airport to the city center are charged using a meter, which calculates the cost of the journey based on how far you travel. The typical taxi ride to Thessaloniki should cost between €20 and €30, but it might be cheaper or more expensive depending on exactly where you’re heading and how much distance you cover.

It’s important to know that between midnight and 5am the overall taxi fares increase, so you can expect to pay more than the standard average fare if you’re traveling within these hours.

Many of the taxis operating at Thessaloniki Airport should be able to accept major credit cards for you to pay the fare, but it can be wise to carry cash to cover the cost just in case they don’t.

Thessaloniki Airport Taxi Fares

When traveling to and from Thessaloniki Airport (SKG), it is important to have an idea of the potential taxi fares to expect for budgeting purposes. Taxi fares are determined by the taxi meter based on the distance traveled. However, there are standard estimated fares for traveling between the airport and major landmarks within the city.

Rates and Payments

Taxi fares at Thessaloniki Airport are straightforward, governed by regulated metered rates, ensuring transparency and fairness for both the driver and the passenger. The taxi meter starts with a base fare, which is then supplemented by a per-kilometer rate. Additionally, there are fixed rates for popular destinations, which can vary depending on the time of day (daytime vs. nighttime rates).

Example Calculation of Taxi Fare: Suppose you are traveling from Thessaloniki Airport to the city center. Here’s how the fare might be calculated:

Base fare: €3.50

  • Distance to city center: Approximately 15 kilometers
  • Rate per kilometer (daytime): €0.74

The total fare would thus be calculated as follows:

  • Total distance charge: 15 km × €0.74/km = €11.10
  • Total fare: Base fare + Total distance charge = €3.50 + €11.10 = €14.60

Keep in mind that additional charges may apply for things like luggage, late-night driving, or holidays. It’s advisable to confirm the estimated fare with the driver before departure.

For payments, taxis at Thessaloniki Airport accept cash and most major credit cards. Some Thessaloniki airport taxis may also support mobile payment methods, but it is best to confirm the available payment options with the driver before starting your journey.

PRICE LIST TABLE

SERVICECost in €
BASE FARE (METER START)1.80€
MINIMUM TAXI FARE4.00€
RATE PER KM 1* – TARIFF 1 – WITHIN CITY LIMITS0.90€
TAXI RATE PER KM 2* – TARIFF 2 – OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS1.25€
TAXI RATE PER KM – NIGHT FARE (00:00 – 05:00)1.25€
TIME CHARGE PER HOUR** (MAX WAITING TIME 20′)15.00€
EACH PIECE OF LUGGAGE ≥10kg0.39€
FROM SEAPORTS, RAILWAY STATIONS, MAIN BUS STATIONS1.07€
FROM/TO THESSALONIKI AIRPORT SKG /FROM CITY CENTER (RING). Fixed rate. All legal charges and tolls are included.25.00€
FROM/TO THESSALONIKI AIRPORT SKG TO/FROM CITY CENTER (RING) NIGHT FARE Fixed rate. All legal charges and tolls are included.35.00€
FROM & TO AIRPORTS4.00€
PREBOOK TAXI (APPOINTMENT)Up to 5.65€

To/From Thessaloniki City Center

The city center of Thessaloniki, including points such as Aristotelous Square or the White Tower, is approximately 15 km from the airport.

The fixed fare for travel between the airport and city center is:

  • Day time (05.00-24.00): Thessaloniki Airport – Centre and vice versa: 25 euro.
  • Night time (00.00-05.00): Thessaloniki Airport – Centre and vice versa: 35 euro.

To/From Train Station

  • The central train station of Thessaloniki is about 15 km or 9 miles from the airport. The estimated taxi fare for travel between Thessaloniki Airport and the central train station is €30-€35 or $35-$41 USD.

To/From Port

  • The main port of Thessaloniki is around 17 km or 11 miles from the airport. The expected taxi fare for travel between Thessaloniki Airport and the port is €35-€40 or $41-$47 USD

Additional Fees

  • There may be additional small fees for extra luggage or for travel between 10 pm to 6 am. Tipping the driver around 10% of the total fare is customary but not required.
  • Fares are subject to change, so check with the official Thessaloniki Airport website for the latest taxi fare information. By understanding the potential fares in advance, you can budget properly for ground transportation to and from Thessaloniki Airport.

Advantages of Using Thessaloniki Airport Taxis

Using airport taxis offers several advantages, especially for travelers looking for convenience and reliability. Below is a table summarizing the key benefits:

AdvantageDescription
ConvenienceTaxis are available directly outside the arrivals area, with minimal waiting time.
AvailabilityServices are available 24/7, making taxis a great option for late arrivals or early departures.
Direct TravelTaxis provide a direct route to your destination without stops, unlike other forms of public transport.
Safety and ReliabilityDrivers are licensed and taxis are regulated, ensuring a safe journey.
FlexibilityTaxis offer privacy and the flexibility to depart on your schedule, accommodating last-minute changes.
No Pre-booking RequiredWhile pre-booking is available, it’s not necessary, allowing for spontaneous travel plans.

These advantages make taxis a preferred choice for many travelers arriving at Thessaloniki Airport, providing a stress-free start to their visit.

Tips and tricks about taking a Thessaloniki Airport taxi

Only ever take a ride in an officially licensed Thessaloniki Airport taxi, as they are all colored white and blue and they are regulated to protect against the risk of scamming passengers.

Once you get inside an airport taxi you should be able to clearly see the driver’s photo identification, the taxi meter and the taxi’s unique number. If you cannot see any of these important elements then you should ask the driver to make them visible to you.

Don’t believe any driver who picks you up at the airport and claims that you are required by law to tip them after the journey is over, because there are no rules in place that mandate passengers to give tips to their taxi drivers. But if you think that you were given a safe, smooth and fair ride to your destination in the city, you can tip your driver with a few Euros as a thank you. Don’t tip anything in the event that you believe the ride was overcharged or unsafe.

Also ignore any taxi drivers that approach you inside either of the airport terminals and claim that they can give you a discounted fare to get to Thessaloniki or anywhere else. That’s because these drivers are not authorized to pick up passengers at the airport, which also means that their insurance won’t cover you. As a result, if the car gets into an accident and you are injured, you’ll be liable for paying any medical bills that you might be charged with later.

The vast majority of airport taxi drivers are honest but a handful of them might try to take you on a very long route to your hotel or other location in or around the city, because this will increase the final fare by making the journey longer. An easy way to avoid falling for this scam is to research the quickest route before your flight, and then insist that the driver stick to this.

Thessaloniki Airport Taxi FAQ

Yes, taxi services at Thessaloniki Airport operate 24/7, making it convenient for travelers arriving or departing at any hour.

Yes, several taxi companies and private operators offer the option to pre-book. This can be done via their websites or phone numbers.

If you are traveling with a lot of luggage, consider requesting a larger vehicle when booking or at the taxi rank. An extra fee may be applicable for multiple large items.

Yes, there are fixed rates for common routes, including to the downtown area. These rates may vary slightly depending on the time of day.

If you encounter a fare discrepancy, discuss it with the driver first. If unresolved, you can request a receipt and contact the taxi company or local authorities for assistance.

Conclusion

Thessaloniki Airport offers a range of reliable taxi services that provide convenience and efficiency for travelers arriving in or departing from the city. Whether you’re visiting Thessaloniki for business or leisure, the ease of access to taxis right outside the arrivals area ensures that your journey to your next destination is smooth and stress-free.

By following the tips provided and utilizing the FAQ section, you can enjoy a hassle-free experience. Remember, taxis at Thessaloniki Airport are ready to serve you 24/7, offering a flexible and secure mode of transportation that caters to your personal needs and schedule.