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.

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.