Taxis in CreteTaxis are quite cheap in Greece, so they can be considered a very convenient way of moving around in Crete. Using a taxi in the cities of Heraklion or Chania will rarely cost more than 3 €.
Taxi fare structures are the same all over Greece and they are regulated by the Greek State. Taxis in cities and bigger towns MUST use the meter and the driver has to switch it on when you get in. If he forgets to do so, then ask him to.
There are two basic tariffs: Tariff 1 and Tariff 2. Depending on the time of day and the journey the driver must select the correct rate. Tariff 1 is the "day rate" used from 5.00 am to 12.00 pm and Tariff 2 is the night rate valid from 12.00 pm to 5.00 am. Also, tariff number 1 is used within the limits of the town or city where the taxi is registered and tariff number 2 is used outside that zone.
Tipping is optional but common.
If you get a taxi at the airport or the port and you intend to travel a long distance, then ask the driver how much he expects the fare to cost. By doing so you will avoid unpleasant surprises. Also, remember that in the arrival halls of the airports or at the taxi stands outside the airport there are boards with the taxi fares to the most popular destinations.
The maximum fares from the Heraklion airport to the most popular destinations in Crete are:
Agia Galini 48 €
Agios Nikolaos 37 €
Chania 81 €
Elounda 43 €
Georgioupolis 61 €
Heraklion 8 €
Hersonissos 17 €
Ierapetra 57 €
Makrygialos 67 €
Malia 22 €
Matala 52 €
Milatos 29 €
Mpali 32 €
Plakias 65 €
Rethymnon 47 €
Sitia 80 €
NOTE.
These prices were listed on April 2004. You should expect them to be higher in the future
You can hail a taxi in the street or book one by phoning a local cab company, although there is a small surcharge for this service. You can also get a taxi from a taxi stand. There are several taxi stands in each town, usually in the most central locations.
It is not uncommon for other people to get into the taxi together with you, or for the taxi driver to stop along the way to collect more passengers, provided that the route is convenient for all. Some taxi drivers will ask your permission for this and you may withhold it - but dont forget that taxi fares are cheap in Greece and this is the way for taxi drivers to make a better living. This is common practice and you should not hesitate to hail a taxi with 1-2 passengers in it and tell the driver where you want to go. In very busy roads it is preferable that you hail the taxi and point to the direction you want to go at the same time. This will let the taxi driver know if your destination is convenient for his other passengers too and he will avoid unnecessary stops. Sharing the taxi with more passengers does not however mean that you will share the fare between you.
In Heraklio it may become very difficult to get a taxi during the rush hours, especially in main avenues. In this case try to get an already half-full taxi but don t expect for the driver to stop and ask you where you go. Hail the taxi and wait till it approaches you and slows down and then, shout your destination to the driver.
The taxis in smaller towns and villages do not use the meter but the price is fixed according to the distance. Another option is to take such a taxi to the main city of the district early in the morning and return with the same taxi in the afternoon. In this case you will share the taxi with other passengers and you will be asked to pay for what is in effect a fixed price ticket.
Questions:
- Do all taxis in Greece look the same?
Taxis in different cities in Greece have different colours: Athens: yellow, Heraklion: grey, Agios Nikolaos: grey, Rethymnon: white, Chania: the lower half of the car is dark blue and the upper half is white.
- Are there women taxi drivers?
Yes, but not many. In Crete it is still very rare.
- Do taxi drivers speak English or German?
Most of them speak basic English or German.
- Do taxi drivers overcharge?
Sometimes they do. Complaints about service or concerns about being overcharged should be directed to the Tourist Police (tel 171). When calling to state a complaint, be sure to report the taxi driver s license number. At the airport, contact the Airport Traffic Police.
Taxi rates and surcharges valid from 1st June 2004
Item Price (EURO)
Meter starts at
0,75
Rate per km when using tariff 1
0,28
Rate per km when using tariff 2
0,53
Waiting time per hour
7,50
Radio taxi - simple call
1,50
Radio taxi - appointment
2,30
From and to airports
2,00
From and to El. Venizelos airport (Athens) 3,00
From and to Makedonia airport (Thessaloniki) 2,50
From ports, railway stations and bus terminals
0,80
Luggage - charge per item over 10 kg
0,30
Minimum Fare
1,80 (Greece) - 1,60 (Athens only)
Telephone Numbers for Radio Taxi in Crete
Agios Nikolaos 28410 24000
Chania 28210 94300
Heraklion Radio Taxi 2810-210102, 210146
Rethymnon 28310 25000
Sitia 28430-22317
Useful Greek Words
taxi = taxi
taxi stand = piatsa taxi
taxi meter = taximetro ( e as in egg)
tariff = tarifa
Chania = Hania
Heraklion = Iraklio
Rethymnon = Rethimno (th as in throne)
airport = aerothromio (th as in this)
port = limani
where do you go? = pou pas?, pou pate? (more polite)
how much is it? = poso kanei?
I want to go to... = Thelo na pao..., ( th as in throne, e as in "egg")
Thank You = Efharisto
keep the change = kratise ta resta, ( e as in egg)
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