Taxi Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport
Taking a Thessaloniki airport taxi is one of the most straightforward ways to reach your destination after landing. The city's blue taxis operate 24/7 from the official rank and offer safe, regulated, door-to-door rides. In normal traffic, the trip to the city centre takes about 30 minutes over the roughly 13 km from the airport. Always use the official rank rather than a driver who approaches you inside the terminal.
How much is a taxi from Thessaloniki Airport?
Airport taxis are metered, so the exact fare depends on distance, time and traffic, with a higher night tariff between 00:00 and 05:00. As a practical guide for the ride into the city centre:
- To the city centre: typically around €25 by day and about €35 at night, for the 13 km, 25–30 minute ride.
- To Halkidiki: roughly €50–100+ depending on the peninsula and the time of day; Kassandra resorts sit at the lower end, Sithonia higher.
- Extras: luggage and airport pick-up surcharges may be added to the metered total.
Make sure the meter is running from the start. Many taxis now take cards, but acceptance is not guaranteed, so keep some cash for the fare.
Fixed price or the meter?
The meter is fair on a clear run, but it climbs in heavy traffic, and after a long flight not everyone wants to watch it. For a price agreed in advance, a flight-tracked car booked through GetTransfer.com gives you one fixed fare to your door, an English-speaking driver who meets you in Arrivals, and no surprise on the meter if the road is slow. It is the easier choice for a late arrival, a group with luggage, or a longer run out to the coast. Compare it against the metered estimate above and pick whichever suits your trip.
Luggage, groups and tipping
A standard four-seat taxi comfortably takes three to four medium suitcases. Travelling as a larger group, or with bulky items such as a pushchair, golf clubs or several large cases, a saloon car will not stretch — book a minivan ahead through GetTransfer.com so the right-sized vehicle is waiting rather than gambling on what turns up at the rank.
Tipping is not expected in Greece. It is common to round the fare up to the nearest euro, or to leave one or two euros if the driver helps with heavy bags, and nothing more is needed.
SKG Airport Taxi Rank
The official taxi rank is in the Arrivals area, between Terminals 1 and 2 (between Exit 3 and Exit 4). Taxis are usually waiting, though you may queue briefly at peak times. Ignore anyone who approaches you inside the terminal offering a ride: these touts are usually unlicensed and charge well above the metered rate. If no taxi is at the rank late at night, a pre-booked transfer avoids the wait entirely.
Taxi to your hotel or the beaches
For a hotel in Thessaloniki, have the name and address written down to show the driver and avoid any mix-ups. If you are heading to the coast rather than the city, the fare and time rise sharply, and our airport-to-Halkidiki guide sets out taxi, transfer and bus costs side by side. On a tight budget, the 1X airport bus reaches the city for €2.00, and the full range of ways into town is covered in our airport-to-city-centre guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a taxi from Thessaloniki Airport to the city centre?
The ride is metered and usually comes to around €25 in the day and about €35 at night (00:00–05:00) for the 13 km trip, which takes 25 to 30 minutes in normal traffic. A pre-booked transfer offers the same journey at a fixed price agreed in advance.
Is there a night tariff on Thessaloniki taxis?
Yes. A higher tariff applies between 00:00 and 05:00, which is why the same ride costs more overnight. The meter switches to the night rate automatically.
Where is the taxi rank at Thessaloniki Airport?
In the Arrivals area, between Terminals 1 and 2, by Exits 3 and 4. Use only this official rank and ignore anyone offering a ride inside the terminal.
Can I pay the taxi by card?
Many drivers accept cards, but it is not guaranteed across the fleet, so carry enough cash to cover the fare just in case.
