Taxis in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki's city taxis are a practical way to navigate the compact city centre, especially late at night or during the hot summer months. They are easily recognisable: dark blue with a white roof and a standard "TAXI" sign (lit when the cab is free). This guide covers getting around the city itself; if you are landing and need a cab from the terminal, see our Thessaloniki Airport taxis guide instead.
Thessaloniki taxi fares: how the meter works
Fares are metered and set by a regulated regional tariff based on distance and time. The current official rates are:
- Starting fare: €1.80 on the meter, with a mandatory minimum fare of €4.00 for any trip.
- Tariff 1 (daytime, 05:00–00:00, within city limits): €0.90 per km.
- Tariff 2 (nighttime, 00:00–05:00, and outside city limits): €1.25 per km — the meter will show a "2".
- Surcharges: Expect small fixed extras for port/station pick-ups, luggage weighing over 10kg, and radio/phone dispatches.
Because of the minimum fare, even a quick 5-minute hop across the centre will cost you at least €4.00. Always check that the meter is turned on and set to the day rate ("1") when applicable — a meter showing "2" inside the city by day is a common tourist overcharge. While card machines are increasingly standard, the network occasionally drops, so confirm card payment before you set off or carry backup cash.
How to get a taxi in Thessaloniki
- Hail from the street: Raise your hand when a free cab (rooftop light on) approaches — this is the easiest method in the centre.
- Taxi ranks: Found at major squares (like Aristotelous) and transit hubs; simply take the first cab in line.
- Radio taxi: Local dispatch companies take phone bookings, which is highly recommended during rainstorms or peak rush hour.
- Taxi apps: FreeNow is the dominant app in Thessaloniki. It summons a licensed, metered street cab to your location. It runs on the official meter rather than surge pricing, allows seamless in-app card payments, and currently charges a small technology/booking fee (around €1.20 for on-demand rides).
Taxis from the city to the airport
Heading to SKG, a taxi is the quickest door-to-door option. The 15km ride from the centre takes about 30 minutes in normal traffic. Unlike standard city routes, journeys between the Thessaloniki city centre ring and the airport operate on a legally mandated fixed fare of €25 during the day and €35 at night (00:00–05:00). All tolls and luggage fees are included in this flat rate.
If you prefer to save money, the 1X airport bus makes the same trip for just a few euros, and the 2X links to the metro at Nea Elvetia. For every option between the airport and town, see our airport-to-city-centre guide. If you want a guaranteed price with a pre-assigned driver, a private transfer through a service like GetTransfer.com is a reliable alternative.
Tips for using taxis in Thessaloniki
- Have your destination written down in Greek or pinned on Google Maps to avoid pronunciation mix-ups.
- Follow the route on your phone so you can tell if a driver takes a major detour.
- Ensure the meter is reset and running on the correct tariff at the start of the journey.
- Ask for a receipt (apodeixi) at the end of the ride; it includes the taxi's license number if you leave something behind.
- Use only official blue-and-white taxis from ranks, hailing, or apps. Avoid unlicensed touts.
- Tipping is optional — rounding up to the nearest euro is standard practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a typical taxi ride cost in Thessaloniki?
For short trips entirely within the city centre, expect to pay the €4.00 minimum fare or slightly above. A longer trip across town generally costs between €7 and €12 depending on traffic, while the flat rate to the airport is strictly €25 by day.
Are Thessaloniki taxis metered, or do I agree on a price?
All regular city rides must be metered by law. The only exception is the airport-to-city-centre route, which has a government-mandated flat fare. You do not need to haggle; just ensure the meter is running.
Is there a taxi app for Thessaloniki?
Yes, FreeNow is the most widely used app in the city. It connects you with standard licensed taxis for a small booking fee and allows you to pay securely by card.
