Is There Uber In Athens In 2024? Yes, BUT…
Are you planning a trip to Greece and wondering, “Is there Uber in Athens?”
Then you’ve come to the right place as I have visited Athens several times! Through traveling through Athens, I now know whether or not Uber is in Athens.
Athens is Greece’s capital and the most visited destination in the country. It is known for its rich, influential history, architecture, nightlife, and being the birthplace of democracy.
One question you may be trying to figure out for your Athens trip is exactly how you will get around.
If Uber is your favorite form of transportation, then I have good news! Uber currently operates only as Uber Taxi in Athens. Unfortunately, standard Uber services are not available.
In addition to Uber, there are multiple ways to get around Athens.
I highly recommend taking a private transfer from Athens Airport for a seamless journey to your accommodation.▶︎BOOK YOURS NOW.
Many car rental places across Athens exist if you prefer to drive yourself. Booking your rental with Discover Cars is convenient and provides the best flexibility for navigating Athens. ▶︎BOOK YOUR RENTAL NOW
Now, here’s a complete guide to Uber in Athens.
Going On A Trip To Athens? Check Out These Resources!
🛌 Accommodations: I always use Booking.com for my lodging.
🚘 Car Rentals: To find the best prices, I use Discover Cars!
✈️ Flights: To find great flight prices, I check on Expedia.
📍Tours: I use Viator to find memorable experiences.
Is There Uber in Athens?
To cut straight to it, yes, the Uber app operates in Athens.
However, you will not find the typical services offered in the capital.
First, UberX, the app’s most popular and least expensive service, is banned in Greece. This is due to legislation passed due to protests by taxi companies from Uber’s lack of compliance with regulations and competitive advantage.
As of the writing of this post, there are no plans to reintroduce UberX in Greece.
Despite the lack of traditional Uber services, you can still use Uber Taxi with the app. There are several advantages of ordering a taxi through the Uber app, including paying within the app, viewing driver information, and easier access to customer support.
Athens is one of the few places in Greece where you can use the Uber app. For example, you can use Uber in Mykonos but not other islands like Naxos to get around.
However, you aren’t limited to only using Uber and taxis to get around Athens. Numerous other transportation methods exist, including private transfers, car rentals, and public transportation.
How Much Is An Athens Uber?
The overall price of an Uber in Athens will depend on the time of day you request and traffic congestion. Since Uber Taxi is the only service offered by Uber, they are subject to the same fare breakdown.
Below, you can find the taxi fare breakdown for Athens.
| Minimum fare | €4 |
| Base fare | €1.80 |
| Cost per kilometer | €0.90 (5:00- 23:59) or €1.25 (0:00- 04:59) |
| Cost per minute | €0.19 (the period when the taxi was completely stationary.) |
Some additional charges that can impact your fare are airport (€4), luggage if greater than 10kg (22lb) (€0.39), and port or bus stops (€1.07).
Uber has a useful trip price estimate so you can know what to expect.
How Much Is Uber From Athens Airport to the City Center?
Fares that depart from or arrive at Athens Airport are subject to a flat rate. The flat rates for Athens Airport are €40 ($43) or €55 ($59) depending on the time of your trip.
This rate will only apply to destinations within this ring. If your journey falls outside of this, the flat rate will not affect the price you pay.
Another option for getting from the airport and ordering a taxi from Uber is scheduling a private transfer.
How To Get Around Athens
While Uber operates in Athens, it’s essential to note that the typical Uber services you may prefer are unavailable.
Despite that, alternative transportation options, in addition to Uber, are plentiful. These other transportation methods offer convenient and budget-friendly choices for travel around Athens.
Private Transfers in Athens
Private transfers offer a fantastic, hassle-free option to reach your lodging or other destinations from Athens Airport.
I highly suggest opting for this private transfer from the airport, holding an outstanding 5-star rating on Viator.
Private transfers are also available from the ferry port. They ensure a secure journey to any destination on the island.
A benefit of using transfers is that someone will already be waiting for you once you arrive at the airport. You’ll also know the price and avoid waiting for a taxi or public transportation option.
➡️For a seamless trip, book this Athens Airport Private Transfer. Or you can do the Piraeus Port Transfer.
Taxis in Athens
When considering your transportation arrangements, one of the primary factors is whether you prefer to handle the driving yourself or entrust it to someone else.
Thankfully, in addition to private transfers, you can take taxis. They can take you to destinations all over Athens.
Fares are the same as what you can expect with Uber Taxi as the Greek government sets this. However, unlike ordering with Uber, hailing a regular taxi off the street won’t allow you to view driver details, cashless payments, or see price estimates.
Despite the advantage of getting a taxi through Uber, it may be easier to get a taxi the traditional way during peak demand.
How Can I Find a Taxi in Athens?
There are several ways to find a taxi in Athens. The easiest way will be to order one from the Uber or FREENOW apps. These two apps will provide the benefits of paying by card and ordering in advance.
You can also go the traditional route and hail one from the street or locate one of the many taxi ranks spread throughout the city.
Is It Hard To Get A Taxi in Athens?
Athens is home to over 13,000 taxis, so, needless to say, getting a taxi in the city is fairly easy and fast. In return, this makes taxis a reliable form of transportation in Athens.
The biggest obstacle may occur during rush hour or the peak tourist season months, but you can still find a cab within a reasonable time.
Rental Cars in Athens
You can consider renting a car if you wish to have the most flexible transportation option.
This guarantees you can go around Athens at your own pace to visit the sites on your list.
However, note that driving in Athens can be chaotic. There is high congestion, and many people do not follow the rules of the road. In addition, finding parking can be a pain within the city.
Other transportation options will be better if you’re not an experienced driver.
👉TRAVEL TIP: Your home country may or may not require you to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Greece. American citizens do not currently need to carry an IDP.
Where Can I Rent a Car in Athens?
Collecting your rental vehicle from Athens International Airport is the easiest way. While rental services are available across the city, an airport pickup offers a notably streamlined process.
Upon entering the arrivals area, there will be kiosks for various companies. Some companies with offices outside the immediate airport will also be willing to transport you to their office free of charge.
The best way to search for a vehicle in Athens is through Discover Cars. They will provide the best rates for local and international companies.
🚗Use Discover Cars to find the best rental car rates in Athens!
What are Athens Car Rental Prices?
The cost of renting a vehicle can vary based on factors such as the time of year and the type of vehicle selected. Whether you’re renting in low and peak seasons can significantly influence prices.
Daily car rates typically range from approximately €20 to €70 in the low season. Conversely, heightened demand results in higher rates, with rental cars typically priced around €50 to €150 per day during peak season.
👉TRAVEL TIP: If you can, it’s advisable to reserve a rental car ahead of time, particularly if your visit is during peak season. Booking in advance ensures availability and can potentially secure better rates.
Public Transportation in Athens
You’ll find various public transportation options when exploring Athens, making getting around the city a breeze. The three main public transportation methods are the metro, bus, and tram.
The Athens Metro stands out as a reliable and efficient mode of transport. The metro can easily take you to destinations like the Piraeus port, the historic city center, various suburbs, and the airport.
The metro is arguably the fastest way to get around Athens when comparing the available transportation methods.
Additionally, buses can take you throughout Athens and its surrounding regions. Many buses operate from 5:00-24:00, providing reliable coverage throughout the city.
The tram system is another transportation option you can consider while in Athens to reach the seaside suburbs. Running daily from 5:30-24:00, the tram can connect you to destinations including Piraeus and Voula.
Whether you hop on the metro, tram, or bus, Athens’ public transportation system ensures accessibility and convenience as you navigate the city.
What Are Athens Bus Prices?
Rates for all public transportation in Athens are the same, except for some express and airport journeys. A 90-minute single-journey bus ticket in Athens costs €1.20. Discounted tickets are also available for eligible passengers for €0.50.
In addition to single fares, you can purchase a daily ticket for €4.10, a 5-day ticket for €8.20, or a 3-day tourist ticket for €20.00.
Express bus lines are priced at €5.50 for a standard ticket or €2.70 for a discounted one.
What Are Athens Metro Prices?
Rates for Athens Metro are the same as above. A single fare will cost you €1.20, with the option of purchasing 1-day, 5-day, or 3-day tourist tickets.
The airport metro ticket costs €9.00 for a single journey, €4.50 for a discounted ticket, and €16.00 for a round trip.
What Is the Best Way To Get Around Athens?
The best way to navigate Santorini depends on your preferences and how much you’re willing to spend. Whether you favor public transit, self-driving, or chauffeured services, various choices cater to your needs.
Using the metro is the most efficient way to get around Athens as a tourist. It’s fast and convenient, connecting you to nearly every corner of Athens.
Other main public transportation options in Athens include the bus and tram. Standard fares for these two cost the same as the metro and run most of the day.
If you wish to drive, that will provide you with the most flexibility. However, driving and parking in Athens can be challenging.
Renting a car may be useful if you have plans to reach Meteora from Athens. You can compare rates by using Discover Cars.
Alternatively, if you prefer not to drive, you can utilize taxis or arrange private transfers.
FAQs: Is There Uber in Athens
Now that you’re aware of the availability of Uber in Athens alongside other transportation alternatives let’s look into addressing some commonly asked questions regarding this topic.
Does Uber Work in Athens?
Yes, you can use the Uber app in Athens. However, standard services like UberX are unavailable in the Greek capital.
Instead, using Uber in Athens will only connect you to local taxis. Using the Uber app is still advantageous as you can immediately know the rate for your trip and pay within the app.
Additional perks from using Uber include viewing driver details and sharing your trip itinerary with family and friends. This is a great feature since the app is unavailable in islands like Folegandros.
Do They Have Uber or Lyft in Athens, Greece?
While Uber does have operations in Athens, one of its biggest rivals, Lyft, does not work.
Lyft currently only operates in the U.S.A. and Canada. The company has not yet mentioned its intentions to expand into Europe.
Still, if you wish to use one of the ridesharing apps, Uber can connect you to local taxis in Athens with payment options within the app.
Is There Bolt in Athens?
No, Bolt does not have operations in Athens. There have been no announcements of the company’s plans to expand to Greece.
If you wish to use an app to order your taxis, then Uber and FREENOW are great alternatives. These apps can connect with local taxis with the option of paying within the app by card.
Is There Uber at Athens Airport?
Yes, Uber is available at Athens International Airport. While you can only order Uber Taxi, it provides a convenient way to reach your destination upon landing.
Can Americans Drive in Athens?
Yes, Americans can drive in Athens without needing an International Driving Permit (IDP). Be sure to bring your national driving license with you to Greece.
However, if you stay longer than six months, you may need to obtain a Greek license.
It’s also advisable to avoid driving in Athens if you are not an experienced driver due to the chaotic traffic conditions and parking difficulty.
Is Athens Walkable?
Yes, Athens can be a walkable city, especially within the central neighborhoods.
If you find yourself in the Monastiraki, Plaka, and Syntagma neighborhoods, they are easy to navigate and are close to many main attractions, such as the Acropolis.
Even if you happen to be staying in a neighborhood a bit further from the central attractions in Athens, you can easily hop on the efficient metro.
To Sum Up: Is There Uber in Athens?
After reading this post, I hope you have the information to know the answer to “Is there Uber in Athens?” To keep it short, yes, Uber has operations in Athens.
However, Uber in Athens is limited to only ordering Uber Taxi.
Athens is one of a few locations in Greece where you can use Athens. Uber is also available on select islands such as Santorini and Mykonos.
Despite the unavailability of UberX, you have other options for getting around Athens. These include public transportation, private transfers, or renting a vehicle.
Have an amazing time in Athens!
