When you hop into a taxi in Italy or Greece, you might notice that the drivers have a reputation for speed and assertiveness on the road. This can be part of the experience, but it’s also essential to know what to expect regarding pricing, especially in major tourist destinations like Rome, Athens, and Venice.
The Driving Style: Fast and Fearless
Speed and Precision
- Italian Taxi Drivers: Italian taxi drivers are known for their fast and often aggressive driving style. Whether navigating the narrow, winding streets of Rome or zipping through Milan’s busy avenues, Italian drivers are skilled at maneuvering through traffic quickly and efficiently.
- Greek Taxi Drivers: In Greece, especially in Athens, taxi drivers share a similar penchant for speed. The streets can be chaotic, with a mix of cars, scooters, and pedestrians, but Greek taxi drivers are adept at navigating these challenges, often using shortcuts to get you to your destination faster.
Navigating the Chaos
- Urban Traffic: In both countries, urban traffic can be intense, with a mix of cars, buses, and scooters vying for space. Taxi drivers here are used to the hustle and bustle, so don’t be surprised if your driver weaves through traffic or takes a more aggressive approach to get you to your destination.
- Cultural Norms: Speed limits and traffic rules might be viewed more as guidelines than strict laws. While this might feel unnerving to visitors, it’s a normal part of the driving culture in Italy and Greece.
Set Prices and Common Taxi Fares
To avoid surprises, it’s helpful to know the general cost of taxi rides in some of the most popular tourist cities. Keep in mind that prices can vary slightly depending on the time of day, traffic conditions, and any additional surcharges like luggage fees or late-night rides. Usually, the pre-fix rate includes luggage as well.
Rome, Italy
- City Center to Fiumicino Airport: A fixed fare of around €50 applies for a ride from the city center to Fiumicino Airport (Leonardo da Vinci Airport).
- City Center to Ciampino Airport: Expect a fixed fare of €31 for rides between the city center and Ciampino Airport.
- Short Rides Within the City: A typical ride within the city center might cost between €8 to €15, depending on distance and traffic.
Venice, Italy
- Piazzale Roma to Marco Polo Airport: A water taxi from Piazzale Roma to Marco Polo Airport usually costs €110 to €130. Regular taxis aren’t used for this route as it’s only accessible by water.
- Venice Santa Lucia to Piazza San Marco: A water taxi ride typically costs around €65 to €80, depending on the route and time of day.
- City Center to Mestre: A taxi from Venice city center to the mainland area of Mestre costs around €25 to €30.
Athens, Greece
- City Center to Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos Airport): The set fare is €38 during the day (5:00 AM to midnight) and €54 at night (midnight to 5:00 AM).
- City Center to Piraeus Port: Expect to pay around €15 to €20 for a ride from the city center to Piraeus Port.
- Short Rides Within the City: Typical short rides within the Athens city center usually cost between €5 to €10.
Tips for Taking Taxis in Italy and Greece
Confirm the Fare: Before starting your trip, especially for airport or port transfers, confirm the fare with the driver. For rides within the city, ensure the meter is running to avoid any misunderstandings.
Be Ready for Fast Driving: If you’re not used to fast driving, it might be a bit of a shock, but remember, the drivers know their cities well. Sit back and enjoy the ride (if you can!).
Carry Small Change: It’s helpful to have small bills and coins, as taxi drivers may not always have change for large bills.
Consider Ride-Sharing Apps: In cities like Rome and Athens, ride-sharing apps such as Uber or the local alternative Free Now (formerly mytaxi) are available, offering a more transparent pricing system.
Taking a taxi in Italy or Greece can be an adventure in itself, with drivers known for their speed and efficiency. Understanding the typical fares and the driving culture will help you feel more at ease and ensure a smoother experience. Whether you’re zooming through Rome’s historic streets or navigating the bustling avenues of Athens, knowing what to expect will make your taxi rides a memorable part of your trip.
