Heraklion Taxi: an Overview
Crete taxis are overall considered a safe and fast way to travel around the sizable island. Similarly, a Heraklion taxi is one of the most comfortable and seamless ways to explore the city and reach other nearby destinations. The gray vehicles circulate all over the prefecture of the city, providing top-rated services. Verily, even though Heraklion is a popular tourist spot, scamming incidents do occur but they are scarce and not widespread. In any case, official Heraklion taxis, licensed by the Greek government, are gray, equipped with a taximeter, and have their license number and price table clearly displayed inside the vehicle.
Why Opt for a Heraklion Taxi Ride
Heraklion taxis and public buses are the two main transit options in the capital of Crete. Although the vast majority of sites and attractions are located downtown, distances to other parts of the city or nearby sightseeing locations, such as Knossos, are considerable and cannot be easily traversed on foot. On the other hand, public buses are a cheap and quite efficient alternative as well. Still, they don’t provide door-to-door or night rides. Moreover, during rush hours, buses tend to get crowded, making journeys tedious and risky for pickpocketing. Conversely, Heraklion taxi rides guarantee comfort. Verily, passengers travel sitting comfortably inside the vehicle and have their personal items safely stored in the trunk. Finally, even though taxis in Heraklion and public buses are both dependent on traffic levels, taxis are far more speedy, as they don’t make in-between stops.
How to Hire a Taxi in Heraklion
Heraklion taxis efficiently meet the city’s needs. Thus, they can be easily hailed from the street if you simply stand at the side of a busy road and lift your hand. Expectantly, they are easier to find in the city center than in remoter regions of Heraklion. Alternatively, passengers can head to one of the several official taxi ranks scattered around the city. Verily, taxi stands are to be found outside the Bus Station and Saint Minas Cathedral, at the Venetian Port, at Kazantzakis Tomb, and in various other central locations of Heraklion. Heraklion taxis are lining up at the taxi ranks, on tap to serve passengers. Please keep in mind that you can’t choose vehicles but have to catch the first cab in line. What’s more, taxi apps are also a popular way to book a taxi in Heraklion. Out of them, FreeNow is the most well-known. Last but not least, radio taxis can be called by phone.
Heraklion Taxi Fares and Prices
Taxis in Crete -and Heraklion taxis, as a result – don’t offer set fares but are equipped with taximeters that calculate each ride’s final cost. Hence, the total price of a taxi ride in Heraklion is dependent on the traversed distance and the traveling duration.
In any case, taxi fares are governmentally regulated. Thus, all Heraklion taxis charge according to the same price table. To begin with, the minimum fare is set at 4€/4.35$. Additionally, the initial tariff is 1.80€/2$, and the price per kilometer is 0.90€/1$. Moreover, there are additional fees for luggage and port and airport rides. In fact, airport rides are 4€/4.35$ costlier and journeys from ports, bus stations, and railway stations come with an extra 1.07€/1.16$, while each piece of luggage weighing more than 10kg/22lbs is charged at 0.39€/0.42$. On the other hand, night journeys bring upon different rates. Thus, if you travel from midnight to 05:00 am, you’ll be charged the same flag rate. However, the rate per kilometer will be 1.25€/1.40$. Just to have an idea, rides within the city limits are usually priced at around 5€/5.44$.
As far as the payment methods are concerned, both cash and bank cards are accepted. Verily, Heraklion taxi drivers are obligated to have POS machines inside their vehicles. Still, even though this is the law, should you want to pay via a credit or debit card, it is advisable to let the driver know so as to be on the safe side. On the other hand, if you intend to pay in cash, you should carry small bills, as otherwise, the driver may not have enough change.
Heraklion Taxis to HER Airport
If you want to be at Heraklion International Airport on time for your upcoming flight, you should bear in mind that Heraklion taxis are the most convenient way to go. Although you can find a cab on the street (if you are in a busy area) or catch it from a taxi rank, it is always recommended to call one (either by phone or by using a taxi app) to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Overall, the price of the Heraklion airport taxi ride from Heraklion to Nikos Kazantzakis Airport should be around 19€-20€/20.60$-21.70$.
More Useful Guidelines about Heraklion Taxis
- Heraklion taxi rides are metered. Therefore, the first thing to spot once entering the cab should be if the taximeter is zeroed and working properly.
- You can always use your phone’s GPS to check if the driver follows the right route to your destination or takes detours to extend the journey’s duration.
- Although tipping the driver isn’t obligatory, locals usually leave a small tip or round up the final rate.
- It is illegal for the taxi driver to deny card payments. Still, it is always recommended to let the driver know that you are planning to use a bank card to avoid unwelcome surprises (the driver may claim that the POS is broken and out of operation).
- Cash payments should be made with small bills, as taxi drivers in Heraklion often don’t have enough change.
- Sharing the ride with other passengers is a common practice in Heraklion. However, the final price remains unaffected. Thus, each passenger is charged according to each destination.
- Most taxi drivers in Heraklion speak English. Still, having the address or the name of your destination written down is always a good idea.
- Accessible taxi vehicles are available in Heraklion as well. However, they have to be pre-booked.
FAQs
How do I call a taxi in Heraklion?
If you want to catch a taxi in Heraklion, you can hail one from the street or catch a cab from the official taxi stands scattered around the city. Alternatively, you can call a taxi or use a taxi app.
How much is a taxi from Heraklion to the airport?
Heraklion taxis are metered. Thus, their rides from the city to Heraklion International Airport don’t come with set fares. In any case, the taxi journey from Heraklion to HER Airport usually costs around 19€-20€/20.60$-21.70$.
Do taxis in Crete take card?
Crete taxis accept both cash and card payments. Verily, all cabs must be equipped with POS. Still, if you want to pay via a credit or debit card, letting the driver know is always recommended.
Do you tip taxi drivers in Crete?
Tipping the driver is optional in Crete. That being said, most passengers leave a small tip if the provided taxi services in Heraklion are pleasant or at least round up the final price.