Taxis in Kos, Greece, are a convenient way to get around the island, especially if you prefer not to rent a car or use public transport. Here’s what you should know about Kos taxis:
1. Availability
- Taxi Stands: You can find taxis at designated stands in key locations, such as Kos Town, the airport, and near the port. There are also stands in tourist-heavy areas like Kardamena and Tigaki.
- Hailing Taxis: Taxis can also be hailed on the street or booked by phone, and some hotels and restaurants may call a taxi for you.
- Phone Apps: Though taxi apps like Uber do not operate on the island, there are local taxi companies that may offer booking via phone or online.
2. Fares
- Rates: Taxis in Kos operate on a meter system, and the fare depends on the distance traveled. During high seasons, there might be an increase in demand, which could affect wait times, but prices remain standard.
- Airport Transfers: If you’re going to or from Kos Airport, there are fixed rates for airport transfers to popular tourist spots like Kos Town, Tigaki, or Kardamena.
- Additional Charges: Keep in mind that there may be extra charges for luggage, night rides, or during holidays.
3. Tips
- Payment: Many taxis accept both cash and credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to confirm before the ride begins.
- Language: Most taxi drivers speak basic English, especially in touristy areas, so communicating your destination is usually straightforward.
- Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. A small tip, such as rounding up the fare, is common.
4. Taxi Alternatives
- Bus Services: Kos has a well-connected bus service (KTEL) that is more affordable if you’re traveling longer distances.
- Rental Cars & Bikes: Renting a car or bike is a popular option if you plan on exploring the island independently.
Kos taxis offer a quick, flexible way to get around the island, especially if you’re visiting more remote locations or prefer direct transport.
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Erik
2024-10-20 at 13:48Kos Taxi Service – Needs Improvement During High Season
I recently visited Kos during the high season and used the local taxi service several times. While the taxis themselves were generally clean, and the drivers were polite, there was a noticeable issue with the availability of taxis. The waiting times were far too long, sometimes exceeding 30-40 minutes, even in popular areas like Kos Town or near the airport. This was frustrating, especially when trying to get around the island efficiently.
It seems that there aren’t enough taxis to meet the demand during the busy summer months, leaving tourists and locals alike waiting for extended periods. Given that Kos is a popular tourist destination, I would expect there to be a better system in place to handle the high volume of visitors during peak times.
Kos could really benefit from adding more taxis during the high season, or perhaps introducing a more modern booking system to streamline the process. While I understand that summer brings a lot of demand, the lack of taxis and the long waiting times are major drawbacks that could easily be improved.
If you’re visiting Kos during the off-season, this likely won’t be as much of an issue. However, for high season travelers, prepare for some frustrating waits, and if possible, try to pre-book your transportation in advance.
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