Athens Taxi Driver Extorted €600 from Tourists for Airport Ride, Now Facing Trial

Police in Athens have arrested a 38-year-old taxi driver who extorted roughly €600 from tourist passengers during a night-time ride from the airport to the city centre — instead of the standard €55 fare. The incident took place in mid-August, according to a press release from the Greek police.

After dropping the family of tourists off at their hotel, the driver locked the car doors and refused to let his passengers out until they paid up. Police say he repeatedly threatened them with violence, effectively terrorising the frightened travellers. Only once he had the money did he unlock the doors and allow them to retrieve their luggage from the boot.

Deceived tourists reported the driver to police

The victims went straight to the police, who identified the driver within a few days, according to The Greek Herald. He was detained in late August and now faces criminal charges — not only for overcharging, but also for making threats of violence.

The investigation revealed this was not an isolated case: the driver had a pattern of charging clients several times the legal fare. On another occasion, for the very same route, he collected €800 (around 19,360 CZK).

What the ride should actually cost

As the outlet Focus points out, tourists planning a night-time taxi ride from Athens airport to the city centre should know the official fixed rate in advance. Between midnight and 5 a.m., the fare is €55, with the arrival time at the destination being the decisive factor. At all other times of day, the fare is €40 (about 970 CZK).

Around Prague, based on reporting by novinky.cz