Taxis 101: Tips for finding the perfect taxi for you
Opening your door to arriving in style TaxiRatings.com can help you find the right taxi or chauffeured transportation option for your event. Whether you are going to the airport, touring a new city, or headed to the big game, it is important that you choose a trusted taxi service for your travels. There are many factors to consider when booking taxi services. We hope this guide helps you get the most from your transportation experience.
Know before you go
Getting a taxi often depends on the type of occasion, number of people, travel distance and travel time allowed. Most companies in any given city will say they'll be quick when really they're looking out for their best interest by picking up clients closer to them. The better your search into the matter, the more likely you will be to get good quality and trusted service
TaxiRatings.com allows you to search taxi companies in all major cities and airports. You can read reviews, search taxi rates, communicate with other travelers and rate the experience you have with the company. Simply put, you travel quicker and safer with less headaches.
Focus on value: the best service at the best price
Not all taxi services are equal. Some have large fleets and try to serve a large area, while some have only a few vehicles and specialise on one or two towns. Much like renting a hotel room, choosing between different companies often mean coosing between different service levels. Speed of transit, ease of transaction, professionalism and friendly experience are a few services all taxi companies should focus on.
TaxiRatings.com service partners offer photos, descriptions and videos for their services - and are subject to customer reviews for all to see.
Get the best ride
Often times, the right timing can make all the difference - even making a reservation 30 minutes before rush hour can make a huge difference. If you're cutting it close on time, simply book your reservation online. It only takes 30 seconds and will almost guarantee that you're trip is quick and effective for your travel plans. Remember, weekends and rush hour times are often the most difficult times to travel via taxi. Plan accordingly.
Get the whole price
Always make sure you are checking prices apples-to-apples between services. Although taxi service fees are often generated by a state mandated power, taxi companies charge extra fees for things such as lost items, wait times, transporting luggage, and more. Each taxi company will generally have their own unique pricing policies on seperate services.
FYI, it is customary to tip drivers 15-20% of the base price. Some companies automatically charge a driver tip, while some leave it to the customer to decide. Be sure you get the full price up front when weighing your options. Use our rate guide to predetermine what the trip will cost.
TaxiRatings.com's service partners always provide you the full price for every quote - with no hidden fees or other surprises!
Reserve early - especially on weekends & high demand times
Start your travel planning before you need your taxi. For airport taxis, some people book 2-3 months in advance. Other events, like subway & rail trips, are best to book a taxi a week or two in advance. In general, it is best to start looking 3-4 weeks before your travel plans begin. After you've selected the right taxi service provider, get confirmation in writing. For special occasions, it's generally a good idea to contact your taxi service provider a week before the event, just to ensure everything is confirmed.
TaxiRatings.com allows you to reserve taxi rides as far as 2 months in advance.
Safety first
The most important thing to consider when booking a taxi is safety for yourself and your party. Legitimate taxi companies need to be registered with their state (US only), have the proper levels of insurance and be properly licensed. Never book a taxi with a company that can't promptly show you their licensing and insurance credentials - don't take chances.
TaxiRatings.com reviews the insurance and licensing of our service partners prior to allowing them into our elite network (US ONLY). For international travelers, please do an in depth review of ratings provided on our website. Remember, common sense and awareness goes a long way during traveling.
Plan ahead
Think about all the details of your ride experience. Do you need a lot of luggage transported? How many people will be traveling with you? Will someone be holding all of the funds for the trip that will be needed for different payments?
TaxiRatings.com helps you organize the details and avoid mishaps that can create stress and problems.