Timing matters more than you think when it comes to hailing a taxi. Whether you’re trying to save money, reach your destination faster, or avoid sitting in bumper-to-bumper gridlock, knowing when to ride can make all the difference. This guide breaks down the best times to take a taxi—by time of day, day of week, and location—so you can ride smarter.
- Avoiding Rush Hour Can Cut Your Fare in Half
In most cities, rush hour traffic significantly increases taxi fares, especially for metered rides. Because meters charge based on both distance and time, heavy traffic can cause your fare to rise even if you’re not moving much.
Typical weekday rush hours:
- Morning: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- Evening: 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Unless it’s absolutely necessary, try to schedule taxi trips outside these windows. Mid-morning (9:30 AM – 11:30 AM) and early afternoon (1:30 PM – 3:30 PM) are ideal windows for city travel.
- Late Night Rides May Have Surcharges
Some cities apply automatic surcharges for late-night taxi rides. In New York City, for example, a $1 surcharge applies between 8 PM and 6 AM. These costs are fixed and disclosed by taxi authorities, such as the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission, but they can still add up.
That said, late-night taxis may still be cheaper than rideshare apps, which often apply surge pricing during bar closing times, concerts, and late events.
- Weekends Are a Mixed Bag
Saturday afternoons and Sundays tend to have lighter traffic, making taxis a good choice for errands, shopping, or city exploration. However, Friday and Saturday nights often bring higher demand for taxis and rideshares near entertainment districts. If you’re traveling during these periods, call ahead, use a taxi app like Curb, or budget extra time for pickup.
- Use Taxis During Rideshare Surge Events
Major sporting events, concerts, and festivals often cause a spike in rideshare pricing. In these scenarios, taxis—whose fares remain stable—may offer a better value. Consider checking rideshare pricing in real time via Uber or Lyft, then compare it with your local taxi rate.
If you’re using app-based rides, consider using digital gift cards to earn cashback with a Lyft gift card or get rewards with an Uber gift card through Fluz, which can further lower your effective cost even during peak times.
- Airport Departures: Go Early to Avoid Traffic
For early flights, taxis are often more reliable than rideshares, especially during pre-dawn hours. Traffic is lighter, and taxis are usually waiting outside most hotels and residential areas. Booking your taxi in advance during this window helps avoid delays and ensures consistent pricing.
Conversely, airport arrivals between 3 PM and 7 PM often result in longer wait times and higher fares due to traffic congestion. Aim for midday arrivals when possible.
- Check Local Traffic Trends in Advance
Use tools like Google Maps Traffic or Waze to preview traffic before booking your ride. These apps show real-time congestion and suggest better travel times based on current conditions.
Conclusion
Timing your taxi ride right can save money, reduce travel time, and help you avoid frustration. Whether you’re catching a cab during off-peak hours or planning ahead for an airport drop-off, being strategic about when you ride is key. If you do use rideshare apps, don’t forget you can earn cashback with a Lyft gift card or get rewards with an Uber gift card by purchasing through Fluz to make peak pricing feel a little less painful.
