Atlanta Taxi Services and Rides
In contrast to other U.S. cities (such as New York and its iconic yellow taxis), taxis in Atlanta aren’t regarded as the most sought-after transit option. Truth be told, the MARTA system of public transit is very efficient, while several ride-sharing companies provide top-quality services around the capital of Georgia, significantly increasing the competition for Atlanta taxis. Still, taxis in Atlanta are safe, reliable, and convenient. Scamming incidents are rare, drivers are highly skilled, and vehicles are well-maintained. That being said, they are dependent on traffic levels. Hence, Atlanta taxi journeys are typically time-consuming from 7:30 am to 9:30 am and 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
Overall, more than 1550 taxis circulate Atlanta, providing door-to-door and pleasant rides. Please keep in mind that they aren’t uniformly colored. However, they are all equipped with a taximeter and a roof Taxi sign, bear the company’s logo on their doors, and display their license and registration number on their interior.
Our Tip: Some of the most well-known Atlanta taxi companies are:
- Atlanta Checker Cab
- Yellow Cab of Atlanta
- Cascade Cab
- SK Taxi Service
- Lenox
Atlanta Taxi Rates
Atlanta taxi rates are often considered complicated. Indeed, taxis operate on a meter but offer set fares for certain rides as well. Metered journeys are charged based on the taximeter. Thus, they are affected by the distance to the passenger’s destination, the traveling time, and the traffic congestion. Luggage doesn’t bring extra charges. Still, excessive luggage might come with an additional fee. Moreover, day and night rides are similarly priced, while if you call your Atlanta cab, you’ll most likely pay an extra fare. There is a minimum charge of $10/€9,20, and the rate for the first ⅛ mile/0.2km is $3,50/€3,22. Each additional ⅛ mile/0.2km thereof comes with a $0,3/€0,28 fee ($2,40/€2,21 per mile). The rates apply to one-person rides. Hence, each additional passenger incurs a $2/€1,84 surcharge. Only one child per ride is charged, while children younger than 6 travel free of charge. Finally, one hour of waiting time is priced at $24/€22,11.
On the other hand, airport rides from Atlanta Airport to Atlanta Business District (Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead) are set-priced. The same goes for Atlanta taxi rides from one business location to another business location within the Atlanta Business District. Explicitly:
- The Midtown Flat Rate applies to Atlanta taxi rides from one business location (hotel, convention center, restaurant, mall, commercial enterprise) to another business point within the Midtown zone. Thus, the taxi journey costs $10/€9,20, no matter the traversed distance (even for one block). More than one passenger is charged $2/€1,84 per person.
- Business-to-business rides within the Buckhead zone are subject to the Buckhead Flat Rate. Thus, they are priced at $10/€9,20. The rate applies to one-person journeys. More than one passenger brings a surcharge of $2/€1,84 per person.
- One-person Atlanta taxi rides from one business to another within the Downtown district are charged according to the Downtown Flat Rate ($10/€9,20, plus $2/€1,84 per additional passenger).
Conversely, rides from the Atlanta Business District to a location outside that zone are metered, as are journeys from residential locations. In general terms, all rides outside the Atlanta Business District are charged according to the taximeter.
As for tipping the driver, it isn’t obligatory. Still, passengers typically leave a 15%-20% tip, especially for pleasant rides. Payments can be made in cash or via bank cards. However, it is highly advisable to check with the driver before the beginning of the ride and carry some cash just in case.
Our Tip: If the price for unleaded fuel is $2,90-$4,39/€2,67-€4,05 for 14 days in a row, a surcharge of $2/€1,84 applies to all taxi rides. Moreover, if the fuel price is more than $4,40/€4,05 for 14 consecutive days, Atlanta taxi rides are $3/€2,76 more expensive.
How to Hire a Taxi in Atlanta
Although it is still an option, hailing an Atlanta taxi from the street isn’t common practice. Thus, even though you may find a taxi from the street if you stand by the roadside, it isn’t highly recommended. Taxis in Atlanta are to be found outside all the major hotels, the city’s main attraction, the MARTA stations, and the shopping malls. Alternatively, you can call your cab or pre-book one via one of the taxi apps.
Atlanta Taxi to ATL Airport
Tips and Hints for Pleasant Rides with Atlanta Taxis
- The Atlanta taxi’s license and registration number should be displayed inside the vehicle. You should note that info, as it may become handy in case of forgotten items or if you want to make an official complaint.
- Your Atlanta taxi driver may ask to be paid upfront if the ride is set-priced. It is a legitimate practice.
- If your taxi journey is metered, you should check that the taximeter is on and operates properly.
- It is always advisable to have the address of your destination written on a piece of paper to avoid communication problems.
- Taxi drivers in Atlanta typically offer a 20% discount on metered rides to disabled passengers or seniors (aged 65 or older).
FAQs
How to get a taxi in Atlanta?
Atlanta taxis are lining up right outside the city’s hotels, sites, attractions, shopping malls, and major transit hubs. Alternatively, passengers can call a cab or use one of the taxi apps. On the other hand, although it is an option, hailing a taxi from the street is a less frequent practice.
Do taxis in Atlanta take credit cards?
In general terms, Atlanta taxis accept payments in cash or via a credit or debit card. That being said, passengers are advised to inform the driver when planning to pay via a bank card, as well as carry some cash to be on the safe side.
How much to tip a taxi in Atlanta?
Tipping the taxi driver in Atlanta is optional. However, locals usually leave a tip, even more so when rides are pleasant and services satisfactory. They typically tip a minimum of 10%-15%.