When you need a ride, you’re often faced with two choices: prebook a taxi through an app or service, or simply hail one on the street. While both options can get you where you’re going, the better choice depends on your location, timing, safety preferences, and even budget. Here’s how to decide when to prebook—and when it makes more sense to flag one down.
What Does It Mean to Prebook a Taxi?
Prebooking involves scheduling a ride in advance using a phone, website, or app like Curb or Arro. It’s a common strategy for airport pickups, morning commutes, and high-demand times when availability is uncertain.
Advantages of Prebooking:
- Guaranteed pickup: Ideal for early flights, business meetings, or late-night travel.
- Upfront pricing: Many apps provide fare estimates or fixed pricing.
- Trackability: You can monitor your ride’s arrival and route in real-time.
- Digital payment: Prebooking often allows for card or app-based payments, minimizing cash use.
When Hailing a Taxi Makes More Sense
Hailing a cab on the street is faster when taxis are plentiful—especially in cities like New York or Chicago where regulated taxi fleets circulate in busy areas.
Benefits of Street Hailing:
- Instant access: No need to wait for a driver to arrive.
- No tech needed: Helpful if your phone is dead or app services are down.
- Flexible payment: Taxis typically accept cash, cards, and sometimes contactless payments.
However, street hailing can be hit or miss outside dense urban areas. In suburban zones or smaller cities, cabs may be less visible or inconsistent in availability.
Comparing Cost: Does One Save You More Money?
In regulated taxi markets, fares are consistent whether you prebook or hail. However, some platforms charge a convenience or booking fee for advanced reservations. On the flip side, prebooking lets you compare prices ahead of time and avoid surprises.
Apps like TaxiFareFinder can help estimate costs whether you’re planning ahead or catching a cab spontaneously.
When to Prebook:
- You have a tight schedule or are traveling during rush hour.
- You need a ride in an area with limited taxi traffic.
- You’re going to or from the airport at an odd hour.
- You want the convenience of app-based payment and tracking.
When to Hail:
- You’re in a city center where taxis are easy to find.
- Your trip is spontaneous and doesn’t require planning.
- You prefer to deal directly with the driver or pay in cash.
Bonus Tip: Track Spending on Either Option
If you’re using taxi apps or rideshares regularly, consider using rewards tools or cashback-enabled payment methods. While this post does not focus on specific platforms, many apps and cards integrate with cashback programs or let you store digital receipts for expense tracking. This adds up if you’re a frequent rider.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing between prebooking a taxi or hailing one on the spot. Your city, time of day, and personal priorities should guide the decision. With today’s tools and services, you have more control than ever over how you get from point A to B—comfortably and efficiently.
