While taxis generally offer more stable pricing than rideshare services, that doesn’t mean their fares never fluctuate. Metered rates may stay consistent, but total fare costs can spike due to traffic, time of day, or added fees. If you want to save on your next ride, timing your trip right can make a significant difference—whether you’re using a traditional taxi or a rideshare platform.
Here’s how to catch a ride when the rates are lowest and the streets are clearest.
- Avoid Peak Commuting Hours
Taxis and rideshares alike tend to cost more during rush hour due to higher demand and longer time spent in traffic. In most cities, peak commuting hours run from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM and again from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on weekdays. During these windows, you’ll not only face higher fares (due to time-based metering or longer trips) but also delays and limited availability.
Whenever possible, schedule non-urgent rides mid-morning (10:00 AM–12:00 PM) or early afternoon (1:00 PM–3:30 PM) to avoid traffic-based fare spikes.
- Steer Clear of Event Times and Holidays
Local events, concerts, sporting games, and festivals dramatically increase demand for taxis and rideshares. Even if metered taxis don’t technically surge like rideshare apps, drivers may be harder to find, and wait times can be longer—leading to idle charges and detour-heavy routes.
Use tools like Time Out or your city’s tourism board to track major local events in advance.
- Take Advantage of Airport Off-Hours
Traveling to or from an airport? Early morning or late evening flights often come with quieter roads and more predictable fare structures. For example, before 6:00 AM and after 9:00 PM are generally solid windows to avoid crowds and wait-time fees.
Additionally, some cities offer flat-rate airport fares. In New York City, for instance, taxis to JFK from Manhattan are a fixed $70 regardless of traffic. Learn more from the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission.
- Use Fare Prediction Tools
Apps like Gridwise help track rideshare pricing trends and predict fare surges. While primarily designed for rideshares, they also provide data that can inform when you should opt for a traditional cab instead.
- Consider Alternative Payment Options
Timing your ride right is one way to save—but combining that with smart payment methods stretches your dollar even further. Riders can earn cashback with a Lyft gift card or get rewards with an Uber gift card by purchasing through Fluz. These digital gift cards are redeemable in-app and can reduce your overall ride cost without changing your routine.
To explore additional options or download the app, visit the Fluz homepage.
- Weekday Mornings Are Often Your Best Bet
If you’re looking for the overall “sweet spot” to grab a taxi affordably and efficiently, Tuesdays through Thursdays between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM typically offer the best balance of low demand, moderate traffic, and driver availability.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need an algorithm to save money on taxi rides—just a little timing strategy. Avoiding high-demand periods, leveraging fare prediction tools, and choosing smart payment methods can help you reduce your daily transportation costs without compromising convenience.
