Austin taxi service
With so much to see and do in this musical capital, you need a quick and efficient way to travel within the city, that’s why we suggest taking an Austin taxi. That being said, with less than 300 registered vehicles serving around 1 million people, finding a taxi in Austin TX can sometimes be a challenge.
Nevertheless, taxis are available 24/7 and can be flagged from the street when you see the “TAXI” light lit up. Alternatively, you can arrange a cab using an Austin taxi app, by calling a number directly, pre-booking one through a company such as Welcome Pickups, or by walking to a nearby taxi stand.
Cabs are usually brightly colored green, blue, or yellow, and should have the name of the company posted on the side. Vehicles typically seat four passengers, although SUVs and minivans with room for up to eight passengers can also be requested. Taxi fares aren’t fixed in Austin, so expect to pay by the meter.
Hand picked & english speaking drivers
Same price as a regular Taxi from the line
Drivers are always on time
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How much does a taxi cost?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FROM AUS TO DOWNTOWN AUSTIN | 30 € | 45 € | 15 MIN |
| DOWNTOWN AUSTIN TO MCKINNEY FALLS STATE PARK | 34 € | 50 € | 20 MIN |
| DOWNTOWN AUSTIN TO MAYFIELD PARK | 20 € | 30 € | 15 MIN |
| DOWNTOWN AUSTIN TO BARTON SPRINGS | 12 € | 18 € | 10 MIN |
| DOWNTOWN AUSTIN TO ROLLIN SMOKE BBQ/ FOOD TRUCKS | 7 € | 10 € | 5 MIN |
Austin taxi rates
To allow dwindling taxi companies to better compete with ride-hailing services, the Austin City Council deregulated taxi fares in 2018, which means each company can set its own rates. When taking a taxi service in Austin, you should still be charged by the meter and you can request to see a current price list before accepting a ride.
In any case, the cost of your journey will depend on a few factors, such as the distance and time spent traveling, and time spent waiting – whether in traffic or at the pickup point. Expect to pay the following for each trip:
Base fare (incl. first 150 m): $4 (€3.90)
Price per km: $2 (€1.90)
Waiting time per hour: $35 (€33.60)
It’s worth noting that rates may increase during major holidays such as Christmas and New Year and that any toll road charges will be added to the final cost.
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How to get a taxi in Austin
Given how few taxis are on the road in Austin, hailing one from the street can be a challenge. If you do happen to see one of the famous green or yellow cabs in Austin, simply hold out your hand to flag it down.
Of the two dozen taxi stands that were once located across the city, only a handful remain, which can generally be found outside transport hubs and popular shopping centers such as The Domain and Barton Creek Mall. Nevertheless, walking to a nearby stand is still the easiest way to find one if you are exploring on foot.
How to get a taxi from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
The official taxi stand for arriving passengers at Austin Airport is located a few minutes walk from the main terminal building, under the Consolidated Rental Car Facility behind the Red Garage. If you have a lot of luggage and prefer not to walk, a complimentary tram service operates between the first floor of the Red Garage and the pick-up zone. Expect a ride from Austin Airport to Downtown to cost around $33 (€30) during the day.
How to get a taxi from the Capitol District
Located in the heart of downtown Austin, this public space is a good area to base yourself when looking for a cab. Taxis are most commonly found along 11th Avenue or in the surrounding car parks closest to the Capitol building. If you do have trouble finding a taxi, pop into the on-site Visitor’s Center and ask them to phone one on your behalf.
How to get a taxi from Republic Square
Most of the streets surrounding this transit hub are reserved for pay parking so you won’t find taxis pulled up waiting. If you’re arriving by bus, it may be best to pre-book a ride or use an app to arrange one.
How to get a taxi from Austin Amtrak Station
If you’re arriving from Chicago or Los Angeles by train, this is where you will disembark. Trains only stop here a few times a day so outside of these times, don’t expect to find taxis waiting since the station is located on the outskirts of town.
Most popular taxi apps in Austin
Since companies don’t often post regular updates regarding their fares, it can be difficult to find a cheap taxi in Austin unless you are using a taxi app. Regular ride-hailing services include Uber and Lyft, whereas zTrip and the ATX Co-op Taxi app [Android | Apple] connect passengers with regular taxi services.
If you know exactly when and where you need to be picked up, you can opt for a pre-booked private transfer with Welcome Pickups instead. This way, you’ll be guaranteed an on-time pick-up to anywhere you want to go, including to and from Austin Airport.
Useful Austin taxi numbers
If you’d prefer a more personalized service, you can arrange a taxi in Austin by number. This is ideal if you’re traveling late at night and want to avoid waiting in the street or if the weather turns bad. There are currently only a few taxi companies in operation in Austin:
- Central City Taxi: +1 512 400 4044
- Z-Trip: +1 512 444 7320
- ATX Taxi: +1 512 333 5555
Benefits of booking your Austin taxi service in advance
Being late for dinner reservations or missing out on Austin’s sights because you can’t find a free taxi or your ride is delayed can put a damper on your vacation. Instead of waiting, why not book your Austin taxi service in advance? Welcome Pickups offers guaranteed on-time pickups, personalized transfers, and 24/7 customer support, all at an unbeatable price. Let Welcome take care of all your transfer needs so you can make the most out of your time in Austin.
Austin taxi service tips
- Ensure your Austin taxi driver resets the taximeter to the base fare before you begin your journey.
- Make sure you carry change or small bills when taking a taxi as the drivers don’t always have change.
- It’s customary to tip your taxi driver around 15% in Austin.
- Always request a receipt at the end of your trip in case you leave anything behind.
- If you need a baby car seat, a child booster, or a minivan, we suggest pre-booking your taxi with Welcome so you don’t waste time waiting for a vehicle to be dispatched.
- Taxi fares in Austin can fluctuate with the market, similar to ride-hailing services.
- In the near future, it may be possible to take a self-driving taxi in Austin. The city has been slated to test the new technology in 2025.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis in Austin
Unfortunately, local taxi drivers in Austin aren’t equipped to accommodate someone in a wheelchair, unless they can fold and store their chair in their trunk. However, there are plenty of specialist companies in the area that offer ramp or hydronic lift vehicles for wheelchair users. If you’re planning a visit, be sure to reach out to one of the following companies at least 24 hours in advance so that the necessary arrangements can be made:
It’s also possible to request a wheelchair-adapted vehicle through Uber.
Austin yellow cab safety and complaints
While taxis in Austin are generally considered safe and reliable, drivers have been known to charge higher than normal fees. To be sure you’re not being overcharged, always ask to see the price list before starting your ride, and try to follow your trip on Google Maps or an equivalent.
If you do experience any problems during your Austin taxi service, or if you feel unsafe at any point, you can contact the Government Ground Transportation Unit by filling in this online form or emailing them at [email protected]. Be sure to note down your driver’s name, ID, and taxi number, as well as request a receipt.