Taxis in Los Angeles: Overview
If the iconic yellow NYC cabs literally rule in New York (sharing, of course, their domination with the subway), Los Angeles taxis aren’t equally appreciated. Even though they are undoubtedly a comfortable and relaxed way to travel, the notorious LA traffic jams and their price often discourage passengers from hiring a taxi for their transit. On the other hand, Angelenos seem to be really attached to their own cars, opting for a car ride at every opportunity. Nevertheless, numerous taxis circulate in LA, providing safe and quality services to their clients.
How to Distinguish a Los Angeles Taxi
Taxis in Los Angeles were uniform, having the same color and the distinctive “Taxi sign on their roofs indicating their availability. As a matter of fact, only 9 taxicab service companies operated in LA (United Independent Taxi, Yellow Cab, United Taxi of San Fernando Valley, Bell Cab, Beverly Hills Cab Company, L.A. Checker Cab, United Checker Cab, Independent Taxi, and City Cab) and approximately 2300 taxis were available in the City of Angels. However, the Department of Transportation adopted an open marketing policy, issuing new permits. Hence, nowadays, Los Angeles taxis can be vehicles of any color as long as they have the “Taxi” light on their roofs, the company’s logo on their doors, and have their rates clearly displayed.
Los Angeles Taxi Fares
Los Angeles taxis operate based on a taximeter. Their rates depend on the traversed distance and the duration of the ride. Still, some taxicab companies offer set fares for some popular routes. Even though each company can have its own price list, the Department of Transportation has defined the maximum charge, while the rates are the same regardless of the time of the day. In other words, there are no day and night fares.
As far as the regulated tariffs are concerned, they are formed as follows:
- Flag Price: 3.10$/2.90€ (for 1/9 mile or 37 seconds)
- Rate per mile: 2.97$/2.80€ (0.33$/0.31€ per 1/9 mile or 37 seconds)
- Waiting time/Time in traffic: 0.33$/0.31€ per 37 seconds (32.11$/30.12€/h)*
*1 mile=1.6km
Los Angeles Taxi Payment Methods
Passengers can use both cash and debit/credit cards to pay for their taxi rides in Los Angeles. Verily, all LA taxis must be equipped with POS. Although an additional fee was applied to card payments, this is no longer the case. Thus, you can freely use any payment method without being charged extra.
How to Hire a Taxi in Los Angeles
Los Angeles taxis can be hailed from the street. Nevertheless, this isn’t a common practice. Verily, even though LA taxis are plenty, you’ll be likely to find one on the street only in the airports, the main transit hubs (such as the Union Station), and the most popular sites and attractions, where official taxi stands are located anyway. It is a given that Angelenos call for their cabs, book them online, or (more commonly) use the relevant app. That being said, online and phone reservations and the taxicab companies’ apps are the recommended ways to hire a taxi in LA.
Please bear in mind that even phone or online reservations can be time-consuming. Especially during peak hours, LA cabs may take a significant amount of time to arrive at the pick-up location.
Los Angeles Taxis to LAX Airport
One of the most convenient and stress-free options for your ride from downtown LA to LAX Airport is Los Angeles taxis. Operating around the clock, LA taxis can take you to the airport hassle-free and on time for your onward flight. Nevertheless, it is highly advisable to call for your cab or use an app and not try to hail it from the street. Moreover, you should plan your taxi ride well in advance so as to be on the safe side, even if the taxi needs time to get to the pick-up point. You can expect a 30-minute journey from LA to Los Angeles Airport under normal traffic conditions. However, if roads are congested, you may need up to 75 minutes to reach LAX. In any case, your LAX taxi will drop you off right outside Departures, on the upper level of your terminal building. The cost of the ride will be 55.15$/51.73€.
Although only certain taxicab companies can pick up passengers from LAX Airport, all taxis are authorized to drop off travelers at the airport.
Our Tip: Downtown LA is the area delimited between Alameda St., Santa Monica Fwy, Cesar E. Chavez, Harbor Fwy, Union Station, and Chinatown.
Tips & Hints about Taxis in Los Angeles
- Unless your ride comes with a set fare, once entering the cab, you should check if the taximeter is zeroed and on.
- Most Los Angeles taxicab companies provide services to passengers with disabilities. Still, if you are in search of an accessible taxi, you should definitely prebook it.
- As far as tipping the driver is concerned, a 10% to 15% tip is more than customary.
- You are entitled to a receipt at the end of the ride. Please note that you can receive it by text or email.
- During rush hours, traffic jams are a common phenomenon in LA. As a result, taxi rides can become long and tedious.
- Various ride-sharing companies operate in Los Angeles as well.
FAQs
How do you call a taxi in Los Angeles?
Even though hailing a taxi from the street in LA is an option, it isn’t a recommended one. Verily, you’ll find taxis circulating only near the airports, the Union Station, or the main city’s attractions. Overall, if you want to hire a taxi, you’d better call for one, make an online reservation, or download a taxi app.
How do you pay for a taxi in LA?
You can opt for cash payment or use your bank cards to pay for your taxicab in Los Angeles. Even if you prefer paying with a debit/credit card, you won’t be charged extra. Moreover, it is customary to leave a 10% to 15% tip to your driver.
How much is a taxi in Los Angeles?
Each taxicab company in LA has its own price table. Still, the Department of Transportation has set the maximum taxi fares. Thus, the flag price is 3.10$/2.90€, and the fare per mile (per 1.6km) is 2.97$/2.80€.