If you’re someone who flies regularly, you’re probably familiar with many of the different options for how to get to and from an airport. This is something that we have written about several times here at Points With a Crew, and the “best” way to get to or from an airport is going to depend on the airport itself, public transportation options and where it’s located in relation to the city center or where you are trying to go
(SEE ALSO: The best and cheapest way to get from JFK airport to Manhattan)
(SEE ALSO: The Best and Cheapest Way to get from BOS to Downtown Boston)
Personally, I enjoy taking public transportation to and from an airport when it’s a viable option. Next is Uber or Lyft, and taxis are very rarely something that I use. In fact, when I was in Morocco, I went out of my way to find the airport bus because the taxis all felt super sketchy
Taking Uber From The Airport
I was recently in New Orleans for a conference and had to make my way from the Louis Armstrong airport to Downtown New Orleans for my conference.
(SEE ALSO: The Club MSY lounge review – New Orleans Airport Priority Pass)
I had looked at a few different options but we ended up taking an UberXL because there was a group of 5 of us that had all arrived to the airport at the same time. Since we were all going to (basically) the same place, we decided to just call a larger Uber. I think it was about $70 total, but that was only about $14 per person since there were so many of us (though with all our luggage, it was still a bit squishy!)
Taking A Taxi To The Airport
On my way back to the airport on Saturday morning though, I was on my own. Because I was leaving a day early from the conference and because I was not staying at the conference hotel, there was nobody else to share the costs for.
(SEE ALSO: 4 Reasons To Not Stay At The Holiday Inn Express New Orleans French Quarter)
Uber wanted over $60
And so did Lyft (though I had a $10 credit)
Then I remembered what someone had posted on the conference app – “Taxi rides cost $36.00 from the airport to the Central Business District (CBD) or French Quarter (west of Elysian Fields) for up to two (2) passengers. For three (3) or more passengers, the fare will be $15.00 per passenger. Taxis are required to accept credit card payments.”
I had the hotel call me a taxi and it showed up within a few minutes. While it would have been even cheaper if I had had someone to split the cost of, $41 (after tip) saved me nearly $20 on my ride to the airport. I did consider taking the airport bus but by the time I got around to looking at that, I didn’t think I had the time to do it before my flight.
The Bottom Line – Is This The Death Spiral Of Ridesharing?
So yeah… I don’t know but increasingly Uber (and Lyft) have become nonfactors in my travel plans. While airport taxis aren’t always perfect, increasingly I have started turning to them (or public transportation) when I go to and from the airport.
(SEE ALSO: What is going on with Uber?)
Coupled with the fact that many cities have taxi regulations where there is a flat cost to/from the airport into the central business district, taxis are back to being a reasonable option for me. It’s funny – ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft burst onto the scene as the “taxi killers”, but now it seems like we’ve come full circle. It almost feels like we are in a death spiral where drivers are leaving Uber and Lyft due to low payments, which causes there to be fewer drivers, which causes prices to be higher, which means fewer people use it, etc…
What do you think? Are taxis better than Uber or Lyft for airport trips? Leave your thoughts in the comments below
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You could also make the case that hotels are better than Airbnb at this point. These start-ups used to offer lower rates which were unsustainable.
There will always be situations where Uber/Airbnb make more sense than their conventional rivals, but neither will make the other go extinct any time soon.
Yes – I have made that case before as well
Better is questionable. Cheaper, yes probably. But then you also have to compare in what you are riding, well at least in the US. InGermany you drive in Mercedes, BMW, here in the US old police interceptors with ripped seats and falling apart vehicles. At least my latest experience.
If it is a flat rate, then I agree. Usually when I take a Taxi, they find every trick they can to boost the meter. At least with Ubet/Lift you know what you will be paying.