San Francisco Taxis

Taxi Review Guide

San Francisco Taxis are a great alternative

San Francisco, California is one of America's favorite vacation spots.   It is also one tough place to park a car.   Making your way around the city can be especially challenging for visitors because of the steep hills and attractions scattered in every area. Instead of spending $50 or more per day on a rental car - and easily that much per day parking just at your hotel - a taxi is a great alternative for visitors and locals who want to make life a lot easier. 
 

While there are dozens of taxi and hired car services in and around San Francisco, you will want to choose carefully. One thing is repeated by passengers of all ages, service is rarely speedy. In fact, most find that after calling for taxi service it takes about thirty minutes for that taxi to arrive. Certain companies are far quicker than others. 
 

If you call in advance of your planned departure, you won't be bothered by the wait. It is the people who call as they leave a popular restaurant who find themselves annoyed as they wait on the sidewalks. Your advanced planning can help avoid standing outside for lengthy periods. 
 

Taxi Companies: 
Taxi service is one of the most convenient forms of transportation in San Francisco-- not luxurious by any means, but surprisingly low in cost for infrequent or visitor use. You simply call the dispatcher for a ride or wait in high traffic areas and attempt to flag a taxi down from the street. It's an easier task if you are in a high traffic area such as Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square, but it can be advisable to call in advance to avoid long wait times. 
 

Regardless of what cab company you select, rates are pretty much the same. Expect to pay: 
 

• $3.10 for the first 1/5 of a mile.
• 45 cents for every additional 1/5 of a mile.
• 45 cents per minute for wait times and traffic delays.
• $2.00 airport surcharge

Taxis on the move.

For trips over 15 miles, taxi companies charge an additional 50 percent of the cab fare. For example, if your fare comes to $100, you will pay $150. You are also responsible for any bridge or highway tolls. 
 

San Francisco law allows drivers to collect the fare in advance if you are traveling out of San Francisco to areas other than the San Francisco or Oakland airports. 
 

San Francisco does not allow taxi companies to charge you an additional baggage fee, so no driver should attempt this. Also, drivers cannot refuse you if you plan to only go a short distance, such as a block or two. If there is a fare dispute, drivers legally have to take the passenger to the nearest police station so that police can help resolve the issue. 
 

• Desoto Cab Company: Once ranked one of the most efficient taxi companies by passengers, there have been problems with long delays or taxis that simply never show up. Those using taxi service to go to the airport find that the service offered by Desoto is generally problem free, so it is a great option for airport transfers. It's important to note that credit cards are only accepted on fares of $20 or more. (415-970-1300)

• Green Cab: San Francisco visitors and residents all rave over Green Cab. The company is small and only has a handful of cabs available, but they are always on time and drivers are friendly. Asking for a clean cab is the best way to get a hybrid. 415-626-GREEN

Calling a taxi in advance can avoid a wait.

• Luxor Cabs: There have been a few complaints about rude drivers from former passengers; some drivers are definitely more courteous than others. If you travel from the airport to Downtown San Francisco, a typical fare is around $40. Luxor Cabs offers a full fleet of taxis, vans with wheelchair lifts and even hybrid taxis. 415-282-4141

• Town Taxi: Few have had problems with Town Taxi's service, though complaints about derogatory comments made by drivers have been noted. These issues seem to be few and far between. 415-401-8900

• Yellow Cab: Again, many passengers have complained about Yellow Cab service. Problems go beyond the drivers, who are generally professional and friendly, instead it is the dispatching that lacks. Busy signals or long waits for an actual dispatcher prove to be persistent problems. 415-333-3333

 here are more companies out there; the list changes frequently. What are listed above are companies that people have agreed to share their experiences. The City of San Francisco offers a complete list, including contact information, with notes when a taxi company's business license has been revoked.

Towncars & Limousines: 
 

Limousines and hired cars are luxurious and offer plenty of room to spread out. It goes without saying that often this option is more costly than others, but if privacy is a concern, you cannot beat hiring a car or limo. 
 

• AAA Bay Area Limousine: Former clients offer high praise to this long time limousine company. There are many hired car options ranging from town cars to land yachts or Hummer limos for larger groups. Prices are determined by the number of hours you reserve or the airport you need. AAA Bay Area Limousine does charge $15 for early or late pick ups (before 6:00 a.m. or after midnight). They also charge $15 if you request to be greeted in the baggage claim area. 415-850-7693

Shuttle Vans: 
 

Shuttle van service is a nice alternate to a taxi. You share the van with others heading to the same airport or you can reserve the entire van to yourself. More spacious than a taxi, extra baggage is generally not a problem. 
 

• American Airporter Shuttle opened for business in 1990 and has gained a solid reputation for having friendly drivers and immaculate vans. They offer airport transfers from area hotels, businesses or even your home. Rates start at $15 per person, and they offer family discounts. 415-202-0733

• Bay Shuttle offers transportation to the area's major airports: Oakland International, San Francisco International and San Jose International. The vans are clean and incredibly comfortable. Look for special discounts at the company's Web site. Fares start at $17 per adult and $8 per child. Shuttle service is offered from 3:45 a.m. to midnight daily. 415-564-3400