Uber or Taxi in NYC: Which is Better? (2024)

Aah yes, we’ve come around to asking this age old question again: should you get an Uber or a taxi to get around NYC? Uber has taken over all major cities around the world, including NYC. So, it’s no surprise that that might be the go-to for most youngsters in the city. But there’s just something so iconic about the NYC yellow taxi cab. I mean, you can’t really picture the city without thinking of those yellow cabs driving all over NYC. It’s practically the soul of the city. But as Uber has taken over the city in the past few years, we’ve all found ourselves asking- which option is better? And more importantly, which one is cheaper?

Whether you’ve just moved to NYC and genuinely want to know or just bored at home with nothing else to do, we’ve got all the info you need! So without any further ado, here’s our comprehensive guide traveling around NYC: Cab addition!

Related: What to Look for in Short Term Rentals in NYC

NYC Taxi or Uber: Which is better?

Is an Uber better than a Taxi in NYC?

We don’t need to explain to you what uber is, you’ve probably already used it a hundred times. But even if you haven’t they’re actually not that different from a regular taxi. In fact, they’re pretty similar to a yellow taxi cab in how they calculate fares. It’s a combination of the time and distance with an additional fare of any tolls added at the end.

You’ll need a phone!

But of course, the big difference is, you need a working smartphone and an internet connection to book yourself an Uber. So, if you ever find yourself with a dead phone in NYC, uber is not an option for you. Unless, of course, you want to endure the humiliation of going up to a total stranger and asking to use their phone (which, just FYI, is a terrible choice in NYC).

Rating system FTW!

But there’s a lot of ways in which Uber proves itself to be very useful. First of all, you get to check the rating of the Driver (and they get to see yours as well). If they’ve got a good rating, you can get in the Uber without much stress. You can even share your ride with a friend to be even more cautious.

Uber is also extremely proactive about getting feedback from the customer. So, if you have a bad experience, you can report it instantly.

Availability!

Uber is especially useful if you find yourselves in the Suburbs of NYC. Because, while taxi cabs are abundant in the city, you’ll have a real hard time flagging one down once you’re out in the suburbs.

So, now that you’ve got a pretty well-rounded understanding of getting an Uber in NYC, let’s move onto yellow taxis!

Related: NYC Winter Essentials:What should I pack for New York in winter?

Uber or Taxi in NYC: Which is Better? (1)
Uber or Taxi in NYC: Which is Better? (2)

Is a Taxi better than Uber in NYC?

Oh what can we say about the New York yellow taxi cab that hasn’t been said before? I mean, it’s an indispensable part of the NYC experience. Just watch any of the thousand movies set in NYC, and we’re sure you’ll find at least a dozen taxis in all the outdoor shots. Yeah, it’s an integral part of the city. But of course, times have changed and perhaps, the taxi might be one of those things that will slowly fade away. After all, aren’t all these new transportation apps supposed to be cheaper anyway?

It’s actually cheaper!

You’d think that but, surprisingly no, a taxi cab is still cheaper than an Uber in NYC. To be precise, study from the University of Cambridge has found that a taxi cab is generally cheaper for shorter trips. Once a trip costs more than $35, then an Uber is likely going to be cheaper for you. But even then, it’s a toss up.

Readily Available

Yellow taxi cabs are everywhere in NYC. Honestly, just wave once as you’re standing at the curb and you’ll find like 10 taxis. Of course, be prepared to be yelled at if flag down a taxi around for no reason in NYC. You don’t need a smartphone or an internet connection to get a taxi, one flailing arm will do. So, if you’re in the City and in need of a cab immediately, a yellow taxi wins hands down!

Customer service and feedback

It’s not unheard of to have a bad experience with your cab driver. But the procedure to report such an incident is not as instant as it is with Uber. For starters, The NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission mandates that all taxis have a passenger bill of rights inside the cab that drivers and cab owners must adhere to. If you want to file an official complaint, you need to dial 311 or go online and report the incident through this form.

So, who wins the Uber vs. Taxi debate in NYC?

Well, both an Uber and a Taxi have their pros and cons in NYC. Of course, team Roomi will always suggest the subway if you’re in NYC. But we understand that many people aren’t yet comfortable taking the subway because of the pandemic. But if a cab is your only option, we recommend going with an NYC yellow taxi. It’s cheaper, easily available and honestly, it’s an integral part of living in NYC that you must enjoy at least once!

D’you know what else Roomi does outside of helping its readers figure out whether they should get an Uber or a Taxi in NYC? With our ever-increasing lists of rooms and roommates across the world, we help you find your perfect match!

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Uber or Taxi in NYC: Which is Better? (3)
Uber or Taxi in NYC: Which is Better? (4)
Uber or Taxi in NYC: Which is Better? (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to take a cab or Uber in NYC? ›

Both conventional taxis and Uber charge fares based on a combination of time and distance. Taxis do not have surge pricing, but riders might have to wait longer when demand exceeds supply. Uber does not differentiate between cruising and stop-and-go traffic, while taxis do charge different rates based on speed.

Why do people prefer Uber over taxi? ›

Many riders choose Uber because its drivers can usually get them to their destinations faster than public transportation or taxis, it's considered a safe method of travel, it's an attractive option when driving yourself isn't feasible, and it can cut car ownership costs. Uber. "The History of Uber."

Is Uber worth it in NYC? ›

Earnings Potential:

Your first question may revolve around potential earnings. Uber has reported that New York City boasts a robust demand for rideshare services, translating into lucrative opportunities for drivers. On average, Uber drivers in the city earn approximately $25 per hour before expenses [source: Uber].

Why take a taxi instead of Uber? ›

Taxi Companies Ensure Regular Maintenance Checks

Additionally, many taxi companies have in-vehicle safety features such as cameras installed in their vehicles, giving riders an extra measure of protection against any potential danger while using the service.

Is NYC cab cheaper than Uber? ›

The results might shock you. She found that without tips or surge pricing, hailing a cab was always less expensive than an UberX or a standard Lyft. Cab prices averaged 35-83% less than a ride-share. Prices for the same rides on the taxi cab app CURB varied.

Do you tip NYC taxi drivers? ›

Taxi drivers and ride share apps: 10–20 percent of the total fare. Hairdressers: 15–20 percent of the total service cost. Tips for other service personnel, such as tour guides, coat-check staff, baristas and so on, are always appreciated.

What are the disadvantages of using Uber? ›

Uber's advantages include door-to-door convenience, safety, and reliable quality. Uber's disadvantages include its surge pricing and the negative effects of replacing steady jobs with gig work.

Is a taxi safer then a Uber? ›

Choosing a taxi over a rideshare service can offer several benefits, particularly in terms of safety and reliability. Monitoring and Maintenance: Taxi companies typically employ full-time drivers, subject to ongoing supervision.

Why do taxi drivers not like Uber? ›

When you drive a yellow cab, you go to busy areas and people flag you, you pull over, they get in and the business starts right away. With Uber you go to their address and double park there and wait for them to come out. This is all dead time. Also the money we make in each ride is considerably less in Uber.

Is Uber safe for the elderly? ›

Is Senior Ridesharing Safe? It is safe! As with any Uber vehicle requested, there are ways to ensure you are in the right hands. Uber will always send you details of your ride, and it is up to you to check the registration of the vehicle with the one we have sent you.

Is taking an Uber safe in New York? ›

The drivers in my area (NYC) absolutely know the drill and confirm your name before you even get in the car all the way. Uber driver here. It's a very safe way to travel. We all get background checks first and are sternly warned not to harass passengers during training or else lose our privilege to earn.

How to save money on Uber in NYC? ›

From carpooling to gift cards, here are seven ways experts say you can save on Uber and Lyft rides.
  1. Compare Fares. First, always comparison shop before booking a ride-share service. ...
  2. Carpool. ...
  3. Buy Uber or Lyft Gift Cards. ...
  4. Check Credit Card Rewards. ...
  5. Use Coupon Sites. ...
  6. Become a Member. ...
  7. Reserve Rides Ahead of Time.
May 28, 2024

What is the difference between an Uber and a taxi? ›

Uber is one of two most popular ride share services. (The other is Lyft). The biggest difference between ride share apps and taxi services are that drivers of Uber, Lyft, etc, all own the cars they pick you up in, as opposed to the fleet of identically skinned vehicles that make up cabs and taxis.

How safe are taxis? ›

Are taxis safe? For the most part, yes. Taxis have a long history, and you can generally rely upon official ones to take you where you need to go.

Are black cabs safer than Uber? ›

Black cabs are widely understood to be safer than uber or mini-cabs, but there have occasionally been black cab drivers who have assaulted women too. Rare though. But public transport is widely used by women in London, including at night. What your options would be depend on what time you'd be making the trip.

Are NYC taxis cash only? ›

Every taxi in NYC is required by law to take card, so if your driver says they don't have a machine or that it's broken, it's a ruse. Persist, and victory will be yours. Drivers may also mention they've selected 'Cash' instead of 'Card' and that they can't reverse the decision.

Is a cab safer than Uber? ›

Choosing a taxi over a rideshare service can offer several benefits, particularly in terms of safety and reliability. Monitoring and Maintenance: Taxi companies typically employ full-time drivers, subject to ongoing supervision.

Are taxis hard to get in NYC? ›

It can be difficult to find an available taxi when demand peaks (i.e. rush hour, when it's raining, etc.), if you need to take a cab during this time you may want to plan ahead. Another time when taxis are scarce is late afternoon (around 4:30 p.m.), when cabs return to their bases to change shifts.

Do people still use taxis in New York? ›

Medallion Taxis collectively make between 300,000 and 400,000 trips a day, while Green Taxis, which hit the road in New York City in 2013, do almost 50,000 daily on average.

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