TRAVEL TIPS

Taxi Travel

Taxi service is notoriously bad in San Francisco, and hailing a cab can be frustratingly difficult in some parts of the city, especially on weekends. Popular nightspots such as the Mission, SoMa, North Beach, the Haight, and the Castro have a lot of cabs but a lot of people looking for taxis, too. Midweek, and during the day, you shouldn't have much of a problem—unless it's raining. In a pinch, hotel taxi stands are an option, as is calling for a pickup. But be forewarned: taxi companies frequently don't answer the phone in peak periods. The absolute worst time to find a taxi is Friday afternoon and evening; plan well ahead, and if you're going to the airport, make a reservation or book a shuttle instead. Most taxi companies take reservations for airport and out-of-town runs but not in-town rides.

Taxis in San Francisco charge $3.50 for the first 0.5 mile (one of the highest base rates in the United States), 55¢ for each additional 0.5 mile, and 55¢ per minute in stalled traffic; a $2 surcharge is added for trips to the airport. There’s no charge for additional passengers; there’s no surcharge for luggage. For trips outside city limits, multiply the metered rate by 1.5; tolls and tip are extra.

Taxi Companies

DeSoto Cab. 415/970–1300; www.desotosf.com.

Luxor Cab. 415/282–4141; www.luxorcab.com.

Veteran's Taxicab. 415/552–1300.

Yellow Cab. 415/333–3333; yellowcabsf.com.

Complaints

San Francisco Police Department Taxi Complaints. 415/701–4400.

BACK TO

Ready for a trip of a lifetime to California?

CONTACT US TODAY