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Taxis and Ride Apps at Miami Airport
Getting around from Miami Airport can be a confusing and expensive experience if the right option is not chosen. From the official yellow taxis to popular ride-sharing apps and private services, each alternative has its pros and cons. This guide, enriched with real traveler experiences, will help you make the best decision and avoid the most common scams.
Quick Questions about Taxis and Apps
- What is more recommended, a taxi or Uber/Lyft? The vast majority of experienced travelers recommend using Uber or Lyft. They are usually cheaper, the cars are in better condition, and the price is known in advance.
- Where do you take taxis and Ubers? Both are taken on the lower level (Arrivals), outside the baggage claim area. Follow the signs for "Ground Transportation" for taxis or "Ride App Pickup" for Uber/Lyft.
- Do official taxis use a meter? Yes, flat rates have been eliminated. The price is based on the meter, but travelers report that many drivers intentionally take longer routes to inflate the bill.
- What are "Black Cab" taxis? They are unofficial vehicles that operate at the airport. The reviews are overwhelmingly negative, describing them as a scam with exorbitant prices ($95 for a 15-minute trip). They should be avoided.
- Can you pay with a card in taxis? Although they should accept cards, a common complaint is that taxi drivers claim their system "is not working" to force cash payment.
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Key Points to Keep in Mind
- Scams are a common practice: The most important warning from travelers is to be careful with scams. This includes taxi drivers who take long routes, charge for non-existent tolls, impose false surcharges, or try to change the price mid-trip.
- Reject intermediaries: In the arrivals area, ignore anyone who approaches you offering a taxi. They are unauthorized intermediaries. Always go to the official stand outside.
- Compare prices on the apps: Before ordering a car, open both Uber and Lyft. Prices can vary significantly depending on the demand at the time.
- Aggressive driving is the norm: Many travelers, in both taxis and Ubers, complain about the aggressive and dangerous driving style of the drivers in Miami.
- Private services (Blacklane, Suntransfers) are a lottery: Although they promise a premium service, reviews indicate that they often subcontract to unreliable local operators, resulting in last-minute cancellations, drivers who do not show up, or poor service.
Official Taxi Service
Location
The official taxi stands (yellow cars) are located on the lower level (Arrivals), outside the baggage claim areas. They are available 24 hours.
User Experience: It is crucial to follow this instruction. Travelers constantly warn about individuals inside the terminal posing as airport staff to direct you to unofficial taxis ("Black Cabs") that charge exorbitant fares. Use only the designated stands outside, where you will find uniformed staff.
Fares
Fares are set by taximeters. The minimum fare for trips from the airport is USD 15.00, with an additional surcharge of USD 2.00.
- First 1/6 of a mile: USD 2.95
- Each additional 1/6 of a mile: between USD 0.55 and USD 0.85
- Each minute of waiting: USD 0.40
User Experience: Despite the official fares, complaints about overcharging are the norm. Drivers often take longer routes, charge for false tolls, and apply non-existent surcharges. The final price is usually 2 or 3 times more expensive than an Uber for the same journey.
Ride-sharing - Uber and Lyft
Services like Uber or Lyft pick up their passengers at the designated areas on the arrivals level, clearly marked as "Ride App Pickup."
User Experience: They are the preferred and most recommended option. The main advantage is transparency: you know the price of the trip in advance, eliminating the risk of scams. Although during peak hours dynamic pricing can increase the cost and wait times may be longer, most travelers consider that the reliability and fair price far outweigh the traditional taxis.
Private Services and Other Companies
Companies like Blacklane, Suntransfers, or local taxi companies (Taxi Miami, Ryde Taxi, etc.) offer transportation services.
User Experience: The experience with these services is very inconsistent. Private transfer platforms like Suntransfers accumulate serious complaints about drivers who do not show up, last-minute cancellations, and a customer service that does not take responsibility. Local taxi companies like Miami Taxi Services or Taxi Miami receive criticisms similar to official taxis: rude drivers, cars in poor condition, and overcharging. In general, they are riskier options than Uber or Lyft.