Google Maps is more than just a navigation tool—it’s a smart travel assistant that can help you make informed, cost-effective decisions when using taxis or rideshare services. Whether you’re traveling in your own city or navigating unfamiliar streets abroad, leveraging key features in Google Maps can help you save money, avoid traffic delays, and reach your destination faster.
Here are five proven ways to use Google Maps to get more out of every taxi ride—plus how combining these features with cashback platforms like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta can further stretch your transportation budget.
- Compare taxi and rideshare fares in real time
Before hailing a cab, open Google Maps and enter your destination. Tap the “Directions” icon, then choose the ride services tab (represented by a person waving). Google Maps will show you real-time price estimates for rideshare providers like Uber and Lyft, as well as expected wait times.
This makes it easy to see if you’re better off catching a street taxi or ordering a ride through an app. If the estimated fare seems high due to surge pricing, wait a few minutes or check alternative routes.
- Identify the fastest route before your taxi takes it
Taxi meters charge based on time and distance. To avoid the scenic route or unnecessary detours, use Google Maps to preview the fastest route in advance. You can even keep the app open and follow the trip in real time.
Politely asking the driver to follow the suggested route—especially if it avoids traffic—can lead to quicker, cheaper trips.
- Plan around traffic and peak hours
Google Maps offers live traffic data and historical trends for different times of day. When you tap on “Depart at” or “Arrive by,” the app shows how long your trip will take at that time based on typical congestion levels.
If your schedule is flexible, try planning rides during off-peak windows to avoid inflated fares and longer trips.
- Save locations for quick access later
Instead of typing the same hotel, meeting venue, or airport into your rideshare app every time, use the “Save” feature in Google Maps to mark frequently visited places. Organizing saved locations into lists—like “Work Travel” or “Local Destinations”—can save time and reduce the chance of selecting the wrong pickup spot. - Use maps data to estimate and budget ride costs
If you’re budgeting for a trip, Google Maps can help you estimate transport costs over several days. After entering your routes and checking price estimates, use that information to plan your ride expenses in advance.
Then, stretch that budget even further by using apps like Fluz to buy an Uber gift card with cashback or earn cashback with a Lyft gift card before paying. This way, you save even before the meter starts.
Bonus tip: Use Street View to find safer pickup spots
Avoid confusion and wasted time by previewing your pickup point using Street View in Google Maps. This is especially helpful in crowded urban areas or at large venues like stadiums or convention centers.
Final thoughts
Google Maps isn’t just for walking directions—it’s a powerful taxi companion. From fare comparisons to traffic insights, it helps you ride smarter and spend less. And when you pair this with cashback tools like getting rewards with a Lyft gift card or saving money on Uber rides through Fluz, your travel experience becomes both efficient and rewarding.
