While rideshare apps have taken over much of the on-demand transportation space, traditional taxis remain a crucial part of urban mobility—especially in cities with strong regulations, fixed fares, or limited app coverage. For travelers and locals alike, finding a city where taxis are not only reliable but also fairly priced can make a big difference in your transportation experience.
Here’s a look at 10 U.S. cities where taxis still offer competitive pricing, trustworthy service, and useful infrastructure—plus how to stretch your budget further with rideshare alternatives and tools like Fluz.
- New York City, NY
NYC is still one of the most structured taxi markets in the country. Yellow cabs operate under strict pricing rules, and the city offers a flat rate from JFK to Manhattan. Real-time ride estimates, accessible service, and the NYC TLC website make it easy to navigate the system. - Chicago, IL
Chicago taxis are regulated ,with predictable base fares and options for street hails or app-based bookings. The city also mandates credit card acceptance in every cab. - San Francisco, CA
While rideshare dominates the Bay Area, San Francisco taxis remain reliable. Airport service is competitive, and fixed airport fares help avoid surge pricing during busy periods. - Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas taxis are a regulated alternative to surge-pricing rideshare services, especially when traveling from Harry Reid International Airport. Flat rates for airport-to-strip routes make them a solid choice for visitors. - Boston, MA
With a well-regulated system, Boston taxis are a dependable option for airport pickups, late-night travel, and rides during major events. - Washington, D.C.
The capital has adopted a zone-based fare system that’s easy to understand. Taxis here are regulated by the D.C. Department of For-Hire Vehicles, and passengers can pay by card or mobile wallet. - Seattle, WA
Seattle’s transportation department ensures licensed taxis meet safety and fare standards. Taxis are often cheaper than rideshares for short trips downtown and offer reliable service to and from Sea-Tac Airport. - Philadelphia, PA
Taxis are widely available in Center City and the airport, with fair metered pricing and enforcement from the Philadelphia Parking Authority. For visitors looking for simplicity, taxis remain a straightforward choice. - Portland, OR
Portland’s taxi market is small but reliable. All taxis are regulated by the city, and drivers are required to accept multiple forms of payment, including contactless options. - Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN
The Twin Cities maintain clear taxi rules, with set airport fares and competitive in-town pricing. Taxis are a convenient choice during heavy snow or when rideshare services are limited.
How to save even more on taxi alternatives
In many of these cities, Uber and Lyft are also strong transportation options. If you prefer using an app but still want to save, platforms like Fluz allow you to buy an Uber gift card with cashback or earn cashback with a Lyft gift card and apply it instantly before checkout. That means even if taxis aren’t the cheapest, your rideshare trips can still come with a built-in discount.
Final thoughts
While the rise of rideshare has changed the game, taxis continue to offer dependable, well-regulated service in many U.S. cities. Whether you’re arriving from the airport or heading across town, these 10 destinations prove that taxis can still be a smart, affordable choice—especially when you know where to look and how to pair them with cashback-friendly tools like Fluz.
