How to Ride a Taxi Cab in New York City

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How do you ride a taxi or cab in New York? How do you hail a cab? How much does a taxi or cab in New York cost? What's the difference between a green taxi cab and yellow taxi cab? How do you give directions in New York. Which is cheaper, a taxi cab or Uber or Lyft? These are things we are going to discuss in this video.
00:00 The NYC Taxi
00:43 Yellow and green taxi cab
01:52 How to get a taxi
04:29 How to give directions to a taxi driver
06:06 Cost and methods of paying
08:23 Transportation in New York City
Need an introduction to NYC? Start with these videos:
- Guide to the New York Subway = • How to Ride the New Yo...
- Intro to New York City = • An Introduction to New...
- Manhattan Street Grid System = • How to Navigate Manhat...
- Lower Manhattan / Downtown Manhattan = • Lower/Downtown Manhatt...
- Midtown Manhattan = • Midtown Manhattan | Ne...
- Upper East Side = • Upper East Side Explai...
- Upper West Side = • Upper West Side (UWS) ...
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CREDITS:
Uber and Lyft sticker on car
Sundry Photography / Shutterstock.com
Lyft and Uber pickup spot
Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock.com
Inside NYC Cab
el_cigarrito / Shutterstock.com
Airport airplane b-roll
German Korb from Pexels
Taxi blinkers b-roll
Tim Samuel from Pexels
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CONTACT INFO
[e-mail]

[@chromaticdreams618]

Heading to NYC for the first time pretty soon, and I'm so glad taxi guides like yours exist!

[@balakuntalamsridhar5789]

So clear. So helpful Thank you, Thea!

[@pamelajohnson9810]

Thanks good information

[@markuspietila1728]

Very helpful video again

[@vincejm]

Great tips and advice, cool video.

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Thank you! Hoping this video is useful.

[@jkaryn]

This video was so incredibly helpful. It was exactly what I needed and Im already feeling SO much better about a possible trip to NY. Will be looking for that other video you mentioned because it sounds really helpful too. Thank you!

[@kasthuripraba6090]

Very informative

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Thanks!

[@frednich9603]

we'll be there Wednesday! thanks for all the helpful videos.

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Hope you have a great trip! Thanks for watching.

[@jennyhunt]

Your channel is the best! I'm learning so much before visiting NYC.

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Awesome! Thank you. Hope you have a great visit.

[@shanpisces5987]

You’ve no idea how this video came handy just on time ! Love the tips on giving directions to drivers and payment !

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Thank you! Happy to be useful. 😊

[@fethimaskri3858]

Using Curb app called : E-hail . The second traditionel way called Street Hail ... thanks for the video it was helpfull ...

[@jojoe7305]

Thank you .you're the best 👌

[@UrbanCaffeine]

You're welcome 😊 Thanks!

[@richardharrold4357]

thank you.

[@whatistime5768]

Unbelievable. I was told cabs were super expensive by a friend and avoid them at all cost. So I avoided taking cabs and just walk everywhere. Next time when I visit NYC I’m taking the cabs. Thank you for the video

[@UrbanCaffeine]

It surprised me as well when I tried taking cabs for the first time. Generally it's cheaper if you are within Manhattan and travelling short distances (1.5 miles).

[@Enchanteralle]

This is so helpful! What about taxis parked on the side in a line? Are those requested by other ppl or can I go up and ask if they are available?

[@jaave001100]

Thanks for this! You'd think it would be easy but it's nice know that it's not. And not that hard!

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Thank you for watching!

[@joshuanewburger]

helpful

[@f.d.6667]

Really helpful video! ... but you might want to have a look at the fine print on the CURB website: Q: Why can’t I add a credit card? - A: Our system may reject a card due to an invalid billing ZIP code or security code. Make sure the credit card is up-to-date or contact the issuing bank for more information. *Curb accepts only US-based Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express cards.* ... in essence, this means that the CURB app will miss a key functionality when you are not a US resident. ->|bonus track: good luck when trying to set up an account from outside the US... (iPhone, from Germany) as Gmail addresses will be rejected and "403" errors (access denied) are common...

[@sams3015]

I am going to take a taxi from the airport to Brooklyn because I’m not sure if I have data in the states. I feel like it’s safer too in a city you’re unfamiliar with

[@whynarwhal]

Definitely looking forward to your video about taking a taxi vs lyft vs uber. It would be great if you could also bring up the new driver's co-op which I'm excited to try too. Ultimately I don't want to give my money to Uber so any alternative (including NY cabs) I'd love to compare.

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Thanks! I haven't heard about a new driver's co-op. Something to look into!

[@Rockastorm]

Taxis are definitely better (at least in new york)

[@littlecookingtips]

Another great video Thea! It would be very interesting if you could also make a video for coming to Manhattan from JFK with a cab, as there is a flat rate (52$) but no tolls and other staff are mentioned in the airport's website, so it's not clear of how much is the actual cost with tax and all, to get to Manhattan.

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Thanks! I was planning on a similar video eventually. The $52 is the flat fare from JFK to Manhattan. This does not include any tolls, fees, and tips. Depending on your route, you might not hit any tolls. My rough estimate off the top of my head, the fare will probably end up being $65-75 🤔

[@littlecookingtips]

@@UrbanCaffeine Thank you so much for taking the time to address this dear! xo

[@seankelly9447]

Is Uber safe??

[@mapofg6095]

I m going to ny next month so I m really enjoying your useful videos. I have a question: is the flat rate for all passengers? For example, if there are three people taking the taxi is the flat rate always the same ? Tks in advance

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Hello 😊 Yes, the flat rate applies per taxi so it doesn't matter if it's just one person or three people.

[@Gazzell82]

Thank you for your videos. How many people can fit into a NYC cab? Are there different sizes? (Thinking about our trip of 5 people with 5 suitcases) 👍🏻

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Someone on this channel had the same situation. From their experience, the yellow taxi can only fit 4 people. You can have a 5th person if they are 7 years old or younger. For 5 people, you might want to consider Uber or Lyft since they offer larger vehicles. Otherwise you might have to get 2 taxis. But thanks for this question, I didn't even think about large groups when I made this video.

[@juanenriquetoro5941]

Great job Thea! One thought for your future Lyft vs Taxi video. I have found that going from the non-Manhattan boroughs to Manhattan the Lyft is better. Then, from Manhattan to the boroughs the regular taxi can work. You also might address the challenge that Lyft and Uber have been to the Taxis. It is nice to support the Taxis when possible. Thanks...

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Thank you! I've been reading about the taxi medallion and it's really interesting. Lyft and Uber have really changed the entire industry.

[@Aidan_Au]

Haha Thea mimicking a chicken looks funny and cute. I really thought that a green taxi is environmentally friendly which runs on electricity. Yes please make the next video on when to use ridesharing and when to take a cab. Would Curb tell me in advance how much it would cost?

[@UrbanCaffeine]

The Curb app only gives an estimate. But ordering one is almost the same price as Uber and Lyft. It's when you hail one off the street that tends to be cheaper.

[@denislucey6361]

Hi , Travelling in December to NYC , 2 Adults & 3 kids . will there be mini van cabs at the taxi rank to take 5 people ?

[@richt.4900]

Thanks Thea! I’d never heard about green cabs. They used to have a maximum charge for commuting around Manhattan, do they not have that now?

[@UrbanCaffeine]

The green taxis are relatively new (2013). As for a maximum charge, I've never heard of one. But there is a flat rate from JFK to Manhattan (plus any tolls and fees).

[@Mravenueroad]

Although La Guardia and JFK airports are both in Queens, green taxis are also not allowed to pick up passengers there.

[@mattababu]

Great video, i’m heading to new york in july with my family of four. Do you think a taxi at LaGuardia will accept 4 people?

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Hello. Taxis can fit four (3 in the back and 1 in the passenger seat). Before you line up, you can confirm with the dispatcher.

[@Aidan_Au]

I never rode a cab in NYC or anywhere in the US yet. Since ridesharing is so much more convenient and cheaper and you can look back on when you took a ride. Though sometimes a cab in NYC would be cheaper than ridesharing if you're going to the airports. I guess it's more for an experience.

[@UrbanCaffeine]

It's worth looking into. As long as I'm traveling within Manhattan, a cab is usually cheaper and faster. But outside Manhattan, cabs can be more expensive. Now that they have the Curb app you can also look up your ride history.

[@brianmcnally1578]

Yo sunshine cabbies, great 👍show.. B.A.M.

[@CesarJoel]

Hi, how much a taxi would be if we are 4 and have 4 carry on luggage? Estimate cost? Thanks 👍

[@Ta-vq2lz]

Hi, arriving JFK by the end of Apr 2023,. Planing to take a yellow cab from the airport to our hotel located in 36th street time square. We are 3 adults and 1 child (8 years) do they allow us in normal yellow cab or it is exceeding the limit of passenger number.

[@MrGriffingreen]

How easy is it to get a pick up from JFK to go across the Hudson to West New York, I hear taxi drivers are not obliged to go outside the boroughs?

[@Rockastorm]

The taxies in Manhattan are extremely fast (because they break the law) but typically there's nothing faster than the taxies except the subway which is faster depending on where you're going

[@airplanelife9839]

Lol there is a video for this? Oh man, I might be the few NYers living in NYC

[@dinaakhmetova6599]

Hi, if i pay with my credit card. It gives me a receipt where i can write a tip amount like in restaurants? Or i can give 2 dollars cash for example?

[@UrbanCaffeine]

I think the card terminal lets you add a tip.

[@ripi4057]

what are the rules abt transporting kids on a car? I'll be in NYC next June with my 5 years old boy, arriving at JFK. thank you and keep going!

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Hi there. From what I read car seats are not required in cabs and Ubers. Here's an article that could be useful. They talk about taxis and children at the very bottom of the page: mommybites.com/new-york/getting-around-new-york-city-with-young-children/

[@amedearoose9243]

I was just wondering but when you give the taxi driver the cross street do you have to also tell them if it's east or west street or does the direction not matter? Like do you say east 23rd and 7th or just 23rd and 7th? Sorry if thats a dumb question I've just never been to New York or have ever had to take a taxi before.

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Hi there! 👋No need to distinguish east or west for taxi directions. "East" just means it's east of 5th Ave and "West" means west of 5th Ave (this is more for finding a street address easier). If you say "23rd and 7th", they will already know it's "West 23rd" because 7th Ave is west of 5th Ave. Hope this makes sense!

[@amedearoose9243]

@@UrbanCaffeine ok thank you so much for clarifying things for me I appreciate you and your videos! 😄🥰

[@seankelly9447]

Hi. Great vid. From jfk how do i give my taxi driver an address in lower manhattan? No grid :(

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Taxi drivers have GPS so you should be able to give your address with no problem. The reason why it's better to give cross streets is that it's faster. But a street address is ok.

[@ChanteBri]

So I plan on visiting in a couple months & I might request a Lyft to pick me up from the port authority bus terminal, do you know where they can wait for me at? It wouldn’t make sense to pay for parking cause it’s a quick pick up.

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Hi there. The app should tell you where you can meet up with your driver.

[@ChanteBri]

@@UrbanCaffeine thank you! I’ll look again lol

[@markuspietila1728]

This CURB sounds great. Can I order a taxi through CURB in advance to the airport and the taxi will arrive on time?

[@UrbanCaffeine]

For airports, I don't think you can order ahead of time since there is a designated taxi line where taxis pick up passengers. But the last time I used Curb to sync with the taxi I was on, it didn't work and I had to use a card to pay. For me, it wasn't that big of a deal.

[@coralie9148]

Thank you so much for your video . It’s going to be our first travel in USA . I have a little question , if we take the taxi , we give a tip to the dispatcher too ? Or just the taxi ? Thank you 😊

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Hi there! That sounds exciting! Are you just going to New York or other cities? People don't normally tip the dispatcher, just the taxi driver.

[@coralie9148]

@@UrbanCaffeine just to New York for 1 week ! Thank you so much for your answer . In France is not the same and I want to be ready . I don’t want to offend someone if I forget a tip somewhere ☺️

[@JohnHia-nj4vj]

I drive acab.the reason i drive out of the way is because my car is facing in the wrong direction.whenthey first get in.i wii say that i will drive out the way.some will leave my cabs.others will say okay do whatever you want.and others will simply argue.so 12 dollar ride will be 18 and they give 20percent tip.

[@sdsdssification]

Yellow cabs don’t pick people up in the outer boroughs tho. Unless they are in the “downtown” area of said borough and even then.

[@terrytsai3586]

How do make sure you get a taxi that can fit 4 people and 5 pieces of luggage?

[@michaelz.7140]

I remember my first time alone in times square at night. I was at the movies watching inception and had to go to the hotel. the taxi driver was very rude and unhinged and didnt understand my adress because he didnt understand english very well. great times

[@DerkuiDerkui]

Would a yellow taxi van carry a passenger of 7? Or would I need to get 2 cabs? Would I be charged with extra passenger fee or what not for 7 passengers?

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Hi there. Taxis can only take in 4 people unless the 5th person is a child. So yeah, you'd have to get 2 taxis. I don't know about Ubers if they have large vans for 7.

[@sridharsrigiriraju4583]

The driver pressed "3" in the rate meter, and I shelled out $85 from Port Authority to Newark Liberty, what did he do to me?

[@carmelosullivan1643]

How much to tip a taxi driver?

[@paveladamek3502]

So basically cab rides are one big lottery. And instead of charing LESS in a traffic jam because the CLIENT is stuck , the CLIENT pays MORE. What a f- up system.

[@heliopc]

How about the tip when you pay with cards ? You give the tip in cash ?

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Hello there. When you pay with a card, you will have an opportunity to add a tip right before you are charged.

[@heliopc]

@@UrbanCaffeine thank you 😉. And this way the driver also know the amount of the tip I suppose.

[@samuelfish8988]

What is Your Favorite Line In The NYC Subway System ? Mine is The F Line

[@UrbanCaffeine]

I like the Q because it goes express and the stations in the Upper Eastside are really nice.

[@samuelfish8988]

@@UrbanCaffeine okay and are you free to video chat with me today at 4:00 PM Because i will do the F Line

[@seankelly9447]

Curb does not accept international mobile phone nums when signing up for app

[@UrbanCaffeine]

That's too bad. You can always hail a cab off the street. Or use an Uber or Lyft. Both are generally safe in New York. I haven't had any problems with either before.

[@seankelly9447]

@@UrbanCaffeine thanks. Is it easier to get an Uber after 11pm than a taxi? Never seems to be a taxi late at night.

[@UrbanCaffeine]

It depends on where you are. Some places don't have many taxis so Uber would be your better (or only) option. If I see a lot of taxis available, I'll take a taxi. But most of the time I take an Uber after 11pm, especially if I don't want to wait outside in the cold.

[@DreamChaser1366]

Where's all the Crown Vics? It's not New York City without the Crown Vic taxi cabs

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Looks like they've been discontinued. Sooner or later all the cabs will be Teslas. There are some in the streets now.

[@AllieThePrettyGator]

Green Cabs???

[@Zuzu22322]

What are your thoughts of the safety of taxis? I saw some comments that taxis are dangerous for women and the subway is much safer…but on my first day on the subway a random shirtless man started screaming about chopping everyone up with a machete and ummm…now I’m having second thoughts lol!

[@UrbanCaffeine]

It really depends. If you're just going from one place in Manhattan to another place in Manhattan, taxis are fine. It's when you are going to and from remote locations that I would be careful. Airport to Manhattan is fine too in my experience. Most taxi drivers are just regular people trying to make a living. And taxis in NY are highly regulated. As for the subway, you do get days like that but not all the time. New Yorkers learn to tolerate and be cautious. I usually try to get away whether it's getting off the next stop for another train or walking to another part of the platform. Hope this helps!

[@fredashay]

_"...the butt crack of dawn..."_

[@brando2066]

You don’t.

[@Frsoval_]

Wait, why did you say “anywhere in the 5 boroughs of Manhattan” Manhattan is 1 borough in NYC. 😂😂😂🤡🤡

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Lol. I'm surprised no one has noticed for this long.

[@thndr_5468]

Tipping is so dumb