Holidays, concerts, and large public events often mean higher taxi costs. Increased demand, heavier traffic, and limited availability can make even short rides more expensive. With a little planning, though, you can keep your fares manageable and still enjoy the festivities.
Book Early When Possible
During major holidays like New Year’s Eve or after big sports games, both taxis and ride-hailing apps can become scarce. Pre-booking through taxi apps like Curb or scheduling an Uber ride ahead of time ensures availability and often locks in lower rates before demand spikes.
Travel During Off-Peak Hours
If your plans allow, avoid booking taxis right after midnight on holidays or immediately after an event ends. Traveling an hour earlier or later can mean less competition for rides and more reasonable fares.
Use Designated Pickup Zones
Large events often have official pickup areas for taxis and ride-hailing vehicles. Using these zones not only improves safety but can also cut down on wasted time (and metered fare) spent waiting in traffic. Airports, stadiums, and concert venues typically post this information on their official websites, like Madison Square Garden.
Look for Promo Codes and Holiday Discounts
Around the holidays, companies often release special discount codes. Checking platforms like RetailMeNot before your ride can save you a percentage off your fare.
Leverage Cashback Apps for Extra Savings
Cashback apps such as Rakuten, Ibotta, and Fluz can help offset the cost of peak fares. For example, you can earn cashback with an Uber gift card or get rewards with a Lyft gift card through Fluz and instantly save money during high-demand rides.
Split Rides With Friends
If you’re attending an event with others, splitting a taxi is a simple way to reduce costs. Ride-hailing apps also allow shared ride options that pair you with other passengers, which can lower the fare even further.
Final Thoughts
High taxi fares don’t have to be part of the holiday experience. By booking ahead, traveling during off-peak times, using promo codes, and leveraging cashback apps like Fluz, you can keep transportation costs under control and focus on enjoying the celebration.
