Taxi and Cabs in Long Beach

Evan Kingsley wrote on 9/24/2023. Last updated: 12/1/2024

How to order a cab in Long Beach

Traveler at airport
The warm glow of the sunrise bathes an airport terminal, highlighting a traveler with her rolling suitcase, depicting the start of a new journey.

Calling a cab in Long Beach is as breezy as the city's coastal climate! Your options are plentiful: decked-out local taxis, chirpy on-demand rideshare services, and even snappy international platforms like Bolt and Uber. You can simply hail a taxi off the street, call a local cab company, or take advantage of the user-friendly apps provided by rideshare services such as Uber and Bolt, allowing you to order a ride with a few taps.

Uber riders in Long Beach, buckle up! Known for its fast response times and cost transparency, the Uber app comes with a GPS feature to follow your journey, as well as an option to share your ride info with a loved one for an extra layer of security. Not to forget, this global juggernaut happily accepts credit cards, making it a cash-free and stress-free ride.

And then there’s Bolt — the new kid on the block serving Long Beach residents. Bolt truly lives up to its name, delivering speedy service, easy payment schemes via card, and a commendable track record on reliability. Certainly seems like Bolt is on a roll!

Where to find a taxi in Long Beach

Coastal tramway scene
A scenic view showcasing the harmony of different transportation modes, with a green tram running parallel to a road where pedestrians, cars, and the vast ocean share the space.

As a city buzzing with life, Long Beach is full of spots where taxis flock. You'll find them milling around high-traffic areas like Long Beach Airport, Downtown Long Beach or at popular hotels like the Queen Mary Hotel or the Hyatt. While you take in the dazzling displays at the Aquarium of the Pacific, you may come across a taxi idling nearby. Want to soak up some culture at Long Beach Museum of Art? Don’t fret, taxis are a common sight near prominent landmarks.

If you're more of an "app person," then Uber and Bolt can swoop in to save the day. They'll whisk you away from just about anywhere in Long Beach. These apps come teeming with a suite of features: GPS tracking, fare estimates, and even driver ratings to ensure your safety.

How Much Does a Long Beach Taxi Cost

Cabbie chatter aside, let's dive into the nitty-gritty: rates. For traditional taxis in Long Beach, the average starting price hovers around $3 and they charge an average of $2-3 per mile which, bear in mind, can escalate during peak hours.

Uber and Bolt, on the other hand, have dynamic pricing models. This means that the fare can fluctuate depending on demand, the duration of the ride, distance, and time of day. Nevertheless, these apps provide fare estimates beforehand, so there won't be any unpleasant surprises at the end of your ride.

Now, here’s a nugget of cab culture in the U.S: "to tip or not to tip?" Well, in Long Beach, as in most American cities, tipping your cab driver is common etiquette. Generally, a 10-15% tip on the fare would be appreciated, but remember, the quality of the ride should guide your generosity.

As for safety matters, taxis and rideshares in Long Beach are required to adhere to strict standards, ensuring you enjoy a ride as safe as it is smooth. So kick back, relax, and let the professionals whisk you to your destination. Happy traveling, folks!


Evan Kingsley

Evan Kingsley

Hey, I’m Evan! Even though I’ve been bitten by a piranha, left stranded in the Sahara when my camel ditched me, and even spent a night in a Bhutanese jail over a supposedly stolen fruit (I swear I didn’t take it!), I still love traveling so much I don’t think I’ll ever stop. With over 130 countries under my belt, I’m always on the lookout for the next wild adventure… hopefully with fewer bites, camel betrayals, and misunderstandings over fruit!

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