Hailing a Cab
Taxis are plentiful in Chicago and are generally fairly easy to find and hail. Hailing a taxi is the same as it is in most cities; you simply step out onto the curb and raise your arm when you see a taxi advancing. The taxis in Chicago do have roof lights to indicate whether or not they are available (light on means the cab is available) but it is widely known that the cab drivers rarely use this system. Many natives of Chicago will tell you to try to hail a cab regardless of what the roof light indicates.
If you would rather not hail a cab or are having difficulty try walking to a nearby major hotel or train station. You will often find cab stands at or near these places. If you can’t find a cab stand try giving a hotel doorman a few dollars to hail a cab for you.
While cabs are plentiful in Chicago if you are in a suburb or a more residential area of the city you will most likely have a hard time finding a cab. In this situation it is best to call a local cab company to order a cab.
Rates
The rates in Chicago are $2.25 for the first 1/9th mile, $0.20 for each additional 1/9th of a mile, and $2.00 every 6 minutes for waiting time ($20 / hr). These rates are charged within the city limits of Chicago only. If you were to travel outside of Chicago to the suburbs you will be charged the metered rate and a half or 50% more. Trips from Chicago are charged at the normal meter rates to the city limits and then from the city limits to the destination the meter will switch to 50% more.
Surcharges
- There is no extra charge for baggage or credit card use.
- If you’re sharing your cab, there is an additional $1 charge for the first person. For each passenger after that, there is an additional $0.50 charge.
- To compensate for rising gas costs, a surcharge of $1 is added to all fares when the average price for a gallon of gas exceeds $3.20 in the Chicago area for seven consecutive business days.
- You are responsible for any tolls.
FAQs
Should you tip your driver in Chicago?
- Yes, the standard tip is about 15% of your total fare. If your driver helped you with your baggage as well you can add an additional $1 to $2 per bag.
Are cabs more expensive than buses or trains?
- Yes, you will find that a cab is more expensive than the public transit system but most destinations in Chicago are in what is known as “The Loop” and they are all a relatively short distance. Due to this your cab fare might be cheaper than envisioned.
Do Chicago taxis accept credit cards?
- Some cabs have credit card machines but not all so it is definitely wise to carry cash on you or ask your taxi driver ahead of time.
How many taxis are there in Chicago?
- There are currently 6,951 taxis in Chicago.
Airport to City Center 
There are two main airports servicing the Chicago area. Most cabs will charge flat rates from both O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. These rates will typically be posted in the cabs.
Midway International Airport
Taxi stands are located on the lower level curb front of each terminal. Only accept taxi rides from taxis in line at the stand as these are the only licensed taxi drivers at this airport. Your taxi driver will either charge you a flat rate or will have a working meter to calculate the fare. An average fare from the airport to Chicago city center is about $28-$35.
O’Hare International Airport
Taxi stands are located at the lower level curb front (outside baggage claim) at each terminal. It is advised that your use these stands to ensure that you get a licensed taxi driver. Do not accept rides from drivers on the departure level (second level) of the terminal roadways as they are not licensed. Your taxi driver will either charge you a flat rate or will have a working meter to calculate the fare. An average fare from the airport to Chicago city center is about $30-$40.
Dispute
If you run into a problem with any taxi in the Chicago area make sure you get a receipt which should show the driver’s company, name, number, and distance of your trip. Then you can call city services by dialing 311 from any Chicago land line and file a complaint.
For more information visit http://www.taxifarefinder.com/info.php?city=Chicago
