Taxis at the Port

[laujac]

Eveyone be very careful if taking a taxi from the port. When we got off the Magic last week we had a reservation with Budget. When we got to their courtesy pick up location there were at least twenty people waiting. We decided to take a taxi the three miles to save some time. I asked the first taxi driver what the rate would be... he said about $10. Unfortunately he was not my taxi. I got into the next and made the BIG mistake of not asking this driver the cost. After my husband, by himself, loaded our seven bags into the taxi (it was a minivan) the driver began to drive away without turning on the meter. When my husband mentioned that she needed to do so... she stated that it is the policy of all taxis from the port to charge the metered rate PLUS $1 per bag OR a flat rate of $20! (Remember, she did not load a single bag into her taxi). This, of course, was told to us after she started to drive. To make a very long story short, I refused to pay any price above the rates that were posted on and in the taxi. I told her that she could call this into her supervisor and that I would talk to them directly. She backed down saying that we should pay her for the one bag that "she touched". We payed the metered rate plus a tip (my husband's choice not mine). When I mentioned this story at the Budget office, they told me that a guest earlier that week was charged $40! Their quote was that "they (the taxi drivers) are all crooks". So, if anyone needs to use a taxi... make sure to set the price before you drive away.

 

[Aisling]

Thank you for this information. We're planning on taking a taxi from the port to Budget, and I'll remember to ask for the price before we get in the taxi! I don't want any surprises!

 

[ljql_5969]

Speaking of taxis...

We are staying the night before and will need transportation from our hotel to the port. I don't think we will stay at one of the resorts with the "free" shuttle because we are getting in late and just don't want to pay the high prices for the resort when all we need is a hotel.

We thought of calling a taxi. I have heard that they could run between $11 - $15 for a hotel 5 miles away from the port. There will be 18 of us. What are the local taxi companies and does anyone know if they offer vans?

Otherwise we will need several taxis. How many people will they allow in a taxi. I had planned on 1 taxi per family.

Also, can you call ahead an "reserve" taxis to pick you up early Saturday morning?

 

[laujac]

The taxi company from my story above was Virginia Taxi. You could call them and get them to quote you exact rates. Do not trust the individual taxi driver! The metered rates I found to be very high. As I stated above, I would only pay what the meter read... which was $12.40 for three miles! And... there was absolutely no traffic. Some of the taxi's are minivans, so you could fit more people... but you need to account for space for your luggage. With the price that you would be paying for taxis, you may want to consider one of the hotels with the free shuttle. BUT beware of this as well. I know that the Radisson lets you call ahead (I think months ahead) to book your shuttle. So do not wait until you get to your hotel to try and get a shuttle, especially with 18 of you.

 

[madisonsmom]

We are considering a hotel that doesn't include a shuttle and several hotels have refered us to Art's Transportation Service. They charge a flat rate of $3.00 per person and will pick you up from the hotel. Distance doesn't seem to matter as we called Arts about the price from Holiday Inn Oceanfront Resort(about 5 miles from port), Hilton(3 miles from port) and Best Western Inn(2 miles from port). Many of these hotels are cheap enough(on ECT.com) to where it will still work out cheaper to pay for shuttle service than hotels that offer a free shuttle.

 

[ljql_5969]

We are considering a hotel that doesn't include a shuttle and several hotels have refered us to Art's Transportation Service. They charge a flat rate of $3.00 per person and will pick you up from the hotel. Distance doesn't seem to matter as we called Arts about the price from Holiday Inn Oceanfront Resort(about 5 miles from port), Hilton(3 miles from port) and Best Western Inn(2 miles from port). Many of these hotels are cheap enough(on ECT.com) to where it will still work out cheaper to pay for shuttle service than hotels that offer a free shuttle.

Thanks for the info. Based on what I read at dcltribute.com, I also felt like there were some cheaper alternatives for hotels around the port area. I will check with Art's. I have never looked at ECT.com. I'll have to check that out too!!

 

[mmouse37]

We have taken taxi's twice from the port to the Budget office...first time a taxi was just waiting there and he told us $7.00 bucks (there was just two of us). We said fine and had no problem.

This past Sept. we were going to take the Budget shuttle but we were told we would be on the 3rd shuttle and that would about 30-40 minute wait. We were also told to stand in an area and taxi's would continually come. Well, maybe two taxi's came and we got the second one...she was the most unfriendly lady...the minivan reeked like stale smoke, she did not lift a finger to help...we tried to initiate conversation and she refused to engage in conversation...she just grunted. My hubby and I looked at each other..we could not believe her attitude!!!

Anyway, she put the meter on right away and I think we paid between $12-15. It was the most uncomfortable ride (we felt like she really did not want us there!!). I would avoid her again....I can't remember what the cab name was, though! I DID NOT give her a tip...no way did she deserve one!!

Next time I will have some local taxi numbers programmed in my cell phone so I can call for one myself, instead of waiting for one to show up...they did not seem that regular in coming.