To Uber or not to Uber

Getting to and from the airport in a timely and comfortable manner ensures a stress-free start or end of your trip. There are many options when it comes to rideshare, public transportation, and private vehicles so be sure to do your research ahead of time and determine which will be the best option for you.

Here is a brief overview of the different options:

Rideshare (Uber or Lyft services) 

Though services like Uber and Lyft are convenient and reliable, it’s important to note that many airports have different protocols. In bigger cities such as Los Angeles, passengers need to take a bus to a specific location where rideshare drivers may pick passengers up. This can take up more time than you may have anticipated.

Remember that rideshare apps have a feature that allows you to schedule a ride in advance.  This works well so that you do not have to waste time waiting for a ride.

Public Transportation (trains, buses, subway) 

Many cities have public transit options from the airport into the city center. These are usually clearly marked as you make your way out of the gate, but it’s best to do a bit of research beforehand. For cities where the airport is on the outskirts of the main center, it’s best to take transit (a cheaper option) into the city before catching a taxi or rideshare. For example, in Denver you can take the train into Union Station and from there take a City Bike or Uber to your destination.

Standard Taxicab 

Services like Uber and Lyft have made many taxicab services obsolete. However, in some cities it is much cheaper to take a standard taxi. For example, in New York all taxis from the airport have a flat fee rate, whereas rideshare services can vary widely and charge absurd amounts. However, you may want to carry cash in the case your taxi doesn’t take a card (though many do now).