Car Services & Taxis will both provide door-to-door transportation. Car services are not supposed to pick up Passengers unless they have been reserved in advance. If you would like to reserve a car service or limo in Houston TX in advance, please click to book a ride here. Taxis are not reserved in advance but rather can be "hailed" from the street, or taken at the cab stand. Taxis have base fares, and then $ per mile/time…and expect some form of gratuity.
Taxi Rates & Limo Prices: Always get a confirmation of your rate in advance. Most taxi's and Limo services have base fares and are not all inclusive. For example, Houston has a 0% tax on car services, 8.625% State and local sales taxes, and tolls are almost never included in your quoted price. You can often avoid additional toll charges by asking the driver to take a specific route of your choice. Some taxis will try to take advantage of you, even though their rates are standardized.
Airport Pickup: Limo Services and Car Service offer indoor pickups, providing an extremely stress-free pickup at any airport (your driver will meet you at baggage claim with a sign). Indoor pickup usually costs extra, (Meet and greet) plus any applicable waiting time or parking fees, but with TransGates Limousine, all these extras are free of charge with 30 minutes of free waiting time. With Outside pickup, the driver will meet you at curbside pickup.
Disadvantages of Airport Taxi:
- Waiting time. After a long flight, waiting in line for a cab is not ideal
- Drivers are not always familiar with area
- Cars are not reliable, and can break down en route
- Drivers do not go through criminal background check
Advantages of Car Services:
- No Taxi lines
- Inside Pickup Option mostly free (Meet and greet)
- Can be Paid for in Advance
- Can accommodate more than 4 people
- Professional Drivers
- Can Reserve Online
- Can be hired hourly to provide you with transportation around the city
- Can get car service discounts when booked online
When Considering Limo Services:
- Typically more expensive than taxi service (though often it is only a few dollars more expensive)
- Often requires a credit card to book
- Penalty if not cancelled in time (ask about cancellation policy)
Car Service Options:
- Economy Town Car - Can accommodate 1-4 passengers, with a moderate amount of luggage (3+ good sized suitcases).
- Luxury Sedan –Lincoln Town Car (new model), Mercedes or Cadillac. Same space as a full sized sedan, but more luxurious
- VIP Sedan – New Town Car models with very professional drivers
- Platinum Sedan – Longer models of the standard Town Car, satellite radio and wireless Internet in the car along with our most professional drivers
- Minivan or SUV - Can accommodate 6 passengers and about 6 pieces luggage (sometimes 7 passengers with minimal luggage)
- Vans - Can accommodate 6-14 passengers and their luggage
- Stretch Limousine - Can accommodate 6-14 passengers (depending on the limo), but luggage space is the same as a standard Town Car.
- Stretch SUV, Stretch Hummer - Can accommodate up to 14 passengers. Recommended for large groups traveling around Houston, or nearby cities, rather than to/from the airport
