Taxi Service Alexandria VA -I offer you this page on Taxi Service in Alexandria, because it can be hard to get a cab here. First an over view: Several taxi cab companies serve Alexandria VA and they include company-franchises and individually owned cabs. My personal experience: I have used Alexandria Yellow Cab and White Top Cab to get to the airports when leaving for an important trip. Both companies were dependable. In fact, I have never heard of anyone having a bad taxi experience going to or from the airports. Cabs use meters. The meters calculate the fare based upon time and mileage, and other charges may be added including how many people are traveling, number of pieces of baggage, and a gas fuel charge. But be aware: not all taxis accept credit cards. In fact, City Council, as of the Summer of 2010, is debating new regs for taxis, including the credit card issue. To be safe: Inquire about credit cards when you order a cab, or when you engage a cab for a trip.
If you need a cab to pick you up for an important ride - such as getting to the airport in the early morning...call and make an appointmentAlexandria VA is unlike many other areas, and certainly is unlike big cities like Washington DC.In Alexandria, you will rarely be able to "flag down" a cab. It's just not likely to happen. If a cab is empty, the cab driver will pick you up, but usually the cabs seem to be running-back and forth with their own destination in-mind. So you should schedule a cab pick-up if you are going to need a cab. If you are at an apartment, or residence, for example, it is essential that you reserve a cab to pick you up for an early-morning flight, for example. An exception is if you are staying at a major hotel. Major hotels, like the Hotel Monacco, may have have a cab stand out front. I rely upon that fact that the Hotel Monacco has a cab stand where cabs are always lined-up and waiting. If I'm going to the airport, I'll simple walk to the Monacco to get a cab. Major hotels have someone who will call a cab for you.
Another issue about taxi cabs in Alexandria, is a regulation about dispatch calls...According to an article in "Alexandria Times Newspaper", 7/22/10, Alexandria is a city that is 5 miles wide.The city has more than 700 drivers spread across the city's 6 main cab companies. Currently, companies are required to respond to 2 dispatch calls a day per driver. Cab drivers complain that sometimes the caller doesn't show up - or makes the driver wait for 30 - 45 minutes, so the driver makes no money. The bottom line is that some cab drivers are relunctant to fulfill their obligation to transport people from dispatch calls. The bottom line for you - as a visitor, is to confirm your cab. As mentioned before, if staying at a hotel - allow the hotel to make your connections, or use the hotel's cab stand, if they have one. If you are visiting here, and staying at a private residence, I urge you to phone-in your reservation. Then call, once or twice to confirm that the cab WILL come for you. Assure the dispatch-person that you WILL be ready when the cab arrives. These tactics will help assure that YOUR cab will be there, for you, exactly when you need to get picked up for the airport, an important meeting or any other time that precision-timing is needed.
As already mentioned, in Old Town, there is a cab stand in front of the Hotel Monaco (King and Pitt Street)...The major Alexandria VA hotels, such as Hotel Monaco, have a cab stand in front of the hotel. In fact, it's the best place to "hail" a cab in old town.Getting a cab in Alexandria VA is not like getting a cab in New YorkTaxi Service in Alexandria VA is not like in New York --- you'll rarely see an empty cab...so counting on "hailing" a cab is foolish --- expecially if you have an appointment or you need to get to the airport...The cab drivers "earn" part of the fare --- so don't worry if the cab driver solicites your business for a return-fare...it's perfectly normal here in Alexandria VA.If you were a good "fare" --- by that, I mean that you were polite and respectful of the driver --- he or she may give you a business card with their cell phone number on it.The cab driver may say, "Call me, I'll take care of you". Don't worry...it's OK. The cab driver is just trying extra-hard to make some money. In fact, many local business people have their "own" cab driver to call whenever they need to schedule a trip.
Here is a List of the Major Cab Companies & their phone numbers...Alexandria Yellow Cab - 703-549-2500Washington Flyer Ground Transportation - 1-888-927-4359 cabs, vans & busesStar Limo Service - Lincoln Town Car - Driver Will Meet You in the Terminal 1-800-482-1535 or 703-931-9000White Top Cab - 703-683-4004Cab Fare Costs to the airports...from Old Town Alexandria VAFrom Old Town, Alexandria Va, White Top Cab quoted the following approximate rates to the airports:National Airport - $25 - $30 (I don't think it will be quite this high) Dulles Airport - $75.00 BWI - $100.00 Don't forget to tip the driver. It's how they earn their living...Also, you may be charged extra for luggage. |