Taking taxis remains one of the most reliable ways to get around—especially when time or distance makes walking or public transit impractical. But reliability can come at a price. The good news? There are multiple ways to reduce taxi costs without giving up comfort or convenience. From cashback tools to smart route planning, here’s how to ride smarter and spend less.

Pay With Cashback-Enabled Gift Cards

One of the easiest and most effective strategies is using digital gift cards purchased through cashback platforms. For instance, you can earn cashback with an Uber gift card or get rewards with a Lyft gift card and redeem it directly in the app. These cards are typically delivered instantly and are accepted the same way as regular payment methods.

Apps like Fluz allow you to purchase these cards in exact amounts—even just seconds before you request a ride—so you don’t have to commit to a large prepaid balance. This flexibility makes it easy to save even when you’re in a hurry.

Use Fare Comparison Tools

Before booking a ride, it’s worth comparing prices across services. In cities where both taxis and rideshares operate, prices can fluctuate significantly based on time of day and demand. Some apps let you input pickup and drop-off locations to see real-time fare estimates across multiple platforms.

If a rideshare is in surge pricing, a traditional taxi might be cheaper—and vice versa. Some comparison tools even include public transit alternatives if you’re open to a hybrid route.

Time Your Rides Strategically

Rush hour, bad weather, and major events can all spike taxi and rideshare prices. When possible, shift your travel to shoulder hours. Early morning rides or mid-afternoon pickups often come with lower fares and shorter wait times.

Additionally, booking your ride just a few minutes earlier or later can sometimes make a difference. Some apps also allow scheduled pickups, which may help lock in a better rate.

Stack With Cashback Apps

Beyond gift cards, many cashback platforms allow you to earn rewards just for making a purchase with a linked card or virtual payment. Apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Dosh occasionally offer bonuses on rideshare purchases, depending on current deals or promotions.

You can also layer these rewards on top of those from your credit card or the ride service’s own loyalty programs—helping you get more value from a single ride.

Split Rides When You Can

While not always ideal, sharing a ride with a friend or coworker is one of the fastest ways to save. Many platforms support fare-splitting features, or you can manually settle costs with mobile payment apps. If you’re both using cashback-enabled gift cards, you’re doubling the reward potential while cutting the fare in half.

Avoid Airport Taxi Markups

Some airports apply extra fees or higher flat rates for taxi pickups. When available, consider using a nearby transit station for pickup to avoid inflated fares. Alternatively, check if your taxi app offers special rates or discounts for airport rides during off-peak hours.

Use Loyalty and Referral Programs

Don’t overlook referral credits and loyalty programs built into rideshare and taxi apps. Many services offer bonus ride credits or discounts for inviting friends or completing a set number of trips. Pair these with cashback savings for an even better return.