Taxi Chicago – Uber vs. Taxi: The Smarter Choice
Why Taxis Are Still the Best Way to Get Around Chicago “In a city as fast-paced as Chicago, your transportation…
“In a city as fast-paced as Chicago, your transportation choice matters. Reliability, pricing, and convenience can make or break your experience.”
With millions of visitors and daily commuters, navigating Chicago’s busy streets can feel overwhelming. Many instinctively reach for Uber, but is it really the best option? Taxis in Chicago, especially those from Universal Taxi, provide a more reliable, cost-effective, and safer alternative.
If you’re heading to a business meeting, an event at McCormick Place, or catching a flight from O’Hare or Midway, here’s why you should think twice before booking an Uber—and choose a Universal Taxi instead. It might just save you $100’s of dollars on a trip to the midwest!
If you’re downtown, flagging a taxi is one of the quickest ways to grab a ride. Follow these simple steps:
✅ Look for an available taxi—if the roof light is on, it’s ready for passengers.
✅ Stand at a busy intersection or near a hotel entrance where taxis frequently stop.
✅ Call or book online or by mobile app—unlike Uber with taxi Chicago companies you can get a operator on the phone
However, if you’re outside the Loop, River North, or Streeterville, or you prefer to plan ahead, you may want to book a ride in advance.
For a general pricing model of what you will pay in Chicago for a taxi check out Taxi Fare Estimator.
Unlike Uber, where surge pricing can lead to unpredictable costs, Universal Taxi lets you schedule your ride at a fixed price. Book in advance through:
📞 Phone – Call Universal Taxi directly for immediate dispatch.
📲 App – Use the Universal Taxi app to schedule and track your ride.
💻 Online – Reserve your ride through their website for convenience.
For travelers heading to the suburbs, airports, or corporate meetings, booking in advance with Universal Taxi is a stress-free alternative to Uber’s unpredictable wait times and pricing.
Many people assume Uber is always the best choice, but let’s break it down.
Uber’s pricing is dynamic. If it’s raining, rush hour, or a big event is happening in the city, your fare can double or even triple and that is being conservative.
💰 Universal Taxi’s Flat Rates:
✔ Predictable pricing – No surprises, ever.
✔ Fixed airport rates – Know your cost before you ride.
✔ No surge pricing – Your fare won’t spike during peak hours.
Uber drivers can decline rides or cancel last-minute, leaving you stranded. With Universal Taxi, you get:
✔ 24/7 guaranteed availability
✔ Professional drivers who won’t cancel
✔ A real dispatcher to assist you if needed
When you’re on a tight schedule—whether for a flight, a business meeting, or an important event—reliability matters.
Unlike Uber, where drivers can come and go as they please, Universal Taxi drivers are:
🚖 Licensed and insured
📋 Trained and background-checked
🔎 Professionally monitored for safety and service quality
4. Lack Of Driver Availability Leading To High Prices
Over the past couple years the profit for drivers in Uber went from good down to pennies. Leaving less money for the Uber driver and more profit for the company. Meanwhile taxi Chicago companies like Universal Taxi have taken the time to help boost driver profit.
When you step into a Universal Taxi, you know you’re riding with a full-time professional driver, not a part-time gig worker.
How much does a taxi in Chicago cost compared to Uber?
💰 Universal Taxi Pricing:
💡 Uber’s pricing varies widely, depending on demand, but taxis often end up being the cheaper option, especially during peak hours. Especially since the shortage of drivers in Uber. Prices have risen to help make Uber more money while leaving the drivers with pennies.
Unlike Uber, which locks you into app payments, Universal Taxi gives you more flexibility allowing for online payment or cash in person.
💳 Credit/Debit: Pay conveniently with a card.
💵 Cash: Always accepted for traditional taxi riders.
📜 Corporate Accounts: Businesses can set up billing accounts for easy expense tracking.
💡 Tipping: Standard taxi etiquette suggests a 15-20% tip for good service—just like Uber, except you control how you pay.
For visitors and locals alike, taxis remain the most dependable way to navigate Chicago. Universal Taxi outperforms Uber in pricing, reliability, and professionalism.
🚖 Choose Universal Taxi for predictable rates and professional drivers.
📲 Skip Uber’s surge pricing and driver cancellations.
📍 Book in advance for peace of mind.
With Universal Taxi, you’re in control of your ride. Next time you need a taxi in Chicago, make the smart choice—book a Universal Taxi and travel stress-free.
For my full list of the “Top 5 Taxi Chicago Companies” Click Here
With so many reasons to choose Universal Taxi over Uber, why take the risk? Call, book online, or use the app today. Your cheap taxi transportation is waiting. 🚖
