Header IMage of universal taxi company
Header IMage of universal taxi company

Top Rated Taxi Services Near Me

Chicago's Guide To Why taxi in chicago is the number one way to get around
Top Rated Taxi Services Near me

Keep Up To Date With All Things Chicago

Subscribe now for all things chicago.

Top Rated Taxi Services Near Me: Chicago’s 5 Best Transportation Options

Finding a reliable Chicago taxi service can be a headache in itself. In the days of rideshare and uber being overpriced taxi companies are having a resurgence across Chicagoland area. If you’re searching online for the top rated taxi services near me in Chicago or Chicago Suburbs I am here to guide you and highlight my five standout cab companies that I think offer the best price, reliability, experience and drivers

I ranked all of the taxi companies on:

  • Service Reliability
  • Customer Reviews
  • Driver Professionalism
  • Vehicle Quality
  • Overall Value

If you are catching a flight at O’Hare Airport, traveling to work, or trying to explore the downtown area. I think these companies do it the best.


1. Universal Taxi: Chicago and Chicago Suburban Taxi Company

Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Why Universal Taxi Made It To Number 1 On My List

Having been open for over 40 years they are a staple in the Chicagoland area their reviews show that they are known for dependable pickups, very sincere drivers and up to date newer vehicles. Having taken them myself I can tell you the ride I took from Aurora To O’Hare was by far the cheapest taxi service I have had. Beating the other competitors on this list by at least $8.00. The driver was also very knowledgeable of the city and routes to the airport. You would be surprised at the other companies who did not make this list. As many of their drivers were not very knowledgeable of the city or suburban routes.

  • Fleet and Services
    • Clean Vehicle and Tinted Windows For Seclusion
    • Vehicles Drove Well, No Mechanical Issues.
  • Customer Highlights
    • Timeliness: My Driver Arrived 10 Minutes Before My Reservation. As well as providing immediate service this is very rare!
    • Drivers: Courteous, Timely Arrival, Change on hand, Helpful
    • Transparent Pricing: Flat Rate Pricing To The Airport!
    • Website: Up To Date website with online booking and mobile application that is on par with Uber

This is a review that a fellow traveler left for them. “Universal Taxi has never let me down when I need to reach O’Hare on time. Their drivers know the roads inside out, so I’ve never had a missed flight.”

  • Tech Integration
    • Drivers are equipped with tablets with up to date driver application
    • Comfortability of a long running company with up to date technology rivaling their rideshare competitors
  • Areas Served
    • Chicago, including suburbs, Kane, Lake, Cook , DuPage County
    • Major transportation hubs and airports (O’Hare, Midway, Union Station)

Universal Taxi Provided Above And Beyond What I Was Expecting From A Modern Day Cab Company. If You Are Looking For A Top Rated Taxi Service. I would highly recommend Universal Taxi

Universal Taxi Dispatch Cell: (630) 617-5400

Open Graph

2. Niles Flash Cab: Reliable Suburban Chicago Service

Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Strengths and Service Quality

Niles Flash Cab has been known as the go-to taxi company in the northern suburbs of Chicago as well as downtown Chicago. Sometimes also known as Flash Cab Chicago. They have been around for about 50 years so they have a long standing Chicago history and a well known local company.

  • What Customers Love
    • Suburban Expertise: Drivers that work their have been at this company for a long time and are experienced drivers.
    • Consistent Availability: 24/7 service like the other companies on this list.
    • Airport Specialists: Dispatchers are polite and know the airport especially well. Tracking flights and taking down your information.
    • Competitive Pricing: About neck and neck with the other companies on this list and well below other companies in the area. You can find a full list of their rates here.

A fellow traveler posted this review of them, “They’ve been my weekly ride to O’Hare for years. Always punctual, always polite, and ready to work around last-minute changes.”

  • Fleet Overview
    • Clean Traditional Black Taxi, up to date and very well maintained
    • Updated, fuel-efficient models reflecting eco-friendly practices
  • Booking Options
    • Mobile app for those who like quick digital reservations
    • Call the number and get a human operator on phone
  • Coverage
    • Northern suburbs (Niles, Skokie, Des Plaines, Park Ridge, and more)
    • Regular service to downtown Chicago and both major airports

If you are in the northern suburbs of Chicago and need a “top rated taxi services near me,” Niles Flash Cab provides a perfect blend of suburban know-how and reliability coupled with a old school but overall up to date feel.

Cons: Wish they had the ability to take checks for older clientele but I understand why they do not accept such forms of payment

Niles Flash Cab Cellphone: (847) 647-8777


3. ZIP Transportation: An Innovative Approach

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Standing Out with Modern Upgrades

Zip Transportation is a southern Chicago suburb taxi company that I find both reliable and had a very personable touch with me. Made me feel that I knew them personally. Along with that the company was on par with Universal Taxi and Niles Flash Cab as far as technology went.

  • Key Highlights
    • Fixed Rate Zones: Zone-based pricing removes ambiguity around fares
    • Corporate Accounts: Service options specified toward business travelers
    • Advanced Booking Platform: Booking possible through a mobile app.
    • Driver Quality: Drivers were as well very polite.

A fellow reviewer online had this to say about them “ZIP’s fixed rates and professional drivers make travel around Chicago stress-free. It’s my top company if your in the southern Chicago suburbs .”

  • Vehicle Fleet
    • Some newer models some older model vehicles
    • Hybrid vehicles but some were a bit dated but were very clean
  • Service Specialties
    • Business District Transportation: Very cheap rates going to downtown Chicago
    • Convention & Event Transit: Had regular flat rates going to anywhere in the Chicago loop which made the headache of worrying about a meter non existent
    • Hotel Partnerships: Have a lot of partnerships with hotels which is a positive
  • Availability
    • 24/7 coverage across Chicagoland
    • Strong focus on immediate bookings. Can get a cab within 10-20 minutes.

Able to bridge the gap between old school cab company and the new tech of today is a struggle but zip transportation has that down. You will have no hassle if you are looking for a “top rated taxi services near me

Zip Transportation Cellphone: (708) 499-3333


4. First Call Cab: Dependable Local Service

Overall Rating: 4.3/5

Personalized, Community-Oriented Rides

First Call Cab is the definition of local company that has been around a long time and knows all their customers when they see them. They are another southern suburban Chicago top rated taxi service.

  • What Sets Them Apart
    • Local Expertise: Drivers extremely knowledgeable of the roads
    • Personalized Experience: Customers often note that drivers remember you.
    • Flexible Options: Will accommodate multiple stop trips along with wait times.
    • Budget-Friendly Rates: Great value for local errands and short trips

A google reviewer had this to say “For my grocery runs, First Call Cab drivers help with my bags and know exactly which entrance works best at my building. That personalized service keeps me coming back.”

  • Fleet Profile
    • Primarily standard sedans, couple of larger vehicles available by request only.
    • Cars are newer but can be limited on minivan availability
  • Service Areas
    • Western neighborhoods of Chicago (Oak Park, Berwyn, Cicero, and other southern cities)
    • Regular flat rate rides to downtown Chicago
  • Booking Methods
    • Phone dispatch for a friendly, human connection
    • Call to place an order

For daily errands or local commutes, First Call Cab’s consistency and personal touch can be the perfect answer when you need a trusted taxi near you in western Chicago.


5. McNamara Cab: Upholding Traditional Service Values

Overall Rating: 4.1/5

Old-School Reliability with Community Roots

McNamara Cab remains a favorite among many Chicago residents who appreciate traditional values and familiarity of having familiar drivers.

  • Hallmarks of McNamara Cab
    • Experienced Drivers: Many have decades behind the wheel, leading to drivers who understand the city extensively
    • Standard Metered Rates: No surge pricing on any charges you have
    • Neighborhood Availability: Strong presence in areas often overlooked by rideshare apps
    • Airport Transportation Expertise: Reliable pickups and drop-offs for both O’Hare and Midway

A fellow google reviewer, “My driver has been navigating Chicago for over 20 years. He always finds the smoothest route, no matter the time or weather.”

  • Vehicle Fleet
    • Primarily newer vehicles with traditional decaling
    • Consistent maintenance; Vehicles are newer not brand new but well maintained
  • Key Neighborhoods
    • South Side of Chicago (Hyde Park, Kenwood, Woodlawn, etc.)
    • Southern suburbs (Evergreen Park, Oak Lawn)
    • Regular service to downtown and major airports
  • Booking System
    • Traditional phone dispatch remains the core
    • A basic online booking system

If you crave the dependability of seasoned drivers and established meter-based fares McNamara is your go to taxi company


How to Choose the Right Taxi Service

While all of these companies rank among the top rated taxi services near me in the Chicago area, the best fit depends on your needs:

  • Airport Transit: Universal Taxi and Niles Flash Cab consistently excel at airport pickups and drop offs because of their low rates
  • Business Travel: ZIP Transportation offers tailored solutions for professionals. Including fixed rates for regular customers
  • Neighborhood Expertise: First Call Cab and McNamara Cab both shine in local routes. Thanks to their drivers long term employments.
  • Suburban vs. City Travel: Niles Flash Cab leads in northern suburbs, while Universal focuses on western neighborhoods and McNamara and First Call as well as Zip Transportation focus on southern regions.

Conclusion: Reliable Rides Across the Windy City

When looking for top rated taxi services near me in Chicago, you’ll discover there’s no shortage of options to have. Whether you technology advanced solution, a traditional cab with a seasoned driver, or dependable 24/7 service to the airport, these five standout taxi services cover the full spectrum of what Chicagoland travelers expect.

Stay mindful of location, vehicle needs, and preferred booking methods to zero in on the service that fits your lifestyle. Stay assured that each company on this list has proven its value and reliability in one of America’s busiest transportation hubs. Ensuring you can get where you need to go in a timely manner.

Meet The Author

Max Sterling

Max Sterling is the Content Marketing Manager at UNV Dispatch. He is passionate about using content to educate, entertain, and of course, help the public know what is going on in the transportation world