Chicago's Guide To Why taxi in chicago is the number one way to get around
by Max Sterling
March 11th, 2025
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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!
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
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
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
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”
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
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