Taxi availablity

Question

I have started to plan a trip to New Orleans for late November. We will NOT have a car, so we plan to use public transport and taxis. Please tell me easy ways to hail a cab. I do not use Uber by choice, so I'm asking about actual taxis.

Answer

New Orleans has a network of traditional taxi services, although it’s true that rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have become more common. If you prefer to use actual taxis, there are several reliable ways to find and hail them around the city, especially in the French Quarter, Central Business District, and near major hotels and attractions.

Ways to hail a taxi in New Orleans:

Street Hailing: In busy areas like the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, Canal Street, or near major hotels, you can often hail a taxi directly from the street. Look for cabs with a lit “Taxi” sign on the roof — this means they are available.
Taxi Stands: There are designated taxi stands near airports, train stations, major hotels, and some popular tourist areas. For example, Jackson Square, the French Market, and major hotels on Canal Street have taxi queues.
Phone or Online Dispatch: Many local cab companies offer phone or online dispatch. You can call ahead or schedule a pickup, which is useful if you are in a quieter area. Some reliable companies include:

Yellow Checker Cab: (504) 522-2100
Blue Cab Company: (504) 831-1111
Diamond Cab: (504) 522-1111
United Cab: (504) 523-3333

Additional tips for using taxis in New Orleans:

Always ask for an estimated fare if you’re concerned about cost. Standard metered fares apply, but some cabs may have flat rates for certain destinations like the airport.
Have cash ready, although many cabs now accept credit cards. Confirm with the driver before starting the trip.
For airport pickups (Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport), taxis are readily available outside the baggage claim area. Flat-rate fares to downtown hotels are common.
During peak tourist events, like Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest, it may be easier to call or pre-arrange a taxi rather than relying solely on street hails.

In summary, while street hailing works well in tourist-heavy areas, calling a local cab company or using taxi stands ensures a smoother and more reliable experience, especially if you are traveling with luggage, in a group, or at off-peak hours.

Taxi availablity

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