Miami Taxi Service

  We just returned from a week long cruise on Carnival Celebration. While the cruise itself was fantastic our trip to the airport left us in a bit of a shock. 

  When we arrive in Miami for a cruise we always fly in a day early. We try to stay at a hotel that has a airport shuttle so all we need to worry about it getting to the port in the morning. We usually just order up a Uber. It usually costs around $30 with tip. 

  When we debark the ship we have always found it easy to just walk up to the cabs that are lined up. They have had a flat rate of $27 to Miami International Airport making them about the same as a Uber. It's always been fast and easy. Although the time every light on the dashboard was on was a little concerning but we made it safely with no problems. 

  Once again as we stood in line for the cab it moved fast and soon it was our turn. A van pulled up and knowing that there was families who could maybe use the van over our party of two we asked if he wanted to waste the cab on just us. He said it was ok, we loaded up our bags and we were off. 

  Upon arrival our driver hopped on out and grabbed the bag and I waited to pay. In the past they would change the meter from the total it said, often higher to the $27. I would them slip my card in and pay. To my surprise the total was $50.17! I asked our driver about the fixed rate and he said "No flat rate! 30 percent rate!" and pointed to a sticker on the window with a 30% logo and other writing. With Lori already standing on the curb with out luggage I shook my head, paid the rate and decided I would check into this later.

  Sitting in the airport I did my research to find out that 10 days after out last visit to Miami the Board of County Commissioners revised the maximum taxi cab rates on July 19, 2022. This means all flat rate fares have been eliminated and the meter rate applies to ALL trips. They also added a 30% surcharge above the meter rate for larger vehicles. This includes sport utilities and vans. This charge does not however apply to vans that provide wheelchair services to a wheel chair bound rider. 

  Rates are $2.95 for the first 1/6 mile. $.85 for each additional 1/6 mile until one mile. Then $.55 for each 1/6 mile after that. There is also a $24 per hour wait charge but no extra charges for more passengers or luggage. 

  If you haven't cruised out of Miami in a while you might be in for a shock if you grab a cab. Our little bit of advice is from a Lift or Uber. You will save a few dollars and probably wont see all the warning lights on the dashboard.