Taxi and Ridesharing: How to Travel More Economically Around the City
Reading time: 5 minutes
- Cost comparison: taxi vs. ridesharing
- Convenience and accessibility in Israeli realities
- Safety and comfort of the ride
- How to save: shared rides and finding travel companions
- The choice that depends on you
Cost comparison: taxi vs. ridesharing
The first and main question for most users is price. The cost of a ride in a traditional taxi in Israel usually consists of a base fare and per-kilometer charge, with higher rates applied at night, on Saturdays, and holidays. Ridesharing services, such as Uber or Gett, often offer dynamic pricing: during peak hours or high demand, the price can increase sharply. However, they also have promotions and discounts that can make rides more economical. For regular trips, such as commuting to work, it might be more beneficial to arrange with a private driver through the Services section, where you can find fixed and lower prices.
Convenience and accessibility in Israeli realities
The speed of car arrival and its availability is another critically important factor. In the centers of large cities, there are usually no problems with taxis and ridesharing, but in residential areas or during peak hours, it can be difficult to find an available car. Ridesharing apps show nearby drivers and estimated arrival time, which is very convenient. But don’t discount local taxi services that can be found through ads. Private drivers offering their services are often more flexible with routes and timing, which can be indispensable for non-standard trips.
Safety and comfort of the ride
When it comes to safety, official taxis in Israel are required to have a license, a meter, and operate according to established tariffs, which provides a certain level of control. Ridesharing drivers are vetted by the company, and the rating system allows passengers to choose the best ones. For maximum peace of mind, especially when looking for a permanent driver for the family, many prefer to find verified providers through the Services section, where you can read reviews and negotiate directly.
How to save: shared rides and finding travel companions
The most effective way to reduce transportation costs is through shared rides (carpooling). If you’re traveling the same route with other people, the cost of the trip is divided among everyone. This is especially relevant for intercity travel. You can find travel companions or offer your services as a driver by posting an ad in the appropriate section. Thanks to automatic translation into four languages on the Hand to Hand platform, your offer will be seen by Russian-speaking repatriates, Arab neighbors, and English-speaking tourists, which significantly increases the chances of finding ideal travel companions and making a beneficial deal.
The choice that depends on you
There is no definitive answer as to what is better – taxi or ridesharing. It all depends on the specific situation: urgency, route, time of day, and of course, budget. For one-time urgent trips, an app might be suitable, while for regular routes, an arrangement with a private driver might work better. The key to successful and economical city travel is flexibility and using all available tools. And remember, by posting an ad about your transportation services or searching for travel companions on a modern platform, you get a unique advantage: it instantly becomes available in Russian, Hebrew, Arabic, and English. This means you’re speaking to the entire country in one language, finding the most beneficial partners for your trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to choose between taxi and ridesharing?
The choice depends on your needs, budget, and situation. Use both options for maximum convenience.
Are there discounts on ridesharing?
Yes, many services offer promotions and discounts during certain hours.
How to find travel companions?
Post ads on specialized platforms and use translation into multiple languages to reach a wider audience.