Last weekend, I found myself stranded at Geelong Station after missing the last bus home. What followed was a crash course in navigating the local taxi scene – something I wish I'd known before the rain started pouring! After that soggy adventure (and several more successful taxi trips since), I thought I'd share what I've learned about booking taxis in Geelong.
When You Need a Taxi in Geelong
Geelong might not be Melbourne, but getting a taxi here isn't as straightforward as you might think. Whether you're a local whose car suddenly decided to give up the ghost, a tourist exploring our waterfront, or someone who enjoyed a few too many craft beers at Little Creatures Brewery, knowing how to grab a taxi can save your day.
The Main Players in Town
From personal experience, Geelong Taxi dominates the local scene. They've been around forever – my dad used to call them back when phones still had cords. Their fleet of yellow cabs is usually my go-to when I need a reliable ride.
Bay City Cabs is another solid option. I've found their drivers tend to know the backstreets and shortcuts better than some GPS systems, which can be a lifesaver during busy periods or when there's roadwork along the waterfront (which seems to be always these days).
Booking Methods That Actually Work
Phone Calls: Still King
Despite living in the digital age, I've discovered that calling directly still gets the fastest response in Geelong.
Last Christmas Eve, when every service was swamped, I called rather than used an app and managed to get home while my app-devoted friends were still waiting for their ride to be confirmed.
Taxi Ranks: Know Where They Are
The main taxi ranks that have saved me multiple times are:
- Geelong Station (always bustling with taxis)
- Moorabool Street (outside Market Square)
- Malop Street (near the hospital)
- Westfield Geelong (near the food court exit)
The station rank is particularly reliable – I've never waited more than 10 minutes, even during off-peak hours.
Website Bookings: Plan Ahead
Both major companies offer online booking through their websites. I prefer this method when planning airport transfers to Melbourne, as it gives me peace of mind knowing the taxi is scheduled. Last month, I booked my 5 AM airport pickup the night before, and the driver arrived five minutes early – a pleasant surprise for that ungodly hour.
Pricing and Payment: What to Expect
Taxi fares in Geelong follow standard metering, but here's what my experience has taught me: A trip from the city center to the northern suburbs typically costs between $20-30, depending on traffic. Heading to the Bellarine Peninsula? Budget around $50-70.
Most taxis accept cards now, but I've been caught out before when the machine was "broken." I make a habit of asking about payment methods before starting my journey and always keep some cash as backup. Trust me, the awkward silence of realizing you can't pay for your ride is something you want to avoid.
Local Tips From Someone Who's Been There
After missing multiple taxis (and once accidentally taking someone else's), I've picked up a few tricks:
- Friday and Saturday nights between 10 PM-2 AM are taxi rush hour in Geelong. Plan accordingly or be prepared to wait.
- The Geelong Cup and other major events create taxi droughts. Last year's Cup day, I waited nearly an hour before giving up and calling a friend.
- If you're in South Geelong after a football match at GMHBA Stadium, walk a few blocks away from the crowds before trying to hail a taxi. This strategy has worked wonders for me while others were still queuing.
- For early morning airport transfers, book at least the day before. I learned this lesson the hard way when I tried getting a spontaneous taxi at 4 AM and ended up having to wake my brother for a ride.
Alternatives Worth Considering
On days when taxis are scarce, I've used local car services like Geelong Cabs Direct, which requires advance booking but often comes through when others can't.
Public transport in Geelong has improved over the years too. The bus network now covers most areas, and while it's not 24/7, it's worth checking the schedules if you're not in a rush.
Final Thoughts
Getting a taxi in Geelong isn't rocket science, but it does have its quirks. After four years living here without a car, I've come to appreciate the local taxi services despite their occasional frustrations. They've gotten me home safely after late nights, to important meetings when my bike got a flat, and to the airport more times than I can count.
Whether you're a local or just visiting our beautiful waterfront city, I hope these insights make your taxi experience smoother than my first fumbling attempts. And if you see someone at a taxi rank looking suspiciously prepared with the exact fare already counted out – that's probably me, still traumatized from that rainy night at the station.
What's your experience been with Geelong taxis? Any horror stories or heroic drivers who saved your day? I'd love to hear about them in the comments below.