Car Rental or Taxi? Which is better?
When you travel, a world of experiences is there for the taking. If you are on holidays or taking an extended travel adventure it is the journey, not the destination that can often be the most fun.
When you travel, a world of experiences is there for the taking. If you are on holidays or taking an extended travel adventure it is the journey, not the destination that can often be the most fun. If you are travelling for business, then it is often about trying to fit too much into one day. Different types of travellers have different needs. Some prefer the freedom of having a rental car at their disposal while others prefer to hire a taxi during the course of their journey.
What to do?
Hailing a taxi spares you from the stress of driving a car, particularly in a city you are not familiar with. Driving in peak hour in a strange city is usually not fun. There is also the big plus of not having to worry about parking. In some cities, taxi travel is cheap and a much more convenient option, particularly if you are just there for a couple of days. Some cities on the other hand, the cost of the taxi from the airport to your hotel is more than you would pay for a rental car for the day. In Melbourne for example, a taxi fare from the Airport to the city costs around $55 AUD including your tolls. This is still good value if you are just going into town for a couple of meetings and do not need a car during the day.
Renting a car, on the other hand, gives you the freedom to travel wherever and whenever you like. There is no waiting around for a taxi to arrive which can be a very long time in peak periods. You also get the benefit of having somewhere to store luggage instead of dragging it with you everywhere you go. If you find yourself with a few hours to spare, then having a rental car allows you to explore some places a bit further afield that you may not see if you are on foot and relying on taxis or public transport.
When it comes to cost, rental cars can be a cheaper option if you have a few places to travel in a short time. Using our previous example, a return trip from the airport to the city in Melbourne is around $110. If you use a taxi during the day, then the amount spent can easily reach $200. A one day rental from an independent car rental company will cost a lot less. Of course, if you have to pay for parking or if you get a parking fine, then a rental car may not be that cheap.
How to book?
Just like rental cars, taxis can also be pre-booked. Both Taxis and rental cars can easily be booked using a phone, computer, or a mobile. Finding a taxi or a rental car agency is not difficult in Melbourne. There are several taxi ranks in every major location of the city. Most of the taxi service providers provide home pickup services too.
There are also many rental cars provider in Melbourne. Most of them can be contacted or booked without visiting them physically. However, you will need a valid credit card and deposit a security amount before starting the journey.
Conclusion:
There is no right or wrong answer here. Taxis are convenient if you are just in Melbourne for business and do not need a car during the day or if you do not want the stress of driving. For those going to a remote place, and want complete freedom, rental cars are the best option.