Last weekend, my sister flew in from Perth to visit me in Geelong. As I waited at Avalon Airport, frantically checking flight trackers on my phone, I realized how much I take for granted knowing the best transport options in my hometown. When visitors come to Geelong, one of their first questions is inevitably: “What’s the best way to get around?”
After five years living here, I’ve learned a thing or two about navigating our beautiful coastal city, especially when it comes to taxis. Let me share what I’ve discovered through trial and error (and yes, some memorable late-night rides home).
When You Need a Taxi in Geelong
Geelong might not be Melbourne, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck without transport options. Taxis here are particularly useful when:
You’re heading to or from the airport (both Avalon and Melbourne) After a night out in the waterfront bars When the weather turns (those surprise southern Victorian downpours!) For appointments when parking might be a hassle
Local Knowledge Makes All the Difference
What I’ve learned is that not all taxi services are created equal. The drivers from Geelong Taxi tend to know shortcuts that GPS systems haven’t figured out yet. Last month, I was running late for a job interview near Eastern Beach, and my driver cut through some back streets I didn’t even know existed, saving me from what would have been an embarrassingly late arrival.
The Booking Experience
There are several ways to book a taxi in Geelong:
Phone bookings still work wonderfully for advance reservations Street hailing is possible in busy areas like the waterfront and mall Websites and apps for major services let you track your ride
What I appreciate about the more established services is their reliability for scheduled pickups. When I needed to catch an early morning train to Melbourne for a conference, I booked the night before and the taxi was actually waiting outside my house five minutes early.
Cost Considerations
Taxi fares in Geelong typically follow a standard meter rate, but it pays to ask about:
Fixed airport transfer rates (often cheaper than the metered fare) Multi-stop journey options if you’re collecting friends Peak vs. off-peak variations
I’ve found that a trip from central Geelong to Avalon Airport usually costs between $45-55, while shorter trips within the city might run $15-25 depending on traffic and time of day.
The Personal Touch
What makes the taxi experience in Geelong different from larger cities is the personalized service. After using the same company a few times, drivers often remember you. There’s a driver named Jim who always asks about my garden when he picks me up—he remembered me mentioning once that I was planting tomatoes!
Beyond the Basics
For the best experience, I recommend:
Booking ahead during busy periods (footy matches, festivals) Being specific about pickup locations, especially in tricky spots Keeping a couple of reliable driver numbers in your phone
When my parents visited last Christmas, we had dinner at a restaurant on the waterfront. The place was packed due to holiday celebrations, and finding a taxi afterward looked impossible. Thankfully, I had saved the number of a reliable driver who came to our rescue within 15 minutes.
The Verdict
Finding the best taxi service in Geelong comes down to reliability, local knowledge, and consistent service. While there are several options available, I’ve had the most consistent experiences with established companies that train their drivers well and maintain their vehicles properly.
:
https://au.pinterest.com/geelongtaxi_/