Easy Tips to Call a Taxi in Geelong Anytime

Last weekend, I found myself stranded after a dinner that ran late in central Geelong. The buses had stopped running, and I was kicking myself for not planning ahead. After scrambling a bit and calling a few friends (who were all asleep!), I finally managed to get a taxi home. That experience made me realize how many locals and visitors might not know the ins and outs of getting a taxi in our lovely coastal city.

Geelong might not be Melbourne, but you'd be surprised at how reliable the taxi services can be here if you know what you're doing. Nestled on the beautiful Corio Bay about an hour from Melbourne, our growing city has several options when you need a ride.

Know Your Local Numbers

I've saved myself countless headaches by keeping a few key Geelong taxi numbers in my phone. Their dispatchers know the area well and can usually get someone to you fairly quickly, even during busier times.

Then there's Geelong Taxi at 03 5218 5935, which I've found particularly reliable when heading to the outer suburbs. Having these numbers saved means you're never fumbling around trying to Google taxi companies when you're in a rush or low on battery.

Book in Advance When Possible

This might seem obvious, but it's worth emphasizing. Last month, my sister visited from Perth, and we had tickets to a show at the Geelong Arts Centre. Rather than scrambling afterward, I booked our return trip earlier that day. We walked out of the theater and straight into our waiting taxi while others were still queuing and calling.

For early morning airport runs or evening events, booking 24 hours ahead can save you significant stress. Most Geelong taxi companies allow bookings days in advance, which I've found particularly useful during busy periods like the Pako Festa or the Christmas holidays.

Taxi Ranks Are Your Friends

When I first moved to Geelong years ago, I didn't realize how convenient the designated taxi ranks could be. The main ones in the city center are lifesavers, especially on weekend nights. You'll find reliable ranks outside Westfield Geelong on Malop Street, near the train station, and along the waterfront.

I've found the rank near Little Malop Street particularly handy after dinner in one of the restaurants there. During daytime hours, I rarely wait more than 5-10 minutes, though Friday and Saturday nights can stretch to 15-20 minutes during peak times.

Consider Alternative Pickup Locations

Here's a trick I've learned from living here for years: if you're in a busy area like the waterfront on a summer weekend, walking just two blocks inland can cut your wait time dramatically. The drivers appreciate not having to navigate the congested tourist spots, and you'll likely get picked up faster.

Last Australia Day, while everyone was waiting for taxis at Eastern Beach, I walked up to Ryrie Street and had a cab within minutes. Sometimes a five-minute walk can save you a twenty-minute wait.

Cash or Card?

Most Geelong taxis now accept cards, but I've been caught out before when the payment system was down. I try to carry at least enough cash to cover a typical ride home. It's also worth noting that some drivers prefer cash for shorter trips, though they won't refuse card payments.

Late Night Tips

Finding a taxi after midnight on weekends used to be my biggest challenge until I figured out some workarounds. If you're leaving a venue late, ask the staff if they have a preferred taxi service they call for patrons. Many restaurants and bars in Geelong have relationships with specific drivers.

I've also found that being specific about your exact location helps tremendously for late pickups. Rather than just saying "Moorabool Street," I'll specify "outside The Carlton Hotel on Moorabool Street, standing under the green awning." This precision has saved me from playing phone tag with confused drivers more times than I can count.

Getting around Geelong doesn't have to be complicated, even without your own vehicle. With these straightforward approaches, you'll be navigating our beautiful city with ease, day or night. The next time you need a ride, remember these tips—they might just save your evening as they've saved mine many times before.