How to find the best taxi from Geelong to Melbourne

Last month, my sister flew in from Perth for a surprise visit. I live in Geelong, and we wanted to spend a day exploring Melbourne. Since neither of us fancied driving and dealing with city parking, we decided to take a taxi. What seemed like a simple decision turned into a small research project - and now I'm sharing what I learned with you.

Why Consider a Taxi Over Other Options?

The journey between Geelong and Melbourne spans about 75 kilometers, taking roughly an hour depending on traffic. While trains run this route, they don't always align with everyone's schedule. Sometimes you need door-to-door service, especially when traveling with luggage or planning to visit specific locations not well-served by public transport.

I remember years ago taking this trip with a dodgy driver who took the longest route possible, clearly trying to run up the meter. Since then, I've become more savvy about choosing the right service.

Booking in Advance vs. Hailing on the Spot

From personal experience, booking ahead is nearly always the smarter choice for this journey. When we booked our taxi through Geelong Taxi for our Melbourne adventure, we locked in a fixed price and avoided that anxious waiting game on the street.

Pre-booking also gives you time to compare rates between different companies. I've found price differences of up to $50 for the same journey just by making a few calls. Those savings bought us a lovely lunch in Melbourne!

What to Look For in a Good Service

The driver who took us to Melbourne last month, Frank, had been working the route for over 15 years. His local knowledge meant we avoided the construction delays on the West Gate Bridge that would have added 30 minutes to our journey.

When choosing your service, consider:

1. Fixed price offers - no meter surprises

2. Driver knowledge of both cities

3. Vehicle condition and comfort

4. Punctuality record

5. Payment options

I once made the mistake of assuming all taxis would take cards. After a fantastic day in Melbourne, we wound up scrambling to find an ATM at 11 PM because our return driver only accepted cash. Not the end-night experience we wanted!

The Return Journey Consideration

Something most people forget is planning the return trip. taxis from Melbourne to Geelong can be significantly more expensive than going the other direction. We learned this the hard way when our return journey cost nearly $40 more than the trip in.

Consider booking a return trip with the same company. Many offer discounts for round trips, and you'll have peace of mind knowing your ride home is sorted.

Times to Avoid (If Possible)

The journey between these two cities can vary dramatically depending on when you travel. Morning rush hour heading into Melbourne (7-9 AM) can add up to 30 minutes to your journey. Friday afternoons leaving Melbourne are particularly notorious.

We once made the mistake of trying to head back to Geelong at 5 PM on a Friday. What should have been an hour journey stretched to nearly two hours, with the meter climbing higher by the minute. Lesson learned!

Real Talk: Cost Expectations

For a standard taxi, expect to pay between $120-180 one way, depending on exact pick-up and drop-off locations, time of day, and whether you've negotiated a fixed rate. That might sound steep, but when split between passengers and considering the convenience, it often works out well.

During the spring racing carnival last year, prices jumped nearly 30% for this route. If you're traveling during major events, book extra early and expect to pay a premium.

Final Thoughts

Getting from Geelong to Melbourne by taxi offers convenience that's hard to match with other transport options. The flexibility to depart on your schedule, travel directly to your destination, and avoid parking headaches makes it worth considering.

Just remember to book ahead, compare prices, confirm payment methods, and consider your return journey. With these bases covered, your journey between these two fantastic Victorian cities should be smooth sailing.

What's your experience been with intercity taxis? Any tips I've missed? Drop a comment below - I'd love to hear your stories!