Simple guide to using taxi services in Geelong for visitors

When I first visited Geelong last summer, I found myself standing outside the train station wondering how I'd get to my accommodation. I'd done zero research on local transport options (classic me). Thankfully, figuring out the taxi situation wasn't nearly as complicated as I'd feared.

If you're planning a trip to this lovely coastal city, here's my personal take on navigating Geelong's taxi services based on what I learned during my stay. Book your Geelong taxi online 24/7 for fast, reliable, and comfortable rides anytime, anywhere.

Finding a Taxi in Geelong

Unlike Melbourne with its abundance of cabs constantly circling the CBD, Geelong has a more relaxed taxi scene. You've got several options:

Taxi Ranks - The main ranks are located at the Geelong Railway Station, Little Malop Street (near Market Square), and Westfield Geelong. I found the railway station rank particularly reliable, with cabs usually waiting for arriving trains.

Phone Bookings - During my stay, I ended up saving the Geelong Taxi number in my phone. Makes life easier, especially when you're heading back to your hotel after dinner and don't want to hunt for a cab. Just remember that during peak times (Friday/Saturday nights), you might wait a while.

Hailing on the Street - This works in busier areas like the waterfront or CBD, but it's hit or miss. I wouldn't count on this method if you're in a hurry or in quieter suburban areas.

What to Expect When Taking a Taxi

Most drivers know their way around, but having your destination address handy never hurts. The drivers I encountered were generally friendly locals who offered great tips on places to visit that weren't in my guidebook.

Fares in Geelong seemed reasonable compared to capital cities. My trip from the station to my Eastern Beach accommodation was about $15, and getting from the waterfront to the Botanic Gardens ran around $12. Prices obviously vary based on distance and time of day.

All taxis accept card payments, but some drivers clearly preferred cash. The card machine in one cab was "mysteriously broken" when I tried to pay by card late one evening, so keeping some cash handy isn't a bad idea.

Late-Night Considerations

If you're enjoying Geelong's nightlife, be aware that finding a taxi after midnight on weekends can be challenging. The wait times from the ranks in the entertainment district stretched to nearly 40 minutes one Saturday night.

I learned from chatting with a couple of locals that pre-booking your return journey is the smart move. When I tried this approach the next weekend, my taxi was waiting right when I needed it.

Beyond the City Center

If you're planning to explore the Bellarine Peninsula or venture out to nearby wineries, arranging a taxi becomes trickier. For our day trip to the Bellarine, we booked our ride the previous afternoon and confirmed again in the morning. Our driver was happy to give us his number for the return journey, which saved us potential headaches.

Most taxis can accommodate up to four passengers comfortably. When we had five in our group, we needed to request a larger vehicle specifically.

Local Knowledge Pays Off

The best tip I can offer is to chat with your driver. When we mentioned to one Geelong Taxi driver that we were heading to a winery, he suggested a fantastic detour to a lookout point that became one of the highlights of our trip. These conversations also gave us insights into which beaches to visit and which restaurants to try.