How to Book Airport Transfers: GetTransfer vs Kiwitaxi vs Taxi

*Affiliate disclosure: this guide contains affiliate links, including to Aviasales and Hotels.com. Booking through them may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.*

Arriving in a new city after a long flight and trying to figure out transport is stressful. Pre-booking your airport transfer solves this completely.

Why Pre-Book an Airport Transfer?

Fixed price: No meter surprises or surge pricing. You know the cost before you travel.

Meet & Greet: Your driver waits in the arrivals hall with your name on a sign.

No language barrier: All details are communicated in advance.

Available 24/7: Works perfectly for early morning or late-night arrivals.

GetTransfer

GetTransfer is our top pick for premium transfers. Drivers bid for your journey, so you get competitive pricing with professional, vetted drivers. Best for cities where reliable taxis are hard to find.

Kiwitaxi

Kiwitaxi specializes in airport transfers with a huge network of destinations. Fixed prices, English-speaking drivers, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before travel.

When to Just Take a Local Taxi or Uber

In cities like New York, London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Singapore — local transport infrastructure is excellent and often cheaper. The AirTrain in NYC, the tube from Heathrow, and Amsterdam's Schiphol train are all excellent.

Pre-book transfers when traveling to: less familiar destinations, multiple cities, or when arriving very late at night.

Price Comparison: Transfer vs Taxi vs Public Transport

What to Check Before Booking a Transfer

Meet-and-greet vs curbside pickup. Confirm whether the driver waits inside arrivals with a name sign or expects you at a curb pickup point — this matters most after a long flight when you're not sure of the terminal layout.

Flight tracking. Reputable transfer providers track your flight number and adjust pickup time automatically for delays, so you're not charged a no-show fee if your flight lands late.

Cancellation window. Look for free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup in case your plans change.

Vehicle size for group travel. If traveling with 4+ people or extra luggage, confirm the vehicle class before booking — standard sedans typically fit 2-3 passengers with luggage comfortably.

Bottom Line

Pre-booking pays off most in unfamiliar cities, on late-night arrivals, or when traveling with a group and heavy luggage. In cities with excellent rail links to the airport, public transport usually remains the cheapest option — reserve pre-booked transfers for situations where certainty and convenience matter more than shaving off the last few dollars. If you're still finalizing your trip, search flights on Aviasales and compare hotel rates on Hotels.com before locking in your transfer, since your arrival terminal and hotel location both affect which transfer option makes sense.