Taxi, Train or Car? Ground Transportation for Business Travelers

Imagine you're in New York on business, and you need to get across town in 15 minutes. If you're new to the city, your first thought is probably to hop a cab. however, you might be better off taking the subway. I remember the first time I visited New York on business, and I was told to avoid the subway from numerous people. My clients recommended that I either take a taxi or hire a car to get me around town. A good friend of mine from New York set me straight, and urged me to take the subway, and I'm glad he did.

Since that initial visit, I always ask myself one simple question when traveling to a new city: should I take a taxi, train or private car to get around? The following are some pros and cons that should help you choose:

• Taxi: Taxis are a easy, convenient way to travel around a new city. Cab drivers are usually pretty well versed in the layout of a city, and can get you to your destination with little delay. On the other hand, less scrupulous cab drivers may decide to take the "scenic route" and hike up the fare, costing you more to get to that important meeting. If you choose this option, ask your hotel doorman to hook you up. Taxis are usually waiting right outside your hotel, available and ready to go.

• Train: Certain cities have very efficient public transportation options. New York, Washington, D.C., and London are some examples of cities with great transit systems. If you choose this option, simply ask your hotel concierge the location of the nearest station. The concierge should have a map of the train system, and be able to steer you in the right direction. In addition, a train ticket is very inexpensive, probably costing you approximately ten dollars to get around a city for two days. One downside of trains is that if you take the wrong one, you can end up in a part of town that you want to avoid. Also, trains can be a little riskier at night, so it's usually better to take them through the day, and around peak hours when they are more people around.

• {b}Private Car: Hiring a car to take you around is a great option from both safety and logistics. It's just you and the driver so you can worry less about unwelcome encounters. Also, the driver gets paid a flat fee for taking you to your destination so there is no chance that they will try and take you the long way. However, you pay for this level of comfort and security. Private cars are not cheap, and you can pay a premium for this service.

So the next time you travel, make the choice among taking a taxi, hopping a subway, or hiring a car. Each option has its good and less favorable points. Of course, if your hotel offers complementary shuttle service, you can combine the best of all three options. Good luck!