What Are Pre-Booked Transfers?
A pre-booked transfer works like a traditional ride, but with one critical difference: you book in advance and pay a fixed fare. There is no meter running, no surge pricing during busy periods, and no unpleasant surprises when you reach your destination.
Pre-booked transfers are available at airports, train stations, cruise ports, and city locations worldwide. The booking process is simple—enter your pickup and drop-off locations, choose your vehicle, and confirm. You receive driver and vehicle details before your journey.
Why Choose a Pre-Booked Transfer?
The combination of convenience with the certainty of a fixed price makes pre-booked transfers the preferred choice for millions of travellers annually.
- ✓Fixed fares agreed at booking—no meters, no surge pricing, no currency confusion
- ✓Driver assigned to your booking, waiting specifically for you
- ✓Flight monitoring at airports ensures drivers adjust for early or late arrivals
- ✓Typically cheaper than metered airport taxi ranks, especially in tourist areas
- ✓Available for one-way airport transfers, round trips, and intercity journeys
- ✓Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles with luggage space
What to Expect
Your pre-booked taxi experience is designed to be seamless from confirmation to drop-off.
- •Booking confirmation with driver name, phone number, and vehicle registration
- •Driver meets you at the agreed pickup point with a name board (airports) or at your door (hotels)
- •Clean, air-conditioned vehicle appropriate for your party size
- •Luggage assistance from pickup to drop-off
- •Direct route to your destination with no unnecessary detours
- •Payment handled online or cash option available on selected routes
Types of Pre-Booked Transfers
Economy Sedan
Standard comfort sedan for 1–3 passengers. Clean, reliable, and the most affordable per-trip option.
Comfort Sedan
Upgraded sedan with extra legroom and newer vehicle models. Ideal for slightly longer journeys.
MPV / Minivan
Multi-purpose vehicle for 4–5 passengers with room for multiple suitcases. Family-friendly option.
Premium Vehicle
Business-class vehicles (Mercedes E-Class or similar) for executive comfort.
Accessible Vehicle
Wheelchair-accessible vehicles with ramps or lifts. Book in advance to guarantee availability.
Minibus
Large vehicle for groups of 5–8 passengers. Ideal for group travel without splitting into multiple vehicles.
Key Benefits
Fixed Pricing
No meters, no surge. The price agreed at booking is the price you pay.
No Queue
Skip the airport taxi rank. Your driver is waiting specifically for you.
Driver Details
Receive your driver's name, phone, and vehicle details before travel.
Flight Tracking
Automatic adjustment for flight delays—no penalty for late arrivals.
Any Pickup Point
Airports, hotels, train stations, cruise ports, or any address.
Flexible Payment
Pay online securely or choose cash payment to the driver where available.
Popular Pre-Booked Transfer Routes
Pre-Booked Transfer Tips
Always pre-book instead of queuing at the airport—you will typically save 20–40%, especially at tourist airports.
Include your flight number in the booking for automatic flight tracking and no extra waiting charges.
If you land late at night, pre-booking guarantees a driver is waiting. Airport taxi ranks can be empty after midnight.
Keep a screenshot of your booking confirmation and the driver's phone number accessible offline.
For intercity taxi rides, confirm whether the fare includes motorway tolls—most pre-booked fares do.
Ask about return trip discounts if you need both airport pickup and drop-off during your trip.
Safety Information
Pre-booked taxi drivers are professional, licensed operators—quite different from unlicensed touts at airports. The pre-booking process itself adds a layer of traceability that street-hail taxis lack.
- 🛡️Every journey is logged with pickup/drop-off, driver ID, and vehicle registration—creating an audit trail
- 🛡️Driver photo and licence plate sent to you before travel so you can verify the correct vehicle
- 🛡️Metered taxis are anonymous; pre-booked taxis have a named, traceable driver assigned to your booking
- 🛡️Vehicles carry commercial insurance covering every passenger for the full journey
- 🛡️Many operators equip taxis with dashcams for driver and passenger accountability
- 🛡️Customer support is reachable during the journey if any issue arises—not just at the booking stage
Local Insights
At airports like Rome Fiumicino, Barcelona El Prat, and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, the difference between a metered taxi rank and a pre-booked fixed-fare taxi can be surprisingly large. Metered taxis often take longer routes, and rates spike during peak hours or at night.
In many developing-world destinations, pre-booking a taxi is not just about saving money—it is about safety. Having a verified, booked driver eliminates the risk of unlicensed operators and unpredictable pricing.
When to Book
Pre-booked taxis have wider availability than private transfers, so last-minute bookings are often possible. However, for best prices and guaranteed vehicle type, book 3–7 days before your travel date.
During bank holidays, major events, and peak travel periods, book earlier to ensure availability—especially for larger vehicles and premium options.
Choosing the Right Pre-Booked Transfer
Matching the right vehicle to your needs ensures comfort without overpaying:
- →1–2 passengers with cabin bags: Economy sedan is ideal
- →2–3 passengers with checked luggage: Comfort sedan provides extra boot space
- →Family of 4 with suitcases and pushchair: MPV / Minivan fits everyone comfortably
- →Business meeting or client pickup: Premium vehicle makes the right impression
- →Wheelchair user: Accessible vehicle with ramp—book 48 hours ahead to guarantee
- →Group of 5–8: Minibus is more economical than two separate vehicles