Stuttgart

1. Taxis in Stuttgart

Taxis are a reliable and widely available mode of transportation in Stuttgart. They are regulated, ensuring safety and fair pricing.

How to Book a Taxi

• Taxi Stands: Taxis can be found at designated taxi stands, especially near major transportation hubs like Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof (main train station), Stuttgart Airport, and popular tourist areas.
• Hailing on the Street: You can hail a taxi on the street if the light on top of the taxi is illuminated, indicating it is available.
• Phone Booking: You can call a taxi service directly. Some popular taxi companies in Stuttgart include:
  • Taxi-Auto-Zentrale Stuttgart: +49 711 55 10 000
  • Taxi Stuttgart eG: +49 711 55 00 000
• Mobile Apps: Many taxi companies in Stuttgart have apps for booking, such as:
  • Taxi.eu: A popular app for booking taxis across Europe, including Stuttgart.
  • mytaxi (now Free Now): A widely used app for booking taxis in Germany.

Average Costs

Taxi fares in Stuttgart are regulated, and the cost is calculated using a meter. The approximate costs are:

• Base Fare: €3.50–€4.00
• Per Kilometer: €2.00–€2.50 for the first few kilometers, then around €1.50–€2.00 for additional kilometers.
• Waiting Time: Around €30 per hour (charged per minute).
• Airport to City Center: A taxi ride from Stuttgart Airport to the city center costs approximately €35–€50, depending on traffic and time of day.

Payment Methods

• Cash: Cash is widely accepted, and it’s a good idea to carry small denominations.
• Card Payments: Most taxis accept credit and debit cards, but it’s best to confirm with the driver before starting your journey.
• Mobile Payments: Some taxis accept mobile payment options like Apple Pay or Google Pay, especially if booked through apps like Free Now.

Availability

• Taxis are generally available 24/7, but during peak hours, weekends, or major events, there may be a longer wait time.
• Pre-booking is recommended for early morning or late-night rides.

Cultural Norms and Tips

• Tipping: It is customary to tip taxi drivers in Germany. A tip of 5–10% of the fare or rounding up to the nearest euro is standard.
• Politeness: Greet the driver with a friendly “Guten Tag” (Good day) and thank them with “Danke” (Thank you) at the end of the ride.
• Seatbelt: Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory for all passengers.
• Child Seats: If traveling with children, inform the taxi company in advance to ensure a child seat is available.

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2. Ridesharing in Stuttgart

Ridesharing services are also available in Stuttgart, offering a convenient and often more affordable alternative to traditional taxis.

Popular Ridesharing Services

• Uber: Uber operates in Stuttgart, but it is not as widespread as in some other cities. Availability may vary, and rides are often provided by licensed taxi drivers due to German regulations.
• Free Now: Formerly known as mytaxi, Free Now allows you to book both taxis and private rides through its app.
• BlaBlaCar: While primarily a long-distance carpooling service, BlaBlaCar can be an option for intercity travel to and from Stuttgart.

How to Book a Rideshare

• Mobile Apps: Download the app (e.g., Uber, Free Now) on your smartphone, create an account, and enter your pickup and drop-off locations.
• Real-Time Tracking: Most apps allow you to track your driver in real time and provide an estimated arrival time.

Average Costs

Ridesharing prices vary depending on the service, time of day, and demand. In general:

• Short Rides (within the city): €10–€20
• Airport to City Center: €25–€40
• Surge Pricing: During peak hours or high demand, prices may increase significantly.

Payment Methods

• Payments are made directly through the app using a credit or debit card. Some apps also support PayPal or other digital wallets.
• Tipping is optional but appreciated and can be done through the app.

Availability

• Ridesharing services are generally available throughout Stuttgart, but availability may be limited in suburban or rural areas.
• During major events or festivals, ridesharing services may experience higher demand and longer wait times.

Cultural Norms and Tips

• Politeness: Greet your driver and thank them at the end of the ride.
• Cleanliness: Keep the vehicle clean and avoid eating or drinking during the ride.
• Ratings: Leave a fair rating for your driver after the trip.

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3. Local Considerations

• Language: Most taxi drivers and rideshare drivers in Stuttgart speak at least basic English, but knowing a few German phrases can be helpful.
• Traffic: Stuttgart can experience heavy traffic during rush hours (7:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:00 PM). Plan your trips accordingly.
• Public Transportation: Stuttgart has an excellent public transportation system (S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses) that is often more affordable than taxis or rideshares. Consider using it for longer journeys or during peak traffic times.

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4. Summary of Key Apps

Here’s a quick list of apps to download for taxis and ridesharing in Stuttgart:

• Free Now: For booking taxis and private rides.
• Uber: For ridesharing services.
• Taxi.eu: For traditional taxi bookings.
• BlaBlaCar: For intercity carpooling.

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5. Final Tips

• Always check the fare estimate before confirming a ride, especially for ridesharing services.
• If you’re traveling late at night or to less accessible areas, pre-booking a taxi or rideshare is highly recommended.
• Keep emergency contact numbers handy, and if you ever feel unsafe, you can contact the local police by dialing 110.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to use taxis and ridesharing services in Stuttgart efficiently and comfortably. Safe travels!