Long-distance taxi: How to order a taxi for a long distance?
- Damian Brzeski
- Sep 10
- 13 min read
Traveling across Poland on longer routes is changing, and the best proof of this is the growing popularity of intercity taxis.
This modern way of traveling is a great alternative to traditional modes of transportation like trains and buses. Why? Because it offers a unique combination of comfort, predictable costs, and complete personalization.
This service goes far beyond the typical taxi ride, meeting the needs of business travelers, families with children, and organized groups. In short, it redefines what convenient intercity travel can be.
What is an intercity taxi and how does it work?
Simply put, an intercity taxi is a specialized transport service that focuses on long-distance journeys, connecting different cities and regions.
Unlike city taxis, which mainly operate within a single metropolitan area, intercity transfer companies are fully optimized for long routes.
They operate based on advance booking – you order a ride on a specific route, on a selected date, and immediately find out its final, fixed price.
The principle behind it is simple and puts your convenience first. Typically, it all starts with an order online, via a mobile app, or by phone.
You provide the pickup location and destination address, and the system or dispatcher immediately shows you the total cost.
After acceptance, at the agreed time, a driver arrives with a car tailored to your needs – from a standard sedan, through a luxury limousine, to a spacious van.
The key to the success of this service is flexibility , which allows you to choose the exact departure time and even plan stops along the way, and personalization , thanks to which you can customize the vehicle and order additional amenities, such as a child seat.
Differences between city and intercity taxis
While both involve passenger transportation, the differences in operation, pricing, and service range are so fundamental that we're talking about two completely different worlds. Understanding these nuances will help you make informed choices about the best option for your long-distance journey.
The most important difference lies in the pricing. City taxis use a meter that charges for kilometers traveled and waiting time, and rates vary depending on the time of day and zone. This creates uncertainty about the final bill, which can be unpleasantly surprised by traffic jams and detours.
Now consider an intercity taxi – here, a fixed flat rate prevails, and you know the exact price before you even get in the car. This flat rate eliminates the financial risk associated with unexpected events on the road and gives you complete control over your budget.
Another issue is the operating zone . Regular taxis are licensed for a specific city. Traveling outside of that city limits means incurring a much more expensive out-of-town fare (known as 3 and 4), which can be up to twice the standard rate. Furthermore, a driver from the city, making a trip to another town, will often add the cost of returning empty, as the chances of catching a passenger on the return trip are practically zero.
Intercity companies have a business model designed for long-distance routes, so their overall offering is often much more competitive. Savings can reach up to 50% compared to a metered taxi ride on the same route.
Last but not least, the difference is the standard of the vehicles. Fleets of companies specializing in intercity transfers are simply better equipped for long journeys – they offer greater comfort, more space, and better amenities than the average city taxi.
Characteristic | City Taxi | Intercity Taxi |
Pricing Model | Taximeter (fee per km + time), variable tariffs (day/night) | Flat rate (fixed price per route), known in advance, regardless of the time of day |
Action Zone | Limited to the city/zone; travel outside the zone at an expensive rate | Nationwide and international routes; prices optimized for long distances |
Cost of the Long Route | High, often includes the cost of the driver's return | Competitive, often much lower than in a city taxi |
Order Process | Mainly on the fly (phone, app, stop) | Mostly advance booking (online, phone) |
Vehicle Standard | Varied, from economy cars to standard ones | Usually higher, comfortable vehicles, adapted to long journeys |
When is it worth choosing a specialized intercity taxi instead of a regular one?
The decision to choose a specialized intercity carrier is useful in many life situations where it is not only the arrival at the destination that counts, but also the quality of the entire journey.
Business travel: When your time is at a premium and your journey needs to be productive, a long-distance taxi provides a quiet and comfortable environment, ideal for working, conducting conversations, or preparing for a meeting.
Airport Transfers : Traveling with heavy luggage, at an unusual time, or with the whole family? This service makes it completely stress-free. You avoid transfers on public transport, and your driver often monitors your flight status to ensure you arrive on time.
Family travel: The ability to book a larger car (van or bus), order child seats and flexibility in planning stops are amenities that cannot be overestimated.
No own vehicle: If you don't have a car or a driving license, this is a simple and convenient alternative to the complicated logistics of trains and buses.
When cost predictability matters: For both private and business travel, knowing the final price in advance allows you to precisely plan your budget without surprises.
It's not worth making a decision based solely on perspective. The true value of a service comes to light when you consider the total cost and effort.
Yes, the train might be cheaper for one person. But consider a family of four traveling to the airport: the sum of ticket prices, the cost of getting to the station and then from the station to the terminal, plus the effort of lugging luggage... Suddenly, a fixed price for door-to-door travel is competitive not only in terms of convenience but often also financially.
Models and forms of travel implementation
The dynamic growth of the intercity taxi market has led to the development of certain standards that prioritize passenger comfort and convenience. From door-to-door pickup to airport transfers, everything is designed to simplify your journey.
Door-to-door service as a standard of comfort
The door-to-door model is currently the gold standard in this industry. How does it work? The driver picks you up from your designated address and takes you directly to your destination.
This eliminates the so-called "first and last mile" problem , i.e. your independent struggle to get to the station and then from the station to your destination.
This is a huge convenience, especially for those with large luggage, small children, seniors, or those with limited mobility. This service guarantees a smooth journey without any transfers, which is a key advantage over public transport.
Airport transfers as part of an intercity taxi service
Airport transfers are one of the most popular market segments. These services include transfers to all key Polish airports, such as Warsaw Chopin (WAW), Warsaw Modlin (WMI), Kraków Balice (KRK), Katowice Pyrzowice (KTW), and Gdańsk Rębiechowo (GDN).
Carriers offer comprehensive services, which often include flight monitoring by the driver , which guarantees that he will be there even if the plane is delayed.
The "meet & greet" service is also becoming standard, with a driver waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a sign with your name , ready to help you with your luggage and take you straight to the car.
Route | Estimated Price (PLN) |
Warsaw City Center ↔ Chopin Airport | 39 - 250 |
Warsaw City Center ↔ Modlin Airport | 99 - 350 |
Krakow City Center ↔ Balice Airport | 89 - 149 |
Katowice City Center ↔ Pyrzowice Airport | 189 - 299 |
Prices are indicative and depend on the carrier and vehicle class.
Transfers abroad and to airports outside Poland
The growing mobility of Poles has meant that carriers' offers have naturally expanded to include international transfers.
Flights to German airports, with Berlin Brandenburg (BER) at the forefront, are particularly popular, especially among residents of western Poland.
These services also include direct connections to cities such as Prague and Vienna, and even longer routes to the Netherlands and Belgium.
The main advantage? You travel the entire trip in one comfortable car, without having to transfer at the border or change modes of transport, which significantly saves time and stress.
Route | Estimated Price |
Szczecin ↔ Berlin Airport (BER) | 550 - 600 PLN |
Krakow ↔ Prague | 1600 - 1650 PLN |
Poznań ↔ Berlin | 1100 - 1250 PLN |
Poland ↔ Germany (Door-to-Door) | 550 PLN / 130 € |
Prices are approximate.
Specialized and customized transportation services
You can tell a mature intercity taxi market is capable of meeting even more niche, yet crucial, needs. Companies are increasingly offering tailor-made services that go beyond simply transporting people from point A to point B.
Transport of disabled people and seniors
One of the most important specialized services is transport dedicated to people with limited mobility.
Such companies have vehicles adapted to the needs of wheelchair users, equipped with lifts or special ramps.
The service is comprehensive and often includes assistance from a qualified driver in overcoming barriers, for example using a stair climber.
The goal is to ensure a safe and comfortable journey from door to door, or even from bed to bed, which is crucial in the case of medical transport.
This offer enables seniors and people with disabilities to actively participate in life, travel to family events or trips to sanatoriums.
Transport of organized groups and tours
Intercity taxis are also an ideal solution for organized groups . Their fleets include spacious minivans for larger families, as well as buses and coaches that can accommodate a dozen or even several dozen people.
From an economic perspective, renting a single, larger vehicle is often much more cost-effective than booking several passenger cars. These services are ideal for corporate trips, conferences, weddings, pilgrimages, and tourist excursions.
You can also rent a vehicle with a driver for a full day or even a multi-day trip, giving your group complete flexibility.
Transfers to events and holiday resorts
The convenience of intercity transport is increasingly appreciated in the context of recreational travel.
This service is perfect for traveling to concerts, festivals, or sporting events in other cities – carriers often offer packages that include transportation, waiting for the event to end, and a safe return.
Equally popular are routes to well-known resorts, both seaside ones such as Świnoujście or Kołobrzeg, and mountain resorts, with Zakopane at the forefront.
This form of travel allows you to avoid crowds on trains, take much more luggage and hit the road at the perfect time.
Premium services and VIP transportation
If you look at the intercity transport market, you will quickly notice a clear divide.
In addition to purely practical transport, which is a comfortable alternative to the train, the premium transport segment is developing dynamically.
These services, aimed at the most demanding customers, easily compete with business class travel and the comfort of a private chauffeur.
VIP transport and private chauffeur for long distances
The VIP transport segment is based on three pillars: discretion, punctuality and impeccable service .
In this model, the driver is much more than just a driver – he's a professional chauffeur, experienced in the highest standards of customer service. This service is dedicated to executives, public figures, and anyone who simply values luxury and privacy.
The car becomes a mobile office or relaxation zone, allowing you to use your time effectively while traveling. Carriers offer complete flexibility, providing individually planned domestic and international journeys.
Vehicle classes available in intercity taxis
The variety of available vehicles perfectly reflects the market segmentation. This allows companies to precisely tailor their offerings to the needs and budgets of every customer – from budget-conscious families to CEOs of large corporations.
Fleets are usually clearly divided into categories, so you can choose the standard of your trip wisely.
Vehicle Class | Sample Models | Max Number of Passengers | Main Application |
Economy/Standard | Skoda Superb, Toyota Corolla, Fiat Tipo | 3-4 | Standard intercity journeys, airport transfers |
Premium/Business | Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Lexus | 3 | Business trips, VIP transport, business customer service |
Mercedes V-Class, VW Caddy Maxi, Toyota Proace | 6-8 | Family trips, small groups, transport with large amounts of luggage | |
Bus | Mercedes Sprinter, Iveco Daily | up to 20 | Transport for organized groups, tour and event management |
Additional amenities for passengers
To meet the individual needs of travelers, intercity taxi companies have introduced a number of additional services and amenities that significantly improve the functionality and comfort of the journey.
Transport of sports equipment and pets
Transporting non-standard luggage is no longer a problem. You can easily arrange the transport of skis, bikes, or surfboards.
Simply state your need when booking and the company can provide a suitably large vehicle, for example a station wagon or van.
Traveling with a pet is similar . Most carriers accept small animals as long as they travel in a secure, locked carrier and do not occupy any seats.
This intention should also be reported in advance to ensure that the assigned driver does not mind the presence of the animal in the car.
Child seats and safety for the youngest
The safety of our youngest passengers is our absolute priority. Professional companies offer the option of ordering a child seat or booster seat , perfectly suited to the child's age and weight.
You can report this need at the booking stage and the car will be waiting for you, properly prepared.
This is a huge advantage over many regular taxis or apps, where the availability of car seats can be very limited.
Reservation and ordering systems
The convenience of using an intercity taxi begins at the booking stage. Modern technologies and various communication channels make the entire process fast, intuitive, and fully transparent.
Where to order a taxi on intercity routes?
There are several main booking methods available, so you can choose the one that is most convenient for you:
Mobile applications: Both global platforms such as Kiwi, Gettransfer, Welcome Pickup, and dedicated applications from local companies (e.g. Rabbit-Trans Poland, iTaxi, Smart Taxi, Taxi Polska) allow you to quickly order and track a vehicle.
Websites with booking forms: Most companies have their own portals where you can fill out a form, provide route details, and receive a quote instantly.
Telephone contact: The good old method of calling the switchboard is still going strong, especially for non-standard orders when you want to discuss the details with a consultant.
Online booking and intercity taxi booking systems
Online booking systems are now the absolute standard. They allow for complete customization of your order: from selecting the exact address and time, through selecting the vehicle class, to specifying the number of passengers and luggage.
The main advantages of this solution are 24/7 availability , full cost transparency (you see the price before approval) and security thanks to online payment options.
How to book a ride step by step?
The online booking process is usually very simple and consists of just a few steps:
Enter route and date: In the form, provide the exact pickup address, destination address, and the date and time you wish to depart.
Choose a vehicle: From the available fleet, choose the car class that best suits your needs in terms of number of people, luggage and expected comfort.
Provide your details and additional information: Fill out your contact information. This is also the time to submit any special requirements: a child seat, consent to transport a pet, or information about large luggage.
Confirm and pay: Check your summary, including the final, guaranteed price. Choose your payment method – most often, card or online transfer, although some carriers still accept cash from the driver.
Receive confirmation: Afterwards, you will receive an automatic confirmation via email or text message with all the details of the trip, and often also with the vehicle details and the driver's contact details.
Pricing and cost transparency
One of the pillars of success for intercity taxis is transparency and cost predictability. The pricing model is designed to give you complete control and financial security, in stark contrast to traditional taxis.
Transparent intercity taxi price list with flat rates
The basis of the price list for these services is a lump sum , i.e. a pre-determined, fixed fee for the entire route.
This method provides you with tremendous peace of mind – the price is guaranteed and won't change regardless of traffic jams, detours, or the driver choosing an alternative route. This eliminates the stress of nervously checking the taximeter.
Moreover, the flat rate price is comprehensive and, unlike city tariffs, there is no division into more expensive night or weekend rates.
What influences the cost of intercity travel?
The final flat rate price is calculated based on several key factors that allow the carrier to accurately estimate costs and provide you with a competitive offer:
Distance: This is, of course, the basis and most important component of the price.
Vehicle class: A luxury limousine will be more expensive than a standard sedan, and renting an 8-seater van will cost more than a passenger car.
Road and parking fees: Toll roads and airport entry and parking fees are usually already included in the price.
Time and date: Although fares are fixed, prices may be slightly higher during peak periods (e.g., long weekends, holidays). Advance bookings can often result in discounts.
Additional services: Individual requests, such as a longer stay, a second destination or car seat rental, may incur a small additional fee.
Prices on the most popular routes
A practical price breakdown best illustrates what costs you can expect. The data below provides a rough overview of the market, illustrating the costs of travel between major Polish cities.
Transfers from Warsaw, Łódź, Gdańsk and Kraków
The table below presents estimated prices on key domestic routes. As you can see, the service is available to a wide range of customers, from budget travelers to business travelers.
Route | Distance (approx. km) | Price - Sedan Standard (PLN) | Price - Premium/Business Sedan (PLN) | Price - Van/Bus (PLN) |
Warsaw ↔ Krakow | 290 | 830 - 1190 | 1350 - 1490 | 1290 - 1650 |
Warsaw ↔ Lodz | 130 | 450 - 500 | 750 | 650 - 750 |
Warsaw ↔ Poznań | 310 | 1350 | 1800 | 1700 - 1900 |
340 | 1700 | ~2800 | 2600 - 2900 | |
Krakow ↔ Katowice | 80 | 299 - 359 | 450 - 500 | 450 - 550 |
Lodz ↔ Wroclaw | 210 | 800 - 850 | ~1300 | 1250 - 1400 |
340 | 1700 | ~2800 | 2600 - 2900 |
Prices are approximate.
Popular international routes and destinations
Interest in traveling abroad is constantly growing, and carriers are offering competitive prices on routes to neighboring countries.
For example, a trip from Krakow to Prague costs around PLN 1,600-1,650, to Budapest PLN 1,400-1,450, and to Berlin around PLN 1,700-1,750.
For the inhabitants of Western Pomerania, the connection with the capital of Germany is crucial – a trip from Szczecin to the airport in Berlin costs around PLN 550-600.
This shows that direct, private transfers are becoming a real alternative to flights or long train journeys with transfers.
Why choose an intercity taxi?
In summary, intercity taxis are a service that effectively fills a niche in the market, offering a unique set of benefits unmatched by other modes of transportation. Its growing popularity is proof that it perfectly meets the expectations of modern travelers.
Advantages of specialized intercity companies for passengers
The key advantages of this service can be summarized in a few points, which together create a truly strong proposition:
Cost predictability: A fixed, known price eliminates stress and allows you to precisely manage your budget.
Save time: A direct journey, without transfers and waiting at stations, is often the fastest way to reach your destination.
Comfort and privacy: You travel in a clean, comfortable vehicle in a private atmosphere, allowing you to work or truly relax.
Flexibility: You decide the exact time and place of the start and finish, and you can also plan stops along the way.
Safety: Services are provided by professional, licensed drivers in regularly serviced and modern cars.
Door-to-Door Convenience: Comprehensive door-to-door service eliminates the entire logistical puzzle of commuting.
Comfort, safety and time savings
These three pillars – comfort, safety and time saving – best reflect the essence of an intercity taxi.
This service is no longer perceived as a luxury, but has become a practical and extremely effective solution.
Combining the comfort of a private car with the professionalism of organized transport, it is the optimal choice for a wide range of travelers – from managers on business trips, through families going on vacation, to anyone who values peace and reliability while traveling.
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