Last weekend, my sister flew into Melbourne for her first visit in ages. As I waited at the airport, watching the arrivals board, my phone died—classic timing. There I was, unable to call a rideshare and with a jet-lagged sibling in tow. That's when the silver taxi line caught my eye.
Melbourne's iconic silver taxis have been ferrying locals and tourists alike for decades. Unlike my usual rideshare habit, I realized I had no idea how to find one when actually needed. After that airport scramble (which worked out fine, thankfully), I did some digging on how to reliably find silver taxis around Melbourne. Consider this my practical guide born from personal necessity!
The Traditional Taxi Rank Approach
Melbourne's CBD and major locations have designated taxi ranks where drivers queue up. These spots are lifesavers when you're in a pinch. The most reliable ranks include:
- Flinders Street Station (outside the main entrance)
- Southern Cross Station (Spencer Street side)
- Queen Victoria Market (Elizabeth Street)
- Crown Casino (main entrance)
- Melbourne Airport (clearly marked in both terminals)
During my years living in Melbourne, I've found the Flinders Street rank particularly dependable, even late at night when trains have stopped running. The taxi coordinators at busy ranks help maintain order, especially during peak hours or after events at Rod Laver Arena when everyone's scrambling for transport.
Phone Bookings: Old School But Effective
Sometimes you need a taxi at your doorstep, especially when Melbourne's famous weather turns from sunshine to downpour in minutes (as it often does).
My neighbor Julie swears by phone bookings. "I've had mixed luck with apps," she told me over coffee last week. "But when I call directly, I can explain exactly where I am when the address is tricky to find." She has a point—especially for those apartment complexes where rideshare drivers often get lost.
When calling, it helps to specify your exact pickup location, destination, and any special requirements. Having a landmark nearby to mention can save confusion.
Street Hailing: The Art of the Wave
There's something quintessentially city-like about standing curbside and raising your arm to hail a passing taxi. In Melbourne, look for the illuminated rooftop light—if it's on, the taxi is available.
Best spots for hailing include:
- Collins Street
- Swanston Street
- St Kilda Road
- Chapel Street
A word from experience: street hailing gets challenging during shift changes (typically around 3pm) or during rainy weather when everyone's competing for limited taxis. I've stood on Collins Street for 25 minutes in a downpour before finally giving up and ducking into a café until the rush passed.
Technology Options (Without The Major Apps)
While the major rideshare apps dominate the market, silver taxis have their own booking technology:
Both major Melbourne taxi companies have their own websites and booking platforms. They're not as sleek as some alternatives, but they're functional and improving. The Silver Taxi Melbourne website lets you book and track your taxi, which saved me during a recent internet outage when I couldn't use my usual apps.
Some hotels and venues also have direct taxi booking services. The concierge at many Melbourne hotels can arrange a taxi with a quick call—a service I've gratefully used when heading to the airport with too much luggage.
Local Knowledge: The Taxi Driver Advantage
One underrated aspect of Melbourne's silver taxis is the drivers' local knowledge. During the Comedy Festival last year, my taxi driver suggested a fantastic shortcut around closed streets that saved us at least 15 minutes.
Many silver taxi drivers have worked Melbourne's streets for years and know quirks that GPS systems haven't figured out—like which streets to avoid during football matches at the MCG, or the back entrance to get closer to specific gates at the showgrounds.
Early Morning Airport Runs
If you've ever needed to catch a 6am flight, you know the stress of transport options before dawn. Pre-booking a silver taxi the night before has saved my bacon more than once.
My colleague Tom schedules a silver taxi for his frequent early flights: "I've tried various options, but for 4:30am pickups, I trust the silver taxis to actually show up. They've never let me down in seven years."
The airport taxi rank operates 24/7, making return journeys equally convenient. The queuing system at Melbourne Airport helps manage expectations, with digital displays showing approximate waiting times.
When Public Transport Isn't an Option
Melbourne's public transport is excellent but limited in hours and reach. When you're in suburbs poorly served by trams or trains, silver taxis provide crucial mobility. Areas like parts of Doncaster or Rowville that lack rail connections rely heavily on road transport.
During the transport strike last autumn, silver taxis kept many Melburnians moving when other options disappeared. The surge pricing that affects some platforms doesn't impact traditional taxis the same way, making them more predictable during high-demand periods.
Final Thoughts
Melbourne's silver taxi fleet might not have the tech gloss of newer transport options, but they offer reliability and coverage that's worth remembering. Whether you're caught in unexpected rain while shopping on Chapel Street, rushing to catch a flight, or just need a ride when other options are unavailable, knowing how to find a silver taxi can be invaluable.
After my airport scramble with my sister, I've kept taxi company numbers saved in my phone and noted taxi ranks near my common destinations. Sometimes the traditional solution is still the most practical—especially when your phone battery betrays you at the worst possible moment!
Comments
0 comment