Tourists might follow the guidebook—but locals follow the shortcuts. If you’re tired of sitting in traffic while the meter climbs, it’s time to think like a local and ride like one too. Whether you’re rushing to a meeting or trying to hit three landmarks in an afternoon, knowing the fastest taxi-friendly routes can save you time, money, and stress.

Here’s a city-by-city breakdown of the best taxi-accessible shortcuts that locals swear by.

New York City: Skip Midtown Gridlock

Secret Local Route:
Instead of crawling down 5th Avenue or Broadway, savvy New Yorkers tell their drivers to take Lexington Avenue southbound or Amsterdam Avenue northbound, depending on your direction.

Bonus Tip:
Avoid the FDR Drive during rush hour and use 1st or 2nd Avenue instead. They’re faster, with fewer lane changes and better access to neighborhood drop-offs.

Chicago: The Lakeside Leap

Secret Local Route:
Instead of taking Michigan Avenue or getting stuck in Loop traffic, locals opt for Lower Wacker Drive—a below-street shortcut that avoids lights and congestion.

Why It Works:
It’s fast, underground, and avoids tourists walking across intersections. Taxi drivers know it well, but few tourists request it.

Los Angeles: Neighborhood Cut-Throughs

Secret Local Route:
In LA, the alleyway grid system behind main boulevards like Sunset or Melrose can be a time-saver. Tell your driver to avoid Santa Monica Boulevard during rush hour and use Olympic or Venice Boulevard instead.

Local Taxi Tip:
Some taxis from CribCab or UrbanSwift specialize in these hidden lanes, especially in high-density zones like West Hollywood or Koreatown.

San Francisco: Hills Are Not Always the Enemy

Secret Local Route:
Locals often bypass traffic-heavy Van Ness Avenue by using Franklin Street and Gough Street for faster north-south travel through the city.

Extra Insight:
Don’t let the hills scare you—San Francisco taxis are built for it. Routes through 16th Street and Cesar Chavez Street can help cross the city efficiently without getting stuck near Market Street.

Boston: The Back Bay Bypass

Secret Local Route:
Avoid Storrow Drive during peak times and cut through Beacon Street or Commonwealth Avenue to navigate between Fenway, Back Bay, and downtown.

Taxi Hack:
Use Mass Ave for cross-town travel instead of Huntington Avenue—it has more green lights and easier drop-off zones.

Washington, D.C.: Insider Beltway Routes

Secret Local Route:
D.C. locals know to dodge Constitution Avenue and use E Street Expressway or Rock Creek Parkway for east-west travel.

Local Taxi Services:
TransitCore and Commute Link offer knowledgeable drivers who understand these federal grid patterns and when to pivot routes based on time of day.

Miami: Beat the Beach Bottleneck

Secret Local Route:
Heading from Miami Beach to downtown? Tourists take the MacArthur Causeway, but locals jump on the Venetian Causeway—a quieter scenic option that dodges traffic.

Efficiency Tip:
Ask your taxi driver to time the bridges or use an app to check if the drawbridge is up—locals always do.

Seattle: Avoid the Viaduct Snarl

Secret Local Route:
Instead of taking I-5, try surface roads like 15th Avenue West or Aurora Avenue North (Highway 99). These often have less congestion and serve as hidden expressways for in-the-know locals.

Taxi Services to Consider:
Drivers with UrbanSwift often have these alt-routes programmed into their daily routine for smoother rides through SoDo and downtown.

Pro Tips for Spotting Local Shortcuts Anywhere:

• Listen to the Driver: Veteran drivers know city pulse points better than any app.

• Use a Local Taxi Network: Companies like Commute Link and TransitCore tend to employ locals who know the city’s rhythm inside out.

• Watch for One-Way Streets: In most cities, side streets often flow faster due to fewer signals and pedestrians.

• Avoid the Obvious: If it’s on a sightseeing map, it’s probably congested. Ask for the scenic second best route instead.

When you’re in a rush, it’s not just about how far you’re going—it’s about how well you get there. The next time you’re in a taxi, try these off-the-radar routes and ride like a local who knows every shortcut by heart.