The full story
Use a car service selectively. Airport arrivals, late performances and cross-town trips with limited transit connections are the clearest cases. In the Loop, pickup restrictions, one-way streets and multilayer roads can make the meeting point confusing; confirm the exact street and building side before the driver arrives. Hotels and major venues often designate pickup zones during busy periods. Travel time expands sharply around rush hour, stadium events and severe weather, so do not schedule a tight connection based on an optimistic estimate. Licensed taxis can be hailed or found at ranks, while rideshare prices respond to demand. Verify the vehicle and driver before entering, and share trip details when appropriate. For short downtown distances, walking or the 'L' may be both quicker and more revealing. At airports, follow official ground-transport signs to the authorized pickup area.