Flag Union Taxi at the curb outside T in under 5 minutes
Union Taxi lines up right outside the single terminal T exit at Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (CHO), so you walk maybe 50–100 yards from baggage claim to the curb. There’s no need to pre-book online or use an app; you just step outside the doors near arrivals and look for cars with the Union Taxi signage. Rides run 24/7 as long as flights are moving, including late-night regional arrivals after 10:00 p.m.
Most Union Taxi runs from CHO into downtown Charlottesville land in the $25–$40 range, depending on traffic and exact drop-off, and the ride usually takes about 20–25 minutes for the 10–12 mile drive. Drivers typically accept both cash and standard credit cards; ask before you get in if you need to pay with a specific card or split fares between two people. Tipping follows normal US taxi practice, around 15–20% on top of the meter or agreed price.
If you’re heading farther out, like UVA grounds around the Rotunda or hotels along US-29, expect another 5–10 minutes added to the clock and a few extra dollars on the fare. For longer runs, like wineries in Albemarle County 15–25 miles out or small towns along I-64, get a price estimate at the curb before you load luggage into the trunk. Many Union Taxi drivers quote a flat number for these rural trips instead of sticking purely to the meter, and that can save a bit on a 30–40 minute drive.
Here’s the basic step-by-step from plane to back seat:
- 1. Deplane into terminal T and follow signs to baggage claim on the ground level.
- 2. Grab bags from the single carousel area, then head straight to the main exit doors by the rental car counters.
- 3. Walk to the marked taxi zone at the curb; look for cars labeled Union Taxi.
- 4. Tell the driver your destination and ask for a rough fare range before you hop in.
- 5. Confirm payment method (cash or card), then ride 20–25 minutes into town.
One tip: if you land during a bank of regional arrivals, especially around the 4:00–6:00 p.m. window, grab Union Taxi first and sort out hotel loyalty numbers or messages once you’re in the car; cabs can get snapped up quickly when two or three 50-seat jets unload at the same time.