One‑car‑at‑a‑time service, mostly repeat riders in Oakland
Queen Shiba Cab runs a small taxi operation out of Oakland, with Google Maps showing most trips in city neighborhoods and only some runs to Oakland International Airport’s Terminals 1 and 2. Think "familiar driver" energy rather than a 200‑car fleet. They’re best if you live nearby and care more about a known cab than shaving a few dollars off the fare.
Airport runs usually start from homes in Oakland, San Leandro, or Alameda, with flat‑style meter rides to OAK that often land in the $25–$45 range depending on distance and traffic. You’re getting a standard taxi, not a black car: reviewers mention basic sedans, sometimes a bit older, but still fine for 1–2 people plus carry‑ons heading to Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.
Pre‑booking by phone is basically required for airport rides, especially for early morning flights before 8:00 a.m. when app prices spike. Hidden detail from reviews: dispatch will tell you straight up if the nearest cab is too far to reach OAK on time, instead of taking the call and rolling in 30 minutes late. Call the night before, give your airline, terminal (1 or 2), and required curb time.
Fleet size is tiny compared to Yellow or rideshare, and that shows around 7:00–9:00 a.m. and 4:00–7:00 p.m. Several reviewers complain about them being fully booked during commute hours and weekends, with dispatch declining new airport trips when all cars are tied up in Oakland. Treat them as a "maybe," not a guaranteed last‑minute option.
Car quality is mixed: multiple riders mention older vehicles and tight trunks. A couple of Google reviews say group airport trips with 3–4 checked suitcases didn’t fit well in the standard sedans. If you’re rolling with two 50‑lb bags plus carry‑ons, say that when you book so they can at least warn you if space will be tight.
Regulars have a pattern: Queen Shiba for outbound morning rides to OAK, then Lyft/Uber or airport taxis from the Terminal 1/2 curb on the way home to avoid waiting. Some customers also keep them as a backup when rideshare surges push a typical $30 airport ride over $60. That mix keeps expectations sane.
Practical tip: When you call, ask, “Given traffic, what time can you realistically get me to OAK Terminal 1/2?” and build a 15–20 minute buffer into whatever time they quote.