Saving Money On Transportation When Traveling
Typically when I travel, my aim is to get the most value out of my money. That is the main reason why I started collecting miles and points in the first place.
Although I enjoy flying in Business / First Class and staying at 5 star hotels, I mostly use my miles & points to help subsidize my economy travel (hence why I also love Southwest).
While miles & points cover the 2 major expenses of traveling, airfare and lodging, the little things like transportation, food, sight seeing, etc can also add up.
While deciding where to eat and what to see are personal choices, with transportation you don’t really have a choice unless you don’t plan on leaving the airport.
Depending on the city, transportation to / from the airport can be expensive.
I’ve never seen “The Terminal” but the only plausible plot I can think of is that Tom Hanks lands at JFK only to discover how expensive a cab to midtown Manhattan is so he decides not to leave the airport.
“Hard To Believe Spielberg Directed This…”
I am extremely lucky that in Chicago it is only $2.25 to get to O’Hare from Downtown on the blue line (surprisingly this is the one thing the City hasn’t privatized yet), but in many other cities even public transportation to / from the airport can be expensive.
Therefore I am always on the lookout for ways to cut down on the cost of transportation while traveling.
Enter Lyft
Last May, a new start-up called Lyft “rolled” into Chicago.
$60 million in funding later, Lyft has barnstormed across the U.S and is in most major U.S cities now. Full city map can be found here.
“Cities Lyft Is In”
If you live in any of the above cities, then you may have seen the Lyft cars driving around with their iconic bright pink mustaches.
If you haven’t heard of Lyft, it is basically like Uber (and identical to UberX) but instead of taxis, all the driving is done by normal people using their own cars.
Everything on Lyft is done on your phone including flagging the Lyft, paying for your ride, and rating your driver.
“Lyft iPhone App”
All the Lyft drivers go through a background check, are insured, and you rate them after your trip.
“Lyft Payment & Rating”
Lyft Pricing
Since Lyft doesn’t have to deal with taxi medallions or any other taxi / government bureaucracy, they have zero overhead thus making Lyft rides way cheaper.
Every city is different but in Chicago, Lyft costs $1.25 a mile compared to City of Chicago mandated $1.80 for taxis.
That is a price difference of 33% and the Lyft price includes the tip!
“Lyft Chicago Prices”
$25 In Free Lyft Credit
Back in May when I first wrote about Lyft, they were offering $120 in free codes / credit (which I gladly accepted). Unfortunately, now that Lyft has spread like a wildfire, those days are long gone BUT thanks to increased competition from UberX, Lyft is still handing out coupons for free rides.
If you haven’t used Lyft before, feel free to use the below code for $25 in credit (basically your first ride free).
I would be promoting Lyft regardless if they were offering me credit so feel free to post your referral codes in the comments below or if you have a $25 or more code.
Also back in the day, many of the codes were stackable (hence how I got $120 in credit), so feel free to try stacking the codes that people have left in the comment section.
Recap
As much as I love riding with maniac cab drivers who are always on their bluetooth and all conveniently have credit card readers that are “broken”, since Lyft’s debut in Chicago last May, I have not stepped into a cab.
For years, taxicabs have resisted basic technological innovations because they basically run a monopoly thanks to taxi medallions. Well now thanks to Lyft that monopoly has been broken up, which is great for consumers!
In addition to paying lower rates, you can now flag rides on your phone, pay for the ride with your phone, and then also get to rate the driver. What more could you ask for?
Anyways, I highly suggest everyone check Lyft out because it is amazing and you will wonder how you ever dealt with having to stand on the corner and physically flag down a cab!
-Parag
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Unfortunately neither are working for me.
Your first ride is on us!
Download the smartphone Lyft app and enter ‘danielle1892’ into the ‘Payment’ section. Then, request a ride and hit the road! First ride free (up to $25) coupon valid for new users only.
TRY IT FREE
Input Lyft Promo Code danielle1892 BEFORE you order your first Lyft. Get a friendly, affordable ride whenever you need one. get a $25 credit towards your first ride. Save your friends money by sharing.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lyft-Promo-Code/357264071099028
Way gone!
Thanks anyway.
CHIFAMILY isn't working for me, either. Any other code for $50? You sure that is the correct code?
Thank you.
STACHE55 gets you $10 if you are a new user in Chicago. Exp 7/19
orbitzlyft gets you 20.
A new promo code I just read about, good thru August 31st: $10 off your first Lyft: QCY2CU
This works BPT2DC
All those codes are expired. Use PHG3YZ for a free $10 before you request your first lyft
Try the code 923mc5 for $10 off your first lyft. If you give the code to everyone you are going out with, you have $10 for each ride if a different person prompts for a ride each time.
Does anyone have an updated Lyft or Uber promo code for existing users?
SDSTEALS- $20
$10 credit for your first Lyft: LB4FLY
You must enter the code into the Lyft app's payment settings BEFORE your ride, or it won't work. Happy riding!
Use this code 37PZ7Z to get your Lyft credits! Works in any city where Lyft is available. Pass onto your friends as multiple people can use the same code.
Q28GND works
4TFZL3 worked for me. Must use it before you request a lyft.
Here's another code, if you're looking for $10 off your first Lyft. Enter it BEFORE you request a Lyft: Y85KNC
PFHP2D FOR $20 WORKS LIKE A CHARM
Use promo code: promo1 to get $20 off your first lyft ride with NO EXPIRATION anywhere in the United States
This Lyft code 6GN6G2 it well give you a $10
Code LB4FLY worked for me today, so it's still good. Combine with FIREWORK for $30 total credit. I believe you have to enter both codes in before you even request a Lyft.
ATTENTION:
******* Most of these codes are EXPIRED or only work in certain markets *******
“PROMO1” never expires and can be used in an city that Lyft is available.
To get the free ride, simply download the Lyft app and enter code “PROMO1” in the payment section BEFORE your first ride to receive the free $20. Leftover credits roll over and you can share this code with your friends
Actually, “PROMO1” is a $25 credit. Thanks!
This worked great! Loved my driver. Thanks!
Of note to travelers arriving at O’Hare who plan to use public transportation to get to downtown Chicago: the CTA now charges $5 for “L” train fare FROM O’Hare. It’s still only $2.25 for trains TO O’Hare.
Ahh yes I forgot about that.
MEMA54 for $25 credit before you request your first Lyft (only works for new users)
If you use my code: STPR13 It never expires & we both get $25 in credits – so, use my code!
Your code is only for new user. Are there any codes for existing users?
$25 promo code for new LYFT USERS: CAZ58BELUSFEWAEQ VALID STARTING JUN 1st. Till 2015
$25 credit towards your first ride.
Sign up for Lyft here http://www.lyft.com/invited/kiela7.
Never expires
Use MATT9525 It is active.
$25 credit towards your first ride…Enter code before you request your first ride. .
CODE: LJPCYCRVLE
**current and active code*
FIRST LYFT RIDE FREE ($25.00 VALUE) CLICK THE LINK: http://www.lyft.com/invited/MARISSA1151 OR ENTER THE PROMO CODE: MARISSA1151
$30 first free uber ride use code 9x49g
First ride free for LYFT, use promo code deanna315 or go to https://www.lyft.com/invited/deanna315
For 1st time riders, 1st ride free up to $25.00. Enter code SHAY355
Use code ‘ Maureen943 ‘ to get $25 free credit today – first time users. Enjoy 😉
In the app, click the top left button and then click the “Payment” section. Enter the Lyft credit code “COSTA12” BEFORE you order your FIRST Lyft for $25 of free credit to new users 😉
LUPE177, gets you a free ride!
In the app, click the top left button and then click the “Payment” section. Enter the Lyft credit code “COSTA12” BEFORE you order your FIRST Lyft for $25 of free credit Valid only for new users 😉
New riders receive free first ride up to $25. Enter this code: “COSTA12” on the payment screen on the lyft app!
NEED A RIDE? Don’t drink and drive. Try LYFT for FREE. $25 off your first ride by entering code: “COSTA12” in settings BEFORE you request your first Lyft!
FIO3 enjoy 4 free rides worth up to $25
Enter code MIKLA995288 for a guaranteed first FREE RIDE WITH LYFT up to $25!!!
Use code: ERICA3259
To receive a free ride
For Uber use code: uberLove30off
To receive a free ride
$10 off ur first lyft ride dedra415369