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Air Express Cab
Categories: Hotels & Travel Transportation Taxis Hotels & Travel Transportation Airport Shuttles Taxis, Airport Shuttles
3334 Martin Luther King Jr WayBerkeley, CA 94701
Serving Berkeley and surrounding area
Neighborhoods: Rockridge, North Oakland, South Berkeley
(510) 485-4848
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6 am - 6 am
71 reviews for Air Express Cab
71 reviews in English
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Review from Nick Z.
Berkeley, CA
5/21/2012
So I didn't actually hire a cab from this service... but my roommate did. Hussein was right on time, both picking up and dropping him off at the airport. I had further experience with Hussein, though, that I'd really like to talk about and thank him for.
My roommate was on his way back home, to France, and left his phone in Hussein's cab. I received a Facebook message about this, and called Hussein. He promptly answered, found the phone under his seat, and offered to drive back to our apartment to drop it off (even though he was in a hurry). He arrived in about two minutes, handed me the phone, and turned down the couple of bucks I offered him in compensation for gas and causing him trouble.
Hussein is, in short, a really stand up guy. While, of course, returning a lost cell phone is the sort of behavior we ought to expect from everyone, all of us can imagine ways in which this could've gone less smoothly ("Cell phone? I see no cellphone..." or "You can pick it up at the office tomorrow, I'm too busy to help you now..." or "That might cost you a little..."). That Hussein was so cool about the whole thing, I think, speaks to his character; and when you're doing business with someone (especially if you're going to have to have a conversation with them during your ride!), you probably want to choose someone with a good character.
If you need a cab in Berkeley, then, you should consider giving this guy some business. He went the extra mile for my roommate and I, and he might for you too. -
Review from Tiger A.
Berkeley, CA
4/2/2012
I've been using Air Express Cab since I moved to the Bay Area almost two years ago. Without fail they are prompt and courteous. Until last week, I would have also said immaculately clean and professional. They get 3 stars today instead of 5, and that drop is based on two bad experiences.
1) On a recent trip to OAK, a new young driver became lost. We arrived in time, and he adjusted the price, but still, not cool at 4:00 in the morning.
2) When AbdulJabbar picked me up last week for a trip to OAK--another new driver for me, in a "new-to-them" orange van--it was FILTHY. Two packs of cigarettes and a bag of Taco Bell in the consol in front, food on the floor and seats, and the reek of cigarette smoke in the air. He had obviously been smoking in the taxi--very uncool.
I won't condemn Air Express as a whole for two bad trips to the airport after two years of great service, but it was unacceptable. Without two years to back up a generally positive service, I wouldn't call them again. I will be sure to ask for Hussein or Ali next time I book ahead. I see overall the ratings have dropped in Yelp!, which is where I found them the first time, so I'll give it one more shot. Three strikes... -
Review from Jenn S.
Oakland, CA
2/10/2012
Called for a cab 20 min early, and they never showed. We called and they kept telling us "they'll be there in 1 minute." despite having confirmed the address 3 times, they sent the cab to the wrong street.
The guy didn't give us a wait time initially and just hung up. Didn't ask for a name or phone number or anything.
Called for an Über car instead. Über is always fast, and you know exactly where the car is and how soon they'll arrive.
The only reason it's 2 stars instead of 1 is because he offered to take us for free - the whole $7-8 cab ride. But by then it was too late, and our Uber car was pulling up. -
Review from Melissa R.
Oakland, CA
5/25/2012
Very impressed with my experience with Air Express Cab today. Hussein was early to SFO, waited patiently while I retrieved my luggage, transported me fairly speedily to Oakland (on a holiday weekend in traffic) and carried my large suitcase up my steep front steps. Thank you!
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Review from Ricky S.
Oakland, CA
5/23/2012
Called for a cab to SFO and cab was at my front door in like 7 minutes. Throwing in my 5 star review, thanks!
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Review from Alexandria T.
Berkeley, CA
4/13/2012
Okay so I really enjoyed this cab 2 YEARS AGO!! They were always on time and always had great customer service. it was POURING RAIN with thunder storms and the whole shibang. My 2 year old daughter had been dropped of to me at work and I needed to close the store by 8pm. It turned to 8:05 and I closed the store. I called Air Express and told them the address and told them I need them to hurry because my daughter was with me and it was raining. He told me 10-15 mins. That was fine but kinda pushing it because they are on Adeline St. which is not 15 mins away( im off Telegraph ave). 20 Mins pass by and I call them back and they say " It's raining outside,please wait outside, your cab should be there in 5 minutes". I reply " Please hurry because my daughter and I are waiting outside." Another 15 minutes pass by and my daughter and I were soaking wet and we were bored of the lighting and thunder, so I ended up calling another cab and they arrived within 5 minutes.
I dont know who is running it now, but they need to get their shit together, seriously. i will never call this cab again. you just lost a very great customer. -
Review from Celeste B.
Oakland, CA
10/6/2011
I used this company to transport me to SFO for a trip to Europe. They answered the phone when I made the reservation and called to confirm they were coming. The driver was at my house on time and carried my ridiculously heavy suitcase without complaint. He drove safely and while friendly did not feel the need to talk incessantly. I got the feeling if I was a chatty Cathy he would have been happy to oblige.
I have feared for my life from the driving of other services. I have also wanted to knock myself unconscious from experiences of drivers with heavy accents that flap their gums nonstop and ask questions to boot. Friendly service,on-time pickup, reasonable prices, safe driving and a non loquacious driver. Highly recommend!!! -
Review from Katie H.
Oakland, CA
10/3/2011
Move to Oakland from the city, act like you a pro at now riding the Bart and then panic when you realize there isn't a train to SFO at the crack of dawn on Saturday. Same old story.
Air Express saved me. I called at 11:30 on Friday night and they were at my house promptly the next hour at the crack of dawn. I was even running 10 minutes behind and they waited without running the meter. Also the driver was super nice and made the drive pleasant. Definitely 5 stars. -
Review from Nicole C.
Los Angeles, CA
10/31/2011
When Hussein told me he had all 5 stars on Yelp I really didn't believe him. Getting into a car with him is really like taking your life for granted. However, I will say that if your measure of the effectiveness of a cab company is if you get to your destination on time, then yes, they would get 5 stars. However, at no time during the 7 or 8 times I rode with him was I running late or in a hurry. It should take a little longer than 6 minutes to get from downtown Oakland to Emeryville.... I'm just saying.
That being said. All of the drivers were very nice and yes, we got where we needed to go on time. But the guy in our group who ended up in the emergency room with whiplash might beg to differ. -
Review from Jennifer L.
San Francisco, CA
7/20/2011
They don't typically pick up in Alameda, but since I was going to SFO, I was worth it it seems. :)
Service was not only on time, but early (I hate when cabs leave me worried they're going to pull a no show and I'll be scrambling to find another ride and not miss my flight). My driver (Ali I think) was friendly, and chatty, and said they'd be happy to pick me up once I get back. They've got Yelp connections that go way back, so they're even Yelp friendly and offer a 10% discount on your first trip. -
Review from I-Sauce J.
Long Beach, CA
2/6/2012
Not sure who makes tho coverage map, but according to Air Express Cab "Hi I'm very sorry we don't pick up from: San Leandro we are in Berkeley ca ". I live in San Leandro and I am inside the coverage bubble on the map, but I cannot get picked up, even though I am within 5 miles of the Oakland airport:(
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Review from M-C R.
Oakland, CA
3/22/2011
I've done enough business with this company that it's almost criminal that I've not written a review yet.
I travel quite a bit for business, so I when I moved to Oakland, I almost immediately started looking for a reliable taxi company. Actually, I tried out air express because the Yelp reviews were so good. I've been using these guys almost exclusively for about 6 months now, and I won't be doing business with anyone else. These guys are super nice, super reliable, cordial, and it's just a pleasure to give them my business. I have ridden a number of times with Hussein in particular and he's just a great guy all around.
At any rate, if my reviews hold any weight at all, I give Air Express Cab my highest praise. -
Review from Samantha W.
San Francisco, CA
12/15/2011
Hussein is AMAZING. I've hired him about 4-5 times (including transporting my family when I couldn't drive them to the airport), and yes, he was great each time (decent rate, efficient, etc.) But he went above and beyond after I accidentally told him my boyfriend and I were flying out of the wrong airport. We got to SFO, then realized, to our horror, we were supposed to be at OAK. We called him, he showed up 15minutes later, we got there with plenty of time to spare, and he only charged us about 1/3 of what the ride would have been, which was more than generous, given it was my mistake.
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Review from Melissa C.
Emeryville, CA
11/14/2011
Reliable service! Called ahead for a ride from Emeryville to SFO and they arrived on time and got me smoothly to the Airport with no hiccups at all. The driver was friendly and personable, but not overly chatty. I would use again.
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Review from Christina B.
Berkeley, CA
12/5/2011
Great service, clean cars, NICE drivers, unbelievably fast pick-up times...Called in a panic after our car died and needed to get home from the mechanics, and the driver was willing to offer a range of really helpful suggestions. I'll use them whenever I can...And they take credit cars, which is fantastic.
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Review from Charlotte H.
Oakland, CA
1/30/2011
This review's been a long time coming. I called Air Express for a taxi, and I was told someone would arrive in 10 minutes. Exactly ten minutes later, said person was outside my place. He seemed to have a difficult time telling which house was mine -- our address is difficult to determine from the street -- and instead of driving away before I got outside, he called me back and asked which place was mine. Talk about service!
To say I was a bit harried is quite the understatement; my grandma was in the hospital, about to be taken off life support, and I had to get to the rental car place as soon as possible. My driver was super-supportive and really kind, and he even gave me the airport discount because I was going to the rental car location next to the Oakland airport.
It's not often that a cab ride is a very memorable experience, but this one certainly was -- in a good way, of course.
TLDR? Go with Air Express. They're wonderful. -
Review from Mark A.
11/29/2010
They are less like a cab company and more like a crazy friend who is just waiting around to give you a ride. In fact the only difference between my friends and Air Express is that Air Express shows up on time.
Both times I've used them I had great service and a fun driver without any of those pesky things like a professional dispatcher (the driver was dispatching, driving and flirting with a girl on the phone all at the same time) or marked cars (I've only been picked up in an exceptionally clean but unmarked black Prius). There's also a lot of ambiguity about the fare since the unmarked Prius didn't have a visible meter, but the fare has been entirely reasonable both times I used them so I don't mind.
Until one of their unmarked cars ends up being a gypsy cab that harvests and sells my organs on the black market*, they will be my default cab choice in Oakland.
*Important note: I have absolutely no reason to think this will happen. -
Review from Mark C.
Emeryville, CA
11/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great services. Came less than 10 minutes in the rain and took me to San Bruno. I highly recommend this cab service. Best in the oakland area
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Review from Sarah W.
Oakland, CA
10/28/2011
I used Air express to give my family a ride to the airport. They arrived on time.
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Review from John Z.
6/21/2011
Taxi services in Oakland can be the stuff of nightmares, especially when you need one to get to the airport. My last trip to SFO was such a nightmare -- "how long til the taxi gets here?" "Ten minutes." Over forty minutes of "ten minutes" later, I rightfully panicked and drove myself. Yeah, parking's not cheap but it beats missing your flight.
Air Express Cab has banished my nightmares. I called & scheduled for a 4 a.m. pickup. Hussein, who was very nice, guaranteed he'd be there at four -- no follow-up call needed. True to his word, Hussein calls a few minutes prior to say he's almost there. The ride was good, the driver pleasant -- and most important, he was ON TIME when they said they would be.
Extra points to Hussein for reminding me that I had a 10% discount coming from mentioning Yelp. -
Review from Danny M.
Oakland, CA
12/12/2011
I'm temporarily in crutches/wheelchair, and I use these guys to get me to doctor's appointments and labs several times a week. In addition to being accessible and taking taxi scrip, they're always on time (at least, in my experience). Plus, every driver I've had seemed to know all the back-roads and quirky traffic patterns to get you where you're going fast. I say, best taxi in the east-bay!
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Review from Tanya S.
Berkeley, CA
8/18/2010
Too good to be true? I hope not! Tried these guys based on these glowing recommends and have to echo them all. Friendly guys, reliable, good prices, etc etc.
My husband was on his way to OAK when I realized he mistakenly took my car keys with him. The driver was so nice he brought them back to the house! (He even called when he was on his way to assure me.)
Top guys, we'll definitely make them our go-to cab firm! -
Review from Jacqueline P.
Saratoga, CA
11/22/2010
Air Express Cab with Ali and Hussein was, is and will be the only car service I'll use in the Bay Area. I made a Yelp Account for the sole purpose of singing their praises as well as clearing their name of any offenses listed in other reviews (obviously the ones that are NOT 5 stars).
The company I work with uses Air Express Cab exclusively three to four times a week for airport shuttle service. We gave one of our visitors the name of the service to use as their source of transportation, since we have a prepaid account with Air Express. Strangely, the taxi that arrived was 30 minutes late and completely rude to our visitor. We had already arranged for the pick up the day before and were shocked to find them tardy, as they had never been before. What got even more suspicious was that they had charged our visitor. Now I knew this was more than strange, so I confronted the driver asking for Ali or Hussein. Apparently, another car service operating under "Eco-Friendly Cab" had somehow falsified their Yelp account to list Air Express Cab's stellar reviews. Soon enough, Ali, Hussein and the cops showed up to resolve the problem.
Our visitor got their money back and hopefully, Air Express Cab will get their business and impeccable reputation back as well.
Key points to ensure that you are in fact using Air Express Cab and not some phony reputation stealer:
1) Call 510.485.4848 and no other number, even if it's listed on Yelp.
2) Ali or Hussein will be the only ones who answer the phone. No "friend of Ali" should be accepted.
3) The car that shows up will be a clean orange cab with the name AIR EXPRESS CAB.
4) Amazing service. -
Review from Leslie W.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 5/4/2011
So I'm writing an update because apparently Ali's yelp profile got hacked and someone changed the phone number. I definitely can say that the person I talked to on the phone before was not Ali and the person who picked me up before was also not Ali. Actually, they were not even the same ethnicity.
As far as cab service, I think Ali is pretty solid. I would probably normally give 3 stars. But after I wrote my review, he had contacted me MANY times to explain the situation and asked me to try his service again. He was very persistent and he gave me a discount to convince me to try his cab service.
He's a decent guy and made good on his promised rate. Whatever happened to that other rude guy I talked to?? I hope something bad happens to him! Stealing customers from yelp is so not cool.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/15/2010
I called to get a quote and he was so rude!! He hung up on me!!
1st offense
I called him a few weeks… Read more »
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Review from valentin p.
Anaheim, CA
8/25/2011
I called for a pick up from the office to go to Oakland Airport. The taxi arrived soon after I called. The driver was friendly and the taxi was clean. I got to the airport right away. I would call them again
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Review from Ligaya T.
San Francisco, CA
6/2/2009 1 photo
Ahhh what to say about Hussien and his chariot of fire?
Let's start with some hypotheticals...
"Oh shiznit, I'm late and I don't know where this place is..."
He'd say not to worry, plug the address into his GPS and fly you to your destination.
"So my mom's coming in at 4am..."
A call the day before would ensure a smiling face upon arrival, entertaining stories of Yemeni life during the ride, and a willing hand with the luggage.
"Ummm, I left my wallet in my other purse..."
He'd smile, give me IOU, and ask the time and location of pick up.
"Oh my god, the baby's coming!"
The trusty orange car'd be weaving in and out of traffic and zooming down the street, all while Hussien'd be holding your hand, telling you to breathe and that he forgives you for your water breaking all over his seats.
... And end with the practicals:
Mention Yelp and get 10% more off to airports!
This is the type of service you get with a reliable, family-opened operation. Call my fellow: 510.978.1234 -
Review from Ana W.
Berkeley, CA
10/24/2011
I love these people! Nice guys who talk about their family and kids, but still drive fast (not too fast) while being on time, patient and awesome. LOVE THIS CAB SERVICE!
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Review from Erica K.
Capitola, CA
9/11/2009
These guys are GREAT!!! I am surprised someone has commented that if they tell you 10 minutes they take 30 because they have always been true to their word for me. 10 minutes usually means 8 minutes actually.... they know Berkeley/Oakland and get there quick!!
They are a family business and really go out of their way to make sure that you are well taken care of...plus both brothers have been great to talk to on the ride to the airport. I travel a whole bunch and used to use Yellow Cab, but went out on a limb after reading great reviews to try them out. So glad I did, because I get better service and am supporting a local company. Plus the coffee they brought me for my 5:30am pick-up was the shizznit!!
Keep up the good work. I'll definitely be using you again in the next few weeks :) -
Review from Tae H.
Oakland, CA
8/23/2009
Best cab service around! I needed a ride to OAK early in the morning so I called them late the night before. They were early the next morning and very friendly!
But more importantly, I accidentally dropped my phone in the cab and 'lost' it for a week. Not only did they hold it for me, they also picked me up from OAK when I got back into town and brought my phone back! The driver actually parked his car and waited for my flight to land ahead of time and didn't even charge extra for such service.
I am ALWAYS going to use these guys whenever I need a cab. I had to save their number into my phone so they're just a push of a button away. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. -
Review from Anna M.
Berkeley, CA
4/17/2010
This the only taxi cab service you should use! Ali picked me up early morning from Berkeley to SFO and was on time, friendly and got me to the airport quick. Since then he is the only taxi I'll use. I must admit that I didn't really want to post a review because I don't want the word to get out and then they'll be too busy to pick me up! Ali has picked me up from SFO too and is always ready and waiting even if my flight is early or late. I walk right out of baggage claim and hop right in the cab. Honestly it is much faster and more convenient to have him pick me up over asking my husband to wait for me. It's like having my own personalized car service.
Take my advice and use Air Express- you won't be disappointed. They are a family business and treat you like family. -
Review from Liz B.
Oakland, CA
4/4/2010
It's all true what is stated below, even the coffee part!
I picked this service for an early morning pick up in Oakland to SFO and was not disappointed. Cabs typically get lost coming to pick me up since I'm up in the hills down some twisty roads.
Ali picked me up and called on his way to see if I wanted Peets!
He was on time, awake, and friendly.
I ordered a pick up the following week for my return home based on his great service. My flight was an hour early, I called when I landed and they were there before I even got my luggage.
Highly reccommended. -
Review from Aroda L.
Alameda, CA
12/21/2011
I called them to arrange a 6:45am ride from Alameda to SFO. They serve Alameda when making appointments, but not on-the-fly requests. It was good to see them arrive early (6:30) so that I could finish getting ready without worrying about whether they'd show up. Friendly, light conversation, and a smooth timely ride. I'd definitely use them again!
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Review from Christina N.
Oakland, CA
1/10/2010
First review!
Since moving to Oakland, the whole taxi service is a mystery for me. You can't flag them down, so you have to resort to calling, which makes me completely nervous! Will arrive at the time you specify or forget about your completely...??
I've called Sammy and Ali, they were: timely, friendly and both can hold an engaging conversation! Of course, both times, I was either catching a flight or a train. And both times, I should have left a little earlier than I did. But, they both calmed my nerves and sent me promptly to my destination with time to spare!
Most importantly is their sense of family and loyalty. I arrived at the airport and short $17, not even including a tip, and all Ali wanted me to do is write him a "bad" review on Yelp. If that doesn't tell you about generosity and loyalty to their customers, not sure what else would!
Next time, not only will I only call Sammy and Ali, but I'll make sure to bring enough money to pay the fare! Thanks guys!Comment from Ali K. of Air Express Cab 1/11/2010
Hi Christina................ ...... Thank… More » -
Review from Melissa P.
San Francisco, CA
6/17/2011
This place was a bit hard to get a hold of to confirm my pick-up time (they don't seem to have a 24-hour phone line), but when it came down to it they were there at 4am ready to take me and a few friends to SFO from the East Bay. The prices are reasonable and they showed up right on time.
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Review from Manny H.
Bay Area
Updated - 4/24/2011
These guys have become my #1 cab choice whenever I need a ride to the airport. I have ridden with about 4 of their drivers and they are all timely, courteous and they will give you a great chat during your ride (if you are chatty). If you want to chill and not talk, they respect that too. If you need a cab to get anywhere in the Bay area, there's nobody better than these folks!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/4/2010
When was the last time your cab driver asked you if you wanted a nice coffee? How about having him… Read more »
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Review from Jay N.
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
6/7/2011
You call, they come, they get you there on time. What more do you want? Many other cab companies just don't get that, but Air Express does.
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Review from John C.
Oakland, CA
1/15/2010
These guys are the reason I set up a YELP account!!
AWESOME service. I asked to be picked up at 5:15am for an early flight (thinking I might get picked up at 6 or so) and they showed up RIGHT ON TIME! (with a good attitude)
I intend on calling them first anytime I fly. -
Review from Cindy L.
Chandler, AZ
4/19/2010
By far, the greatest taxi service in the Berkeley/Oakland Area! Super friendly, nice conversation and always on time!
Hussein has been my driver every time and he's great! He's even got his own company now too - Cal Taxi Cab - 510-200-3333 or 510-978-1234.
These guys are the only taxi service I will use for my monthly travels to the Berkeley/Oakland area! -
Review from Star T.
Oakland, CA
5/11/2011
We decided to take a cab instead of Bay Porter because of all the great reviews on Yelp! On our return trip we were stuck in Customs and our driver patiently waited - Cheers for that!
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Review from Kentaro F.
Berkeley, CA
6/2/2011
Air Express Cab is everything a cab should be. Our driver Hussein arrived at the house right on time and got us from Gilman St to OAK Airport very quick. He was friendly, personable, willing to chat but not too much either if you don't feel like talking. Price was standard, we were very satisfied. I'll definitely be calling them again.
