When you’re in New York City, you might take a yellow cab. But how much will it cost? Let’s look at the costs to plan your trip.
When you get in a yellow cab, the meter starts at $2.50. The fare goes up 50 cents for every fifth of a mile or minute in slow traffic. This means the meter goes up about every four blocks in Manhattan’s downtown.
NYC cab prices aren’t just about how far you go. There are some extra costs. A 50-cent state surcharge is added to all trips in the city. There’s also a 50-cent extra charge from 8 PM to 6 AM for late-night rides. And, there’s a $1 extra charge from 4 PM to 8 PM on weekdays during rush hour.
Tipping is a big part of the NYC taxi culture. You should tip 20-30% of the fare. And, a tip: New Yorkers often give directions using street intersections, not exact addresses. It’s all part of the real NYC taxi experience!
Understanding NYC Taxi Types and Services
New York City has a wide range of taxis, with over 12,000 cabs serving millions every day. The cost of a ride changes based on the taxi type and where you are. Let’s look at the main taxi types and what makes them special.
Yellow Cabs vs Green Boro Taxis
Yellow cabs are the classic NYC taxis. With 13,587 licensed vehicles, they cover most of Manhattan. Green Boro Taxis, started in 2013, serve outer boroughs and upper Manhattan. Both use the same fare calculator, but they operate in different areas.
Service Coverage Areas
Yellow cabs can pick you up anywhere in the five boroughs. They’re very common in Manhattan and at airports. Green Boro Taxis, on the other hand, focus on areas yellow cabs don’t reach. They can’t pick up at airports or in certain parts of Manhattan.
Taxi Availability and Hailing
To get a taxi, look for the lit roof light. Wave your hand when you see one. Yellow cabs make 300,000 to 400,000 trips a day. Green Taxis average 50,000. Availability changes based on time and where you are. Remember, drivers must take you anywhere in NYC, Westchester, Nassau, or Newark Airport.
| Taxi Type | Daily Trips | Primary Service Area |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Cabs | 300,000 – 400,000 | All NYC, airports |
| Green Boro Taxis | 50,000 | Outer boroughs, Upper Manhattan |
NYC taxi costs: Base Rates and Additional Charges
Knowing how much NYC taxis cost is key for everyone. The NYC taxi fare guide helps you figure out costs. It’s important to understand what makes up your taxi fare in New York.
Initial Fare and Distance Rates
The starting fare for NYC taxis is $3.00. The meter goes up $0.70 for every 1/5 mile or 60 seconds in slow traffic. This way, prices are fair, whether you’re moving fast or stuck in traffic.
Peak Hour and Night Surcharges
Taxi prices change based on the time. There’s a $1.00 surcharge from 4 PM to 8 PM on weekdays. Nighttime rides from 8 PM to 6 AM cost $0.50 more. Plus, there’s a $0.50 state tax on all rides.
Airport Fixed Rates and Special Destinations
Prices for trips to and from airports are set. For example, JFK to Manhattan costs $55 plus tolls and taxes. LaGuardia trips use the meter, while Newark starts at $20 plus metered fare and tolls.
Toll Charges and Additional Fees
Passengers must pay for all tolls. Drivers use E-Z Pass when they can, saving money. But, fares can go up during busy times because of idling.
| Charge Type | Amount | Applicable Times |
|---|---|---|
| Base Fare | $3.00 | All times |
| Per 1/5 mile or 60 seconds in traffic | $0.70 | All times |
| Peak Surcharge | $1.00 | 4 PM – 8 PM weekdays |
| Night Surcharge | $0.50 | 8 PM – 6 AM daily |
| State Tax | $0.50 | All rides |
Payment Methods and Passenger Rights
NYC taxis offer many ways to pay. You can use cash or credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. There’s no extra charge for using cards, making it easy to pay.
The NYC taxi passenger bill of rights helps keep rides good. Drivers must use E-Z Pass for tolls and let you choose the route. They also need to control the temperature if you ask.
Taxis must be clean and smoke-free. They should have working seatbelts. Service animals are allowed, and drivers can’t use phones while driving. These rules help make your ride safe and comfy.
Taxis have fixed prices, unlike some ride-sharing services. Tipping is common, but you can choose not to if the service is bad. If you lose something or have a complaint, NYC’s 311 service or the taxi website can help.
Even though the taxi business has dropped by 50% since the pandemic, these rules are still important. They help keep the yellow cab experience great for everyone.
