Yellow Cabs vs Green Cabs

Understanding New York City’s Two Official Taxi Services

New York City operates two official street-hail taxi systems: Yellow Cabs and Green Cabs. Both are fully licensed, regulated, and operated under the supervision of the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). However, they serve different areas and purposes within the city.

This guide explains the key differences between Yellow Cabs and Green Cabs, including pickup rules, fares, airport access, and when to choose each type.

Overview: Why NYC Has Two Taxi Types

For decades, Yellow Cabs dominated the streets of Manhattan, especially in business and tourist areas. However, many neighborhoods in the outer boroughs had limited access to street-hail taxis.

To improve transportation access across the city, New York introduced Green Cabs, also known as Boro Taxis, in 2013. These taxis were designed to serve areas where Yellow Cabs were less common.

Today, the two systems work together to provide citywide taxi coverage.

What Are Yellow Cabs?

Yellow Cabs are the traditional and most recognizable taxis in New York City. They are commonly associated with Manhattan’s busy streets, hotels, and landmarks.

Key Features of Yellow Cabs

• Authorized to pick up passengers anywhere in NYC

• Most common in Manhattan

• Available at official taxi stands and major locations

• Fully licensed and regulated by the TLC

• Use metered fares

• Accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash

Airport Advantage

Yellow Cabs are the only taxis authorized to offer the official flat fare between JFK Airport and Manhattan.

What Are Green Cabs?

Green Cabs, officially called Boro Taxis, were introduced to improve taxi availability outside Manhattan’s core.

They are designed to serve neighborhoods that historically had fewer Yellow Cabs.

Key Features of Green Cabs

• Authorized for street-hail pickups in:

  • Brooklyn

  • Queens

  • Bronx

  • Staten Island

  • Upper Manhattan

• May drop off passengers anywhere in NYC

• Fully licensed and regulated by the TLC

• Use the same metered fare system as Yellow Cabs

• Accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash

Green Cabs focus on local neighborhood travel outside Manhattan’s busiest zones.

Yellow Cabs vs Green Cabs: Key Differences

Pickup Rules Explained

Where Yellow Cabs Can Pick Up

Yellow Cabs may legally pick up passengers:

• Anywhere in Manhattan

• In all boroughs

• At official airport taxi stands

They offer full citywide pickup rights.

Where Green Cabs Can Pick Up

Green Cabs may pick up passengers only in:

• Brooklyn

• Queens

• Bronx

• Staten Island

• Upper Manhattan

They are not allowed to pick up street hails in:

• Midtown Manhattan

• Downtown Manhattan

However, they may drop off passengers anywhere.

Fare Differences: Are Yellow Cabs More Expensive?

No. Both Yellow Cabs and Green Cabs use the same TLC-regulated meter system for most trips.

Fares are based on:

• Base fare

• Distance traveled

• Time spent in traffic

• Night and peak-hour surcharges

• Tolls where applicable

The Main Exception

• Yellow Cabs offer a flat fare between JFK Airport and Manhattan

• Green Cabs use the meter for all trips

Airport Access Comparison

Yellow Cabs

• Official taxi stands at:

  • JFK Airport

  • LaGuardia Airport

  • Newark Airport

• Flat fare between JFK and Manhattan

• Metered fares for other routes

Green Cabs

• May drop off at all airports

• Cannot pick up passengers at airport taxi stands

• Use metered fares only

Safety & Regulation

Both Yellow Cabs and Green Cabs are:

• Licensed by the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission

• Driven by professionally licensed drivers

• Fully insured

• Regularly inspected

• Required to use official taximeters

• Required to accept card payments

From a safety and legal standpoint, both taxi types offer the same standards.

When to Choose a Yellow Cab

A Yellow Cab is usually the best choice if you:

• Are in Midtown or Downtown Manhattan

• Are near a hotel or business district

• Need a taxi at an airport

• Want the JFK flat fare to Manhattan

• Prefer maximum citywide pickup flexibility

When to Choose a Green Cab

A Green Cab is often the better choice if you:

• Are in Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, or Staten Island

• Are in Upper Manhattan

• Need a local neighborhood trip

• Want to hail a taxi outside Manhattan’s core

Why the Dual Taxi System Works

New York City’s two-taxi system helps:

• Improve transportation equity across neighborhoods

• Reduce illegal street hails

• Increase taxi availability outside Manhattan

• Maintain strong service in high-demand areas

Yellow Cabs and Green Cabs are designed to be complementary, not competitive.

Summary: Yellow Cabs vs Green Cabs

• Yellow Cabs: Best for Manhattan, airports, and citywide flexibility

• Green Cabs: Best for outer boroughs and Upper Manhattan

Both are safe, legal, and regulated under the same system.

Learn More About Each Taxi Type

For detailed guides, see:

• Yellow Cabs in NYC

• Green Cabs in NYC

• How to Ride a Taxi in New York City

• NYC Taxi Fares & Pricing

• Passenger Rights & Regulations

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