Green Cabs in NYC

NYC TAXI GUIDE

Green Cabs in NYC: Neighborhood Street-Hail Taxi Service Across the Boroughs

Green Cabs, also known as Boro Taxis, serve neighborhoods throughout New York City's outer boroughs and designated areas of Upper Manhattan. Discover where they operate, how fares work, and how they compare with the city's iconic Yellow Cabs.

MEET THE BORO TAXI

What Are Green Cabs?

Green Cabs are a category of licensed New York City street-hail taxi, commonly known as Boro Taxis. They were introduced to improve access to street-hail transportation in neighborhoods where traditional Yellow Cabs had historically been less available.

Green Cabs operate under rules established by the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). Their permitted pickup areas differ from those of Yellow Cabs, making it useful to understand which service is appropriate for your location.

Licensed Taxi Service

Green Cabs are part of NYC's regulated taxi system. Applicable licensing, fare and operating rules govern their service.

Neighborhood Focus

Their distinctive green color identifies a taxi category designed to expand street-hail access beyond Manhattan's busiest areas.

AT A GLANCE

Key Features of Green Cabs

Green Cabs share important characteristics with other licensed NYC taxis, while operating under their own pickup restrictions.

01

TLC-Regulated

Operate within the applicable licensing and regulatory framework for New York City taxis.

02

Metered Fares

Fare calculations are governed by applicable taxi fare rules. Review current rates and permitted charges before travelling.

03

Street-Hail Service

Designed to provide access to taxis in designated neighborhoods outside Manhattan's central business districts.

04

Different Pickup Rules

Where a Green Cab may pick up a street-hail passenger depends on the applicable operating restrictions.

SERVICE AREAS

Where Do Green Cabs Operate?

Green Cabs were designed to serve street-hail demand in the outer boroughs and designated parts of Upper Manhattan. Pickup permissions are subject to the current TLC rules.

Brooklyn

A large and diverse borough with residential neighborhoods, commercial districts and local destinations.

Queens

A broad range of neighborhoods where local street-hail transportation can be important.

The Bronx

Green Cabs are part of the wider street-hail taxi network serving neighborhoods throughout the borough.

Staten Island

Another outer borough within the broader service area associated with Boro Taxis.

Upper Manhattan

Designated areas of Upper Manhattan are included in the Green Cab operating framework.

Central Manhattan Restrictions

Green Cab street-hail pickup permissions are restricted in certain central Manhattan areas. Check current TLC guidance for the precise boundaries.

Pickup and Drop-Off Are Not the Same

A taxi's permission to drop off a passenger does not automatically mean it can pick up a new street-hail passenger at the same location. Check the applicable rules for your trip.

HOW IT WORKS

How to Hail a Green Cab

Hailing a Green Cab is broadly similar to hailing a Yellow Cab, provided you are in an area where the vehicle is permitted to accept a street-hail passenger.

01

Check Your Location

Make sure you are in an area where Green Cabs may legally accept street-hail pickups.

02

Signal an Available Cab

Look for an available taxi and signal the driver safely from a suitable place at the curb.

03

Confirm Your Destination

Tell the driver where you want to go before beginning your journey.

04

Review the Fare

Follow the applicable fare rules and retain your receipt if you need to review the charges later.

New to NYC Taxis?

Read our step-by-step guide to finding a taxi, starting your journey and understanding the basics of a NYC cab ride.

How to Ride a Taxi in NYC
FARES & PRICING

Green Cab Fares in NYC

Green Cab fares are subject to the applicable NYC taxi fare regulations. The total cost of a trip may depend on distance, time, permitted surcharges and other applicable charges.

Rather than assuming that every trip costs the same, review the current fare rules before travelling.

Understand NYC Taxi Fares

Explore the general fare structure and learn which charges may affect the final price of a taxi journey.

NYC Taxi Fares & Pricing
PAYMENT OPTIONS

How Can You Pay for a Green Cab?

Payment requirements are governed by the applicable taxi regulations. If you need to use a particular payment method, confirm the current requirements and available options before starting your journey.

Check Accepted Methods

Do not assume that payment rules are identical across every transportation service. Consult current TLC guidance if you have questions about cash, cards or contactless payment.

Keep Your Receipt

A trip receipt can help you review the fare and document the journey if a charge or service issue arises.

AIRPORT JOURNEYS

Green Cabs and Airport Travel

Green Cabs may be relevant to some journeys involving New York City's airports, but permission to drop off passengers does not necessarily grant permission to collect passengers at an airport. Airport and cross-jurisdiction trips can involve additional rules.

JFK Airport

Review airport-specific taxi information before planning a journey to or from John F. Kennedy International Airport.

JFK Airport Taxi Guide →

LaGuardia Airport

Find practical information about taxi services at LaGuardia.

LaGuardia Airport Taxi Guide →

Newark Airport

Newark is in New Jersey, so specific licensing and trip requirements should be checked before arranging transportation.

Newark Airport Taxi Guide →

All NYC Airport Guides

Start with the overview of taxi transportation at the major airports serving the New York area.

Airport Taxis in NYC →
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Passenger Rights in Green Cabs

Green Cabs are part of NYC's regulated taxi system. Applicable rules address licensing, fares and driver responsibilities. Understanding these rules can help passengers make informed decisions and identify the appropriate complaint channel if needed.

Learn About Taxi Regulations

Read more about passenger protections, fare rules and the regulations governing New York City taxi services.

Passenger Rights & Regulations
CHOOSING YOUR TAXI

When Should You Choose a Green Cab?

A Green Cab can be a useful option when you need a street-hail taxi in a neighborhood where Green Cab pickups are permitted. Your location is an important factor when deciding which taxi category to use.

Consider a Green Cab When…

  • You are in an eligible outer-borough neighborhood
  • You need a licensed street-hail taxi
  • You have checked the applicable pickup restrictions

Compare Other Options When…

  • You are in central Manhattan
  • You are travelling from an airport
  • You need to confirm that a specific pickup is permitted
Learn About Yellow Cabs →
SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON

Green Cabs vs Yellow Cabs

Both taxi categories are part of New York City's transportation system, but their permitted street-hail pickup areas differ.

Green Cabs

  • Focused on designated outer-borough areas and Upper Manhattan
  • Subject to specific street-hail pickup restrictions
  • Useful for eligible neighborhood journeys
Green Cab Guide →

Yellow Cabs

  • Authorized for street-hail pickups throughout NYC, subject to applicable rules
  • A familiar option in Manhattan and across the city
  • Useful for many citywide taxi journeys
Yellow Cab Guide →

Which Taxi Is Right for Your Trip?

Compare pickup permissions, service areas and other practical differences before choosing your taxi.

Compare Yellow Cabs vs Green Cabs
GREEN CAB ESSENTIALS

Green Cabs in NYC: The Essentials

Green Cabs, or Boro Taxis, extend licensed street-hail taxi service into designated neighborhoods beyond Manhattan's busiest areas. Before hailing one, check the pickup rules for your location, understand the applicable fare requirements and confirm any special arrangements needed for airport travel.