Taxi Fares & Pricing in NYC

How Yellow Cabs and Green Cabs Calculate Fares

New York City taxis use a regulated fare system set by the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). Both Yellow Cabs and Green Cabs follow the same basic pricing rules, ensuring transparency and fairness for passengers.

This guide explains how taxi fares are calculated in NYC, what surcharges apply, how airport fares work, and what passengers should expect at the end of a ride.

How NYC Taxi Fares Work

Most taxi trips in New York City use a metered fare system. The total price of a ride is based on:

• A base fare

• Distance traveled

• Time spent in traffic

• Applicable surcharges

• Tolls, if any

The taxi meter automatically calculates the fare during the trip. Passengers can watch the meter at all times.

Standard Metered Fare Components

While exact numbers may change over time, NYC taxi fares typically include:

Base Fare

A fixed starting charge when the trip begins.

Distance Charge

An additional amount added as the taxi travels.

Time Charge

A charge added when the vehicle is moving slowly or stopped in traffic.

Common Surcharges

Several surcharges may be added to the base metered fare.

Night Surcharge

Applies during late-night hours.

Peak-Hour Surcharge

Applies during weekday rush-hour periods.

Congestion or City Fees

Certain zones or city regulations may include additional charges.

These surcharges are automatically added by the taximeter where applicable.

Tolls

If the trip includes toll roads, bridges, or tunnels:

• Tolls are added to the final fare

• The passenger is responsible for these costs

• The receipt will show toll charges separately

Payment Methods

Both Yellow Cabs and Green Cabs must accept:

• Cash

• Credit cards

• Debit cards

• Contactless payments

Drivers may not demand cash-only payment.

Passengers have the right to request a printed or digital receipt.

Yellow Cab vs Green Cab Fare Differences

In most cases, Yellow Cabs and Green Cabs use the same metered fare system.

However, there is one major difference.

JFK Flat Fare (Yellow Cabs Only)

Yellow Cabs are the only taxis authorized to offer the official flat fare between:

• JFK Airport and Manhattan

This flat fare:

• Replaces the metered rate

• Applies only to trips between JFK and Manhattan

• May include additional tolls or surcharges

Green Cabs do not offer flat fares. All Green Cab trips are metered.

Airport Taxi Fare Overview

JFK Airport

• Yellow Cabs: flat fare to and from Manhattan

• Green Cabs: metered fare only

• Tolls and surcharges may apply

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

• Yellow and Green Cabs: metered fares

• No flat fare system

Newark Airport (EWR)

• Yellow and Green Cabs: regulated fares plus tolls

• Higher fares due to longer distance and toll roads

How to Estimate Your Taxi Fare

Taxi fares depend on:

• Distance

• Traffic conditions

• Time of day

• Route taken

As a rough guideline:

• Short trips within Manhattan are usually moderate in cost

• Airport trips vary depending on distance and traffic

• Peak-hour traffic may increase the final fare

The taximeter provides the most accurate fare calculation.

Tips and Gratuities

Tipping is customary in NYC taxis.

Typical tip amounts:

• 15–20% of the total fare

• More for exceptional service

• Less for poor service

Many taxis offer preset tipping options on the payment screen.

What Is Included in the Taxi Fare

The metered fare typically includes:

• Driver service

• Fuel costs

• Vehicle maintenance

• Licensing and regulatory costs

Passengers do not pay extra for:

• Standard luggage

• Normal passenger counts within capacity

Passenger Protections

NYC taxi fares are regulated to protect passengers.

Drivers:

• Must use the taximeter

• May not negotiate street-hail fares

• Must provide a receipt on request

Passengers have the right to:

• Transparent pricing

• Safe, licensed vehicles

• Clear fare display during the trip

When Flat Fares Apply

Flat fares are rare in the NYC taxi system.

Currently, the main flat-fare rule applies to:

• Yellow Cabs between JFK Airport and Manhattan

All other trips use the taximeter.

Yellow Cabs vs Green Cabs: Pricing Summary

Learn More About NYC Taxi Services

To understand the full system, explore:

• Yellow Cabs in NYC

• Green Cabs in NYC

• Yellow Cabs vs Green Cabs

• How to Ride a Taxi in NYC

• Passenger Rights & Regulations

Summary: Taxi Fares in NYC

NYC taxi fares are designed to be:

• Transparent

• Regulated

• Meter-based

• Fair across both taxi types

With the exception of the JFK flat fare for Yellow Cabs, most trips are calculated using the same metered pricing system for both Yellow and Green Cabs.