Yellow Cabs
The iconic yellow taxis with citywide street-hail pickup privileges.
Understanding the key differences between New York City's two official street-hail taxi services — including pickup rules, fares, airport access and when to choose each taxi type.
New York City operates two principal street-hail taxi services: Yellow Cabs and Green Cabs. Both are licensed and regulated by the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), but their pickup permissions differ.
Yellow Cabs have long been associated with Manhattan and can pick up passengers throughout New York City. Green Cabs, also known as Boro Taxis, were introduced to improve access to street-hail service in outer-borough neighborhoods and Upper Manhattan.
The iconic yellow taxis with citywide street-hail pickup privileges.
Green Boro Taxis focused on street-hail service in designated areas outside the busiest parts of Manhattan.
Yellow Cabs are New York City's traditional medallion taxis. They are especially visible in Manhattan and can accept street-hail passengers throughout the city.
Yellow Cabs can pick up street-hail passengers across New York City's five boroughs, subject to applicable taxi rules and restrictions.
Planning an airport journey? Explore the airport taxi guides.
Green Cabs, also known as Boro Taxis, were introduced to expand street-hail taxi access in neighborhoods outside the busiest parts of Manhattan.
Green Cabs were created to improve access to street-hail taxi service in areas where Yellow Cabs were historically less available.
For practical passenger advice, see How to Ride a Taxi in NYC.
The most important distinction is where each taxi type may accept street-hail passengers.
| Feature | Yellow Cabs | Green Cabs |
|---|---|---|
| Street-hail pickup in central Manhattan | Yes | Restricted |
| Street-hail pickup in outer boroughs | Yes | Yes, in permitted areas |
| Airport taxi-stand pickups | Yes, at authorized stands | Not as regular Boro Taxi street-hail service |
| JFK–Manhattan flat fare | Yes, subject to applicable rules | No equivalent Yellow Cab flat fare |
| Fare regulation | TLC-regulated | TLC-regulated |
| Drop-offs throughout NYC | Generally permitted | Generally permitted |
Rules can depend on the specific service and location. Check current NYC TLC guidance for operational details.
Yellow Cabs can accept street hails throughout New York City. This makes them a convenient option for passengers in Manhattan and the outer boroughs.
Read the Yellow Cab guideGreen Cabs are subject to geographic pickup restrictions. They serve designated areas outside central Manhattan and may drop off passengers in other parts of the city.
Read the Green Cab guideBoth taxi types operate under TLC fare regulations. The applicable fare depends on the trip, route and relevant surcharges or special fare provisions.
Yellow Cabs offer a special flat fare for qualifying trips between JFK Airport and Manhattan. Green Cabs do not use that same Yellow Cab flat-fare arrangement.
Explore NYC Taxi FaresUnderstand the fare rules and possible additional charges before traveling.
See the complete Taxi Fares & Pricing guide for more information.
Airport pickup arrangements differ from ordinary street-hail service. Follow official airport taxi stand instructions and use authorized services.
Explore taxi information for John F. Kennedy International Airport.
JFK Taxi GuideFind the dedicated taxi information page for LaGuardia Airport.
LGA Taxi GuideExplore taxi information for Newark Liberty International Airport.
EWR Taxi GuideLearn the basic steps for hailing and taking a taxi in New York City.
Read the Riding GuideExplore fare information and pricing considerations for NYC taxi journeys.
Read the Fare GuideLearn about passenger protections and relevant taxi regulations.
Read Passenger RightsYellow Cabs offer citywide street-hail pickup privileges, while Green Cabs focus on designated outer-borough areas and Upper Manhattan.
Both are TLC-regulated taxi services. Understanding their pickup permissions and applicable fare rules helps passengers choose the right option for their journey.