Taxis in New York
With their iconic yellow color and chrome bumpers, taxis are an integral part of New York's image. Over 12,000 taxis navigate the streets of the Big Apple around the clock, day and night.
How to Take a Taxi
- First, learn to spot an available taxi. Look at the illuminated sign on the roof. If the center of the sign is lit and you can read the taxi’s number, it’s available. If the light is off and the number is dark, the taxi is occupied.
- To hail a taxi, simply raise your arm. The nearest available taxi will stop for you—just get in.
- Once inside, check that the meter has been reset to zero and shows only the initial charge of $3.
- If your English is limited, write down your destination or show it on your phone or guidebook. In New York, you don’t give a building number. Instead, tell the driver the nearest intersection. For example: 3rd Avenue and 42nd Street. Make sure you know which intersection you want before getting in. Once you’ve given the address, you’re ready to go.
- Like drivers everywhere, New York taxi drivers vary in personality. Some stay quiet the whole ride, while others enjoy chatting. Feel free to start a conversation and see if your driver wants to talk. You may well end up with a driver from Haiti.
How Much Does It Cost?
- The fare includes several components: the initial charge ($3), the distance charge ($2.20 per kilometer / $3.54 per mile), a time-based charge, tip, and any surcharges such as for luggage. Surcharges apply during certain hours: 4 pm to 6 pm ($1 extra) and 8 pm to 6 am ($0.50 extra).
- A typical ride in Midtown costs $7 to $15. A trip from 42nd Street to the southern tip of Manhattan runs $20 to $25.
- Tip your driver 10% to 20% of the fare.
- To estimate your fare in advance, use World Taxi Meter. It calculates the cost based on the time of day and your destination.
New York Taxis at a Glance
