Why to Catch a Taxi in Sydney
Sydney offers various public transit options. Trains, trams, and buses efficiently travel around the city, providing cheap services. On the other hand, a wide number of locals and tourists prefer traveling via their own car or rental vehicle. That being said, Sydney cabs are perhaps the most convenient choice. Indeed, getting around Sydney using the modes of mass transit can become tiring and complicated for first-time comers, while parking in the city center is usually utterly challenging. Thus, a taxi in Sydney is typically a comfortable way to reach your destination. Sydney taxis are numerous, circulating all over the city, and provide safe and reliable services. They deliver door-to-door trips, drop off their passengers at the exact location of their journey’s end, and ensure hassle-free rides, as all vehicles are clean and well-maintained. Even more so, when traveling with heavy luggage or children, taxis are the ideal option, sparing passengers from any inconvenience. Moreover, taxis in Sydney must be equipped with security cameras. As a result, the safety of their rides is guaranteed. However, it should be mentioned that they are quite a costly alternative.
Sydney taxis can be of different colors. Hence, each Sydney cab company has vehicles of the same color, which must also bear the company’s logo. Nevertheless, all taxis have the distinctive Taxi sign on their roofs, which is lit when they are available and off when they are occupied. What’s more, all taxi vehicles must clearly display their price table on their interior.
Our Tip: Water taxis are another convenient option for journeys around Sydney Harbour. They have various pick-up and drop-off points along the harbor and can accommodate 12 to 21 passengers.
Sydney Taxi Prices and Fares
Taxis in Sydney are metered. Thus, their fares are calculated via their taximeter. Although the maximum rates are governmentally regulated, taxi drivers and companies are free to charge according to lower price tables. In detail, Sydney cabs charge according to the following maximum rates:
- Flag rate: AU$3,60/$2,30/€2,16
- Charge per km: AU$2,29/$1,47/€1,38
- Charge per km during the night (10:00 pm to 06:00 am): AU$2,73/$1,76/€1,65
- Fare for waiting time (when the cab is stopped or running with less than 26km/h/16mph: AU$56,68/$36,45/€34,20/hour
- Peak hour charge*: AU$2,50/$1,60/€1,50
Additional charges may also apply for baby seats or wheelchairs. However, several Sydney taxi companies don’t charge extra for these amenities. Furthermore, the fees will be added to the final price if the route includes tolls. Please note that the previous rates are valid for urban rides. Journeys beyond the city limits are charged according to different fares.
If you decide to book your Sydney taxi online, via the phone, or using a taxi app, you should keep in mind that you’ll be charged according to the company’s fares and rates. In other words, the fares set by the government don’t apply to booked services. That being said, you should be informed about the approximate cost of the ride during the booking process.
*A surcharge that applies to rides during peak hours (from 06:30 am to 10:00 am and from 03:00 pm to 07:00 pm), on Friday and Saturday nights (10:00 pm to 06:00 am), and the evening before public holidays.
How to Pay for Your Taxi in Sydney
All Sydney cabs must be equipped with POS. Therefore, both cash and bank cards can be used to pay for taxi fares. Moreover, digital payment methods are also accepted. However, card payments come with a 5% transaction fee. In any case, it is always advisable to let the driver know that you plan to pay with a bank card or settle on a digital payment.
How to Hire a Taxi in Sydney
You won’t face trouble catching a taxi in Sydney. Verily, you can simply stand curbside and raise your hand to hail one from the street. Alternatively, numerous taxi ranks are scattered around Sydney, mainly located close to transit hubs, tourist attractions, and major hotels, as well as in the busiest parts of the city. On the other hand, you can also settle on a booked service and reserve your cab online or through the relevant app, or even call for it.
Sydney Taxi to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport
What More Should You Know about Sydney Cabs
- 13 Cabs, Hills Cabs, Silver Service Taxi, Aussie Baby Taxi, and Premier Cabs are some of the leading taxi companies in Sydney.
- Taxis in Sydney charge according to their taximeter. Thus, you should make sure that your cab’s taximeter is zeroed and working properly at the beginning of the ride.
- Multiple hires are allowed as long as all passengers are on board. In that case, each passenger must pay 75% of the maximum fare to the final destination.
- Maxi taxis can accommodate up to 11 passengers. However, they are up to 150% pricier than ordinary Sydney cabs when they carry 5 passengers or more.
- If you want to file a complaint or provide feedback, you should call 1800 500 410. However, you’ll have to provide info about your ride and the taxi’s details.
- Under no circumstances should you trust individual drivers who might approach you, claiming that they offer so-called cheaper services.
- Secure taxi ranks operate around Sydney on Friday and Saturday nights. Security guards are patrolling the areas, ensuring the safety of passengers and taxi drivers.
- Taxi drivers are allowed to ask to be paid upfront. In cases of prepaid rides, passengers are charged with the usual fare for the ride. If the journey ends up costlier than expected, they pay the extra amount of money at the end of the ride. Conversely, the extra fare is refunded if the journey is less expensive.
- Tipping the driver isn’t obligatory. Still, it is customary to leave a 10% tip or round up the final rate.
- Sydney taxi rides during off-peak hours are more affordable. What’s more, if you book your taxi in advance, you might also benefit from lower prices.
- Ride-sharing services are available in Sydney as well (Uber, Ola, Didi, etc.).
FAQs
How to get a taxi in Sydney?
You can catch a Sydney taxi from the street or head to one of the official taxi ranks to get your cab. Alternatively, you can book your taxi online or use one of the taxi apps. Finally, you can reserve a taxi by phone.
Do taxis in Sydney take cash?
Cash and credit/debit card payments are equally accepted by Sydney taxi drivers. Moreover, passengers often opt for digital payments and mobile wallets to settle their taxi fares in Sydney. That being said, all payment methods other than cash are charged a 5% transaction fee.
Do you tip taxi drivers in Sydney?
You aren’t obligated to tip your taxi driver. Nevertheless, passengers who enjoy their Sydney taxi rides and the provided services typically leave a small tip (about 10%) or at least round up the taxi fare.
How much do taxis charge per km in Sydney?
Taxis that are hailed from the street or caught at one of the taxi ranks charge according to the governmentally-set rates. Hence, the fare per km is AU$2,29/$1,47/€1,38 during the day and AU$2,73/$1,76/€1,65 from 10:00 pm to 06:00 am. On the other hand, each Sydney taxi company has its own price table when it comes to booked services.