Are taxis paid by distance or time?

Both. In most cities, metered taxis use a hybrid system: you pay a base “flag” fare, plus a distance rate while the car is moving and a time (waiting) rate when it’s slow or stopped. Some places also offer flat fares on specific routes (often airport trips). Below, we explain how meters work, how rules vary by city, and when you might pay only by time or only by distance.

How modern taxi meters calculate the fare

Taxi meters are designed to reflect the cost of moving you from A to B under real-world traffic. They combine distance and time so you don’t overpay when cruising quickly, and the driver isn’t underpaid in congested conditions. Regulators set the rates locally, and they’re typically reviewed periodically.

The items below outline the common building blocks you’ll see on a taxi meter almost anywhere in the world.

• Base or “flag-down” fare: A fixed amount that appears as soon as the trip starts.
• Distance rate: A per-mile or per-kilometer charge that accumulates while the taxi is moving above a set speed.
• Time (waiting/slow-traffic) rate: A per-minute charge that applies when the cab is stopped or moving below a threshold speed (often around 10–12 mph or 16–19 km/h).
• Minimum fare: A floor price that ensures very short trips cover basic costs.
• Surcharges and fees: Add-ons that can include night/peak periods, airport access, tolls, bridge/road congestion charges, and sometimes local improvement or accessibility fees.
• Optional extras: In some cities, small fees for additional passengers, large luggage, or advance booking may apply; card-processing fees are increasingly restricted or capped by regulators.

Together, these components let the meter switch seamlessly between time and distance so the total reflects both road speed and duration, plus any regulated extras.

Distance or time? The meter switches based on speed

The key detail is the speed threshold: above it, the meter charges primarily by distance; below it (or while stopped), it charges by time. This is why a slow, traffic-heavy route can cost more than a faster, longer route—the time component dominates when speeds are low.

How this looks in major cities

While the hybrid model is nearly universal for metered taxis, the exact figures and rules differ by jurisdiction. Here are representative examples to show the variety you may encounter.

• New York City (USA): Yellow cabs use a base fare, then charge by distance when moving and by time when traveling roughly under 12 mph, with additional state and congestion surcharges and modest night/peak add-ons. Some airport routes, such as JFK–Manhattan, have a flat fare plus tolls and applicable surcharges.
• London (UK): Black cabs run on regulated “Tariffs” that combine time and distance and change by time of day/week. At higher speeds you pay per distance; at lower speeds you pay per time. Minimum fares and select supplements (for example, certain airport or holiday charges) apply.
• Paris (France): Taxis use a time-and-distance meter with minimum fare and varying day/night/holiday tariffs. Supplements can include airport pickups or bulky luggage.
• Tokyo (Japan): Fares combine a base rate covering an initial short distance, then distance increments while moving and time charges in slow traffic or while waiting. Late-night premiums commonly apply.
• Airport and zone fares worldwide: Many cities publish flat fares on specific corridors (often airport to downtown) to provide price certainty, regardless of time or distance.

The specifics—rates, thresholds, and surcharges—are posted on the meter screen or the fare card in the vehicle and on local regulator websites, and they’re updated periodically.

When you might pay only by time or only by distance

Not every trip is metered the same way. These common exceptions can shift pricing to purely time-based, purely distance-based, or a pre-agreed flat price.

• Hourly hires or private transfers: Pre-booked livery or chauffeur services often charge by the hour (time only), sometimes with mileage limits.
• Flat or zone pricing: Some cities set fixed rates for specific routes or areas (for example, airport to central business district), regardless of time or traffic.
• Negotiated fares in non-metered markets: Where meters aren’t used or are optional, drivers and passengers may agree on a fixed price upfront (effectively neither time nor distance-based once set).
• Intercity or long-distance quotes: For longer trips, taxis or car services may quote a single price in advance.

These alternatives exist alongside metered trips to give riders predictability where traffic or distance would otherwise make costs uncertain.

Practical tips to understand and manage your fare

A little preparation can help you anticipate what you’ll pay and avoid surprises—especially in unfamiliar cities or at peak times.

• Check the posted tariff: Look for the fare card on the window or partition; it explains base fare, per-distance and per-time rates, and all surcharges.
• Expect time charges in congestion: If traffic is heavy or the cab waits at lights or curbs, the time component accrues.
• Ask about flat fares: For airport runs or common routes, flat pricing may be available and can be cheaper or more predictable.
• Request a receipt: It typically itemizes distance, time, and surcharges—useful for expense claims and disputes.
• Know local rules: Regulators often cap fees (for example, card charges) and require drivers to accept credit cards; details are usually posted in the cab.

With the tariff details in hand, you can choose routes and timing more confidently and spot if a fare looks off.

Summary

Most taxis charge both by distance and by time: distance while moving at normal speeds, time while slow or stopped, plus a base fare and regulated surcharges. Some trips—especially airport corridors—use flat rates, and private hires may charge by the hour. Check the posted tariff or ask the driver so you know which components apply to your ride.

Do taxis charge by mileage or time?

Measuring Distance and Time
To put it simply, taxi meters measure distance and time. They then convert those measurements into a fare. Taxi fares are set by the area the taxi cab operates in — in other words, it might cost more to travel the same distance or time in one city than it does in another.

How long is 4 miles in a taxi?

Taxi fares

Distance	Approx journey time	Monday to Friday 06:00 – 20:00 (Tariff code 1)
1 mile	6 – 13 mins	£5.20 – £8.20
2 miles	10 – 20 mins	£8 – £12.80
4 miles	16 – 30 mins	£14 – £20
6 miles	28 – 40 mins	£21 – £27

Do taxi meters measure distance or time?

At its basic level, a taximeter is a device that measures the distance and time of a taxi ride, calculates the fare accordingly, and displays the fare to the passenger.

Is a taxi based on time or distance?

Distance Travelled: Distance travelled is a key factor influencing the fare. It’s calculated using a taximeter, which measures the distance the taxi covers. The fare increases incrementally with the distance. Time Spent in the Taxi: Time spent in the taxi also contributes to the fare.