Taxis in New York City: A Complete Visitor Guide
New York City is one of the most taxied cities on earth. The yellow medallion cab is part of the city's identity, and despite the rise of rideshare apps the iconic yellow Crown Vics and Toyota Camrys are still hailed off Manhattan streets every minute of every day. Visitors arrive at JFK, LaGuardia or Newark and find themselves with a real choice between licensed yellow taxis, green Boro taxis, app-based rideshares, the AirTrain, and bus links into the city.
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Fare structure
New York yellow cabs operate on a regulated meter set by the Taxi and Limousine Commission. The drop is a fixed flag-fall fee, then the meter ticks over by distance when the cab is moving above 12 mph, or by time when below. Surcharges include a state MTA tax, a per-trip improvement surcharge, and the Manhattan congestion fee that applies to most trips that cross 96th Street into the lower part of the borough.
Quick fare estimator for New York City. Enter your trip distance and approximate travel time. The result is a rough range based on typical meter rates - confirm with the driver or operator before you travel.
Airport transfers
Most visitors meet the New York City taxi trade at the airport. Here is what to expect on the typical airport-to-city run:
| Airport | Distance | Time | Approx fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| John F. Kennedy International (JFK) | 15 mi | 45 min | $70 flat to Manhattan (plus tolls and tip) |
| LaGuardia (LGA) | 8 mi | 25 min | $35-45 metered to midtown |
| Newark Liberty (EWR) | 16 mi | 40 min | $70-90 metered plus surcharges and tolls |
Tips for the airport run
- The Manhattan congestion surcharge is added automatically to most trips below 96th Street.
- Tolls are passed on to the passenger - drivers should use E-ZPass and charge the cash rate.
- Green Boro taxis can pick up street hails north of 110th Street on the west side and 96th Street on the east side, and anywhere in the outer boroughs.
- Tipping is expected: 15 to 20 percent is the norm. The card reader will prompt you with quick-tip buttons.
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Booking and hailing
Below are the main licensed operators and apps used in New York City. Booking through one of these is the safest option, and ensures the driver is properly insured and licensed:
- Yellow medallion cabs (street hail or app)
- Curb app
- Arro app
- Boro green taxis (outer boroughs and upper Manhattan)
Tipping in New York City
Tipping norms vary between countries. In New York City, a tip of 15 to 20 percent of the metered fare is customary - in line with US conventions. Tips on card readers usually offer quick-select buttons.
Common scams to watch for
Most licensed drivers in New York City are honest, but the same handful of scams appear in every major city. Knowing them keeps you out of trouble:
- Drivers offering a flat rate instead of using the meter when picking up at the airport - always insist on the meter unless using a published JFK flat fare.
- Long-hauling between Manhattan addresses by taking the FDR or West Side Highway when a direct route would be quicker. Use a maps app to spot it.
- Claiming the credit card reader is broken to force cash payment. Every medallion cab is legally required to accept cards.
Getting to the main attractions
The most common taxi routes in New York City go to and from the main visitor sights: Times Square, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty ferry at Battery Park. Distances within the central district are short and most fares run under $20 if there is no traffic - but bear in mind that journeys taking a long time in heavy traffic will rack up extra cost on the time-based portion of the meter.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a taxi cost from JFK to Manhattan?
There is a flat fare of $70 between JFK and Manhattan in either direction, plus tolls, taxes and tip. Outside Manhattan the meter applies. Expect roughly $85 to $95 once tolls and tip are added.
Can I hail a yellow cab anywhere in NYC?
Yellow medallion cabs can be hailed anywhere in the five boroughs. Green Boro taxis can pick up street hails in the outer boroughs and in upper Manhattan, but not in midtown or downtown Manhattan.
Are NYC taxis cheaper than Uber?
It depends on demand. Yellow cab meter fares are fixed, so during surge pricing in bad weather or rush hour a yellow cab can be significantly cheaper. In off-peak times rideshare is often the same price or slightly less.
Do New York taxis take credit cards?
Yes, every medallion cab is required by law to accept credit and debit cards. If a driver claims the reader is broken, you can decline and find another cab.
Is it safe to take a taxi in New York at night?
Licensed yellow and green taxis are safe at any hour. Avoid unmarked cars that approach you offering rides, especially at the airports - these are unlicensed.
How much should I tip a New York cab driver?
The standard tip is 15 to 20 percent of the metered fare. The in-cab card reader presents quick-tip buttons at 20, 25 and 30 percent.
Local taxi companies
The New York City taxi trade is made up of dozens of licensed firms in addition to the major names listed above. If you operate a licensed taxi or private hire company in New York City and would like to be listed in this section, you can submit your business for inclusion.
A note on accuracy: Taxi rates change. The figures above are intended as rough guides only. Always confirm the meter rate or flat fare with your driver before setting off, and refer to the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) for the official tariff.