21 October 2026
There’s no single national price for a taxi in Australia because your taxi fare depends on the state or territory you travel in, how far you go and the time of day.
Most cabs run on the meter, but with 13cabs, you can check a Fare Estimate for an upfront price guide based on your route, or choose Fixed Price to lock in a fixed fare before you travel. Fixed Price means you know your exact cost upfront, with no surge pricing applied to 13cabs App or website bookings even when lots of people need a cab at once.
As Australia’s largest licensed taxi network, we have over 10,000 vehicles across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, plus regional centres around the country, so a cab is always close by when you need one. Along with quick pickups, you can travel with peace of mind knowing every 13cabs Driver is police-checked, uniformed and professionally trained.
To help you plan your journey, here’s how taxi fares work across Australia, what your meter charges for and how to lock in your price before you go.
Who sets taxi fares in Australia and why they vary
Your state or territory regulator sets the maximum fares for rank and hail trips in the areas it covers, to protect you from being overcharged. Rank and hail simply means catching a cab on the street or from a taxi rank without booking ahead, so Drivers must follow legally capped meter rates.
There’s no single national body that sets taxi fares, so each state and territory has its own regulator that reviews local operating costs and sets its own tariffs, meaning the meter rates for day, night and peak travel. This is why each state publishes its own fare information, and why a fare structure you’re used to in one city can work quite differently in another.
What your taxi meter is actually charging you for
Your taxi meter simply charges for the ride you take, not how many people need a cab. From the moment you hop in, it tracks the distance you travel and the time your trip takes. Here’s how that total breaks down:
- Flag fall: The base fee that starts your trip the moment you get in.
- Distance rate: The standard rate for each kilometre of distance you cover.
- Waiting time: A timed charge when stopped at red lights or crawling in slow traffic.
- Time-of-day tariffs: Regulated rates that adjust for overnight, weekend or public holidays.
Because gridlock adds waiting time to the meter, slow roads will naturally push up your fare. That’s why actual fares can vary based on traffic, the route you take and the time of day.
Three ways to know your taxi fare with 13cabs
Finding out what your ride will cost depends on when you want to know the price. You have three simple options, whether you prefer paying the metered fare or locking in your price before you travel:
- Standard meter: Pay the metered fare calculated as you travel, with the final price showing on the screen at the end of your trip.
- Taxi Fare Estimate: Check our taxi fare calculator to see a quick price guide before booking.
- Fixed Price: Request a 13cabs Fixed Fare Taxi to lock in your rate, with no unexpected charges at the end of your trip.
Keep in mind an estimate is only a guide, since heavy traffic, red lights or a detour can change the final metered amount. If you want to know what you’ll pay before booking, choosing a Fixed Price confirms your exact fare upfront.
Our App and website work out your Fixed Price quote using Google Maps to plot the fastest route, factoring in travel distance, traffic, government fees and any road tolls along the way. You can get a ride across 13cabs service areas, so simply book through the App or online and pay by card to lock in a Fixed Price.
Does your taxi fare include tolls and GST?
Usually, yes. Fares are normally quoted with GST included, and how tolls are charged depends on how you book. Choosing Fixed Price covers your ride, government levies and any tolls along your route. That means the price you see when booking is the exact total you pay if your trip follows the planned route and destination, so you won’t face surprise fees.
On metered trips, you pay any toll costs on top of your fare if your route uses toll roads. Extras like a booking fee, a government levy or holiday surcharges can also apply depending on your trip. You can check your local fare information to see what additional charges apply before you travel.
What does a MAXI TAXI or Wheelchair Accessible Taxi cost?
A MAXI TAXI runs on the exact same meter as a standard taxi, so groups of up to four pay regular rates. That makes booking a larger vehicle great value when you just need extra space for luggage. Travelling with five or more passengers can attract a group or high-occupancy rate in some states. A MAXI TAXI seats up to 10, so your group travels together in one vehicle and shares one fare.
Only MAXI TAXIs are equipped for wheelchair-accessible bookings. Our Wheelchair Accessible Taxis come with secure anchor points, and trained Drivers help you get in and out safely. And because 13cabs is a registered NDIS taxi transport provider with over 20 years of experience, you can put your plan funding straight towards the ride if your plan includes transport funding.
Is a taxi cheaper than a rideshare app?
The honest answer is not always, because trip costs depend on when you travel. Fares between cabs and rideshares are usually comparable outside peak hours. Taxis are often cheaper during busy travel times, wet weather or major events when rideshare apps raise their rates.
On a taxi ride, your fare is calculated using the actual distance and travel time. Rideshare fares can rise quickly as passenger demand increases, but 13cabs never applies surge pricing to App or website bookings.
For the best rideshare alternative, choose 13cabs. Book a taxi online, use our App or call 13 2227, with payment options including cash, card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay or Cabcharge.
