Taxis in Melbourne
With over 5,000 taxis serving the greater Melbourne metropolis, using a taxi in Melbourne to reach your destination is easy and convenient. Taxis are air-conditioned and can accommodate four passengers in a regular sedan, seven in an SUV, or for larger groups, you have the option of a minivan – known as a maxi taxi in Melbourne – which can seat up to 11 passengers.
Metered taxis can be flagged down on the street or found at taxi ranks dotted all over the city. Otherwise, you can use an app or phone a taxi directly to have them come to your location. Most taxis in the city are yellow, white, or silver with a “TAXI” sign on the roof, so you shouldn’t have any trouble spotting one.
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How much does a taxi cost?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FROM MEL TO THE CITY CENTER | 35.40 € | 40.30 € | 30 MIN |
| FROM MEL TO ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS | 43.80 € | 50.30 € | 35 MIN |
| FROM FEDERATION SQUARE TO MELBOURNE ZOO | 15 € | 16 € | 23 MIN |
| FROM THE CITY CENTER TO AVALON AIRPORT | 72 € | 79.50 € | 50 MIN |
Melbourne taxi rates
Taxis in Melbourne calculate their rates using a taximeter, based on the time and distance traveled to your destination. These rates are set by Melbourne City Council and while taxi companies can choose to charge less, they cannot charge above the set price. Three different tariff rates apply for certain times of day, these include a day rate (09:00 – 17:00), a night rate (17:00 – 09:00), and a “Peak Rate”.
Tariff 1 (09:00 – 17:00)
Initial fee: €3.14 (AUD 5.10)
Per km: €1 (AUD 1.64)
Per minute: €0.26 (AUD 0.42)
Tariff 2 (17:00 – 09:00)
Initial fee: €3.91 (AUD 6.35)
Per km: €1.12 (AUD 1.82)
Per minute: €0.28 (AUD 0.46)
Tariff 3 – Peak Rate (22:00 – 04:00 on Friday/Saturday & Public Holidays)
Initial fee: €4.68 (AUD 7.60)
Per km: €1.24 (AUD 2.01)
Per minute: €0.31 ($AUD 0.50)
Additional Charges
Keep in mind that all passengers leaving Melbourne Airport will have to pay an airport surcharge of €2.94 (AUD 4.78) plus any tolls encountered during their trip. Charges also apply for bank cards and electronic payments. Moreover, when taking an unbooked taxi from the street, you will be expected to cover a (AUD 1.20) levy fee, and there is a €10.70 (AUD 17.35) charge for rides with 5 or more passengers.
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How to get a taxi in Melbourne
Hailing a taxi from the bustling streets of Melbourne couldn’t be easier. A cab’s rooftop sign will be lit up when they are available, letting you know you can wave them down. They are typically yellow, white, or silver and some may have advertisements plastered along the doors. When entering the taxi, check that the meter is in use and that the driver’s registration details are visible.
Another way to find a taxi service in Melbourne is to walk to a nearby taxi stand. There are around one hundred designated taxi stands within the Central Business District, most often identified by a red and white “TAXI ZONE/STAND” sign. Furthermore, the City of Melbourne has created four Safe City taxi ranks across the city where CCTV cameras have been installed for passenger safety. These ranks can be found along Queen Street, Bourke Street, King Street, and outside Flinders Street Station.
How to get a taxi from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport
There are only two taxi stands at Melbourne’s main airport, however, since all four terminals are within a short walking distance of each other, taking a taxi from Melbourne Airport to the city center is always convenient. If you land at Terminal 1 or 2, you will use the taxi stand located outside the Arrivals Hall of Terminal 1 on Level 1. For passengers landing at Terminal 3 or 4, make your way to the rank on the Ground Floor of the Terminal 4 car park. Taking a Melbourne Airport taxi is the most convenient way to travel.
How to get a taxi from Southern Cross Station
You may find yourself at Southern Cross Station if you take the SkyBus from the airport, or if you use trains to get around the city. There are two taxi stands, one on Spencer Street near the stairs leading to Bourke Street, not far from the Skybus drop-off point. Otherwise, there is a stand along Collins Street as you exit the station.
How to get a taxi from Flinders Street Station
There is a Safe City taxi stand located near the Swanston Street entrance of Flinders Street Station. As you exit the building, head to your left and you’ll find the stand opposite Federation Square.
How to get a taxi from Melbourne Central Station
If you need to take a taxi from Central Station, be sure to take the La Trobe Street exit. Here you will find an official taxi stand and drivers are usually lined up at all hours of the day.
How to get a taxi from the Royal Botanic Gardens
The Botanical Gardens is huge so where you catch a taxi from will depend on where you start and finish. If you walk from the city center and finish on the other side, you’ll find a taxi stand along Birdwood Avenue between Dallas Brooks Drive and Domain Road. Otherwise, there are a couple located along St Kilda Road, or you can use the one outside Flinders Street Station.
Most popular taxi apps in Melbourne
It’s also possible to arrange a ride using a Melbourne taxi app, which is ideal for larger groups trying to get across town at night, or if you find yourself on the outskirts of town away from traffic. The most popular ride-hailing apps for upfront fixed fare prices are Uber and Didi, otherwise, you can use the 13Cabs and Silver Top Taxi apps to order a regular metered taxi.
For rides to and from the airport, the best taxi service in Melbourne is Welcome Pickups since it allows you to schedule a driver at a time and place of your choosing, as well as pay in advance so that you aren’t affected by surge pricing or traffic jams.
Useful taxi numbers in Melbourne
If you prefer not to download an app or don’t want to depend on an internet connection, you can use a Melbourne taxi number to reserve a cab for a small callout fee. There are three main taxi companies, all of which are reliable and trustworthy:
- 13CABS: +61 132 227
- Silver Top Taxi Services: +61 13 5000/ 131 008
- Melbourne Cabs: +61 390 680 960/ 485 952 463
Almost any restaurant or hotel will help you arrange a ride too, especially at night or if the weather is lousy, simply ask them to phone one on your behalf.
Book your Melbourne Taxi in Advance
Knowing that your Melbourne taxi is waiting for you at a set time, in a set location, and at a fixed price is reassuring, especially if you like to budget and plan your trip in advance. When you book your taxi in Melbourne with Welcome Pickups you’ll receive a reliable, highly trained, local driver at a set rate competitive price with no hidden costs.
Tips for your taxi in Melbourne
- Make sure your driver resets the taximeter to the base fare and appropriate tariff before you begin your journey.
- Taxi drivers in Australia don’t expect a tip for their services, although it is common courtesy to let the taxi driver “keep the change” if it is a small amount.
- Make sure to ask for your receipt after your journey is complete in case you leave anything behind in the taxi, or if you have a complaint to report.
- Since Melbourne taxi trips can be quite expensive, it’s recommended to use a private transfer company when traveling longer distances, as they offer set rate fares.
- Taxis are required to use the meter at all times unless a fixed fare price has been agreed upon at the time of booking.
- Fares should be displayed on the inside and outside of the taxi vehicle.
Wheelchair-accessible cabs in Melbourne
Finding or booking a wheelchair-accessible taxi in Melbourne is fairly easy. Maxi taxis in Melbourne can accommodate a disability scooter or two wheelchairs. You can find these taxis at one of the official taxi ranks at the airport or around the city. Alternatively, since 10% of Melbourne taxis are wheelchair-adapted, you can request one through a regular taxi company.
*It’s important to note the maxi taxi fee is not charged if the taxi ride involves a person using a wheelchair or disability scooter.
Taxi Safety and Complaints in Melbourne
If your Melbourne taxi journey didn’t go as well as expected and you would like to file a complaint, it’s recommended that you contact the taxi company you used. If your complaint is left unanswered, you can follow up with “Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria (CPVV)” either by telephone at +1 (800) 638 802 or by emailing them at [email protected].
Please remember to note down the registration number and ask for your receipt at the end of your ride as your driver’s information is on the slip.