Taxis in Sydney
If you’re coming to Sydney and want to get around the city in style and comfort, taking a Sydney taxi will ensure you can do just that. Sydney has a well-connected public transport system, but taxis offer more freedom, particularly if you’re traveling late at night or early in the morning. Cabs are available at taxi ranks but can also be booked over the phone, via a Sydney taxi app, or by calling a local operator.
Taxis in Sydney range from sedan-sized cars to larger minivans or minibuses. Most are white in color with a ‘TAXI’ sign on the roof, though some may be yellow or black, depending on the syndicate. All official cabs in the city are fitted with taximeters that are highly regulated by the local authorities. As such, the price of any trip, including popular routes like from Sydney Airport to the city center, will be based on meter readings.
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How much is a taxi in Sydney?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FROM SYD TO CITY CENTER | 27 € | 33 € | 20 MIN |
| FROM SYD TO BONDI BEACH | 24.60 € | 29.90 € | 20 MIN |
| FROM CITY CENTER TO BONDI BEACH | 13.30 € | 18.40 € | 15 MIN |
| FROM CITY CENTER TO MANLY BEACH | 24.10 € | 29.90 € | 20 MIN |
| FROM CENTRAL STATION TO SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE | 6.30 € | 8.50 € | 8 MIN |
Sydney taxi prices
The local government sets Sydney taxi rates, and therefore, drivers must use meters to determine each fare rather than offering fixed prices. In general, the price will depend on your desired destination, the total travel time, and the vehicle type. When you’re taking a taxi in Sydney, you’ll find that there are two separate tariffs in use. The basic tariff applies to most rides, while the other is specific to journeys between 22:00 and 06:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.
You will also be subject to added fees for the likes of airport pickups or drop-offs and tolls.
At present, Sydney taxi fares are based on the following figures:
Tariff 1 – From 06:00 on Sunday to 22:00 on Friday and from 06:00 to 22:00 on Saturday:
Base fare: €2.20 (AUD 3.60)
Price per km: €1.40 (AUD 2.29)
Waiting time per hour: €34 (AUD 56.68)
Tariff 2 – From 22:00 to 06:00 on Friday and Saturday:
Base fare: €3.70 (AUD 6.10)
Price per km: €1.60 (AUD 2.73)
Waiting time per hour: €34 (AUD 56.68)
Prices can vary considerably between rides, but on average, the 20-minute drive from Sydney Airport to the city will set you back between €27 (AUD 45) and €33 (AUD 55), depending on the time of day. If you’re heading from Sydney Airport to Manly, expect to pay approximately €39.70 (AUD 66.30) to €47.80 (AUD 79.80) for the 30-minute trip.
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How to get a taxi in Sydney
Taxis in Sydney are typically very easy to find, as almost 6,000 cabs are now operating in the city. Official cabs will have a ‘TAXI’ sign on the roof and the driver’s details and credentials on display. To secure a ride, you can walk to one of the many taxi ranks, call a local company and request a pickup, book using a Sydney taxi app, or hail a cab from the streetside.
Sydney taxi drivers tend to congregate or utilize ranks close to busy tourist hotspots, transport hubs, and shopping malls. This includes Sydney Airport, Central Station, Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, and Coogee Pavilion.
How to get a taxi from Sydney International Airport
Sydney Airport taxis come in a range of sizes and depart from the official taxi ranks outside each of the three terminals. These cabs are available 24/7 and can take you from Sydney Airport to Bondi, the city center, or any other spot in the wider Sydney area.
How to get a taxi from Central Station
When you exit Sydney Central Station from the Railway Colonnade Drive exit, you’ll notice a taxi rank on your right, just past the small roundabout. There are almost always taxis parked here whenever trains are due to arrive, including a mix of small and larger vehicles.
How to get a taxi from the Sydney Opera House
Much of the area around the Sydney Opera House is pedestrianized. If you walk towards the Circular Quay Station, you’ll usually be able to flag a cab down from the roadside. Alternatively, you can walk to the right and continue until you reach George Street on your lefthand side. Here, there’s a well-served taxi rank with cabs of all sizes available throughout the day and late into the night.
How to get a taxi from Darling Harbour
Close to the International Convention Center at Darling Harbour is Iron Wharf Place. The taxi rank here is mostly frequented by standard sedan cars, but you may find bigger vehicles here if you’re prepared for a short wait.
How to get a taxi from Coogee Pavilion
Just a stone’s throw from Coogee Pavilion is a taxi rank that’s located beside the parking lot along Dolphin Street. This rank is busiest during the daytime and is mostly served by standard-sized taxis, so it can be tricky to snag a cab here late at night or in a large group.
Most popular Sydney taxi apps
Using a Sydney taxi app is a great way to get around the city. This allows you to pay a fixed price for your ride, and in most cases, your driver can pick you up from almost any spot in the city.
Among the most popular apps are international favorites like Uber, along with local alternatives like 13Cabs. As convenient as these apps are, it’s worth noting that waiting times can be extensive during rush hours.
If you’d like to avail of set fares and on-time pickups, you might prefer to book a taxi or airport transfer with Welcome Pickups. Our Sydney taxi service includes a bunch of fantastic extras, including 24/7 customer care and flexible cancellation. This option is especially handy for those heading to the airport or anyone on a tight schedule.
Useful Sydney taxi numbers
Perhaps you’d prefer to arrange your taxi in Sydney over the phone rather than via an app. In that case, you or your hotel can make a booking over the phone and organize a driver to come to your destination. At the time of booking, you’ll likely be asked to provide your address, drop-off location, and contact details.
Although not always the case, this is often the most expensive option. This is because many operators will add a call-out charge to your fare. If your hotel books the taxi for you, there’s a chance they’re affiliated with a particular company that may not offer the most economical pickup price.
These are some reliable Sydney taxi numbers to make note of:
- 13Cabs: +61 (02) 9020 2000
- Wav Cabs: +61 (02) 8719 9963
- Fast Maxi Cabs Sydney: +61 (451) 555 009
Booking your Sydney taxi in advance
After touching down in a new city, the stress of uncertain taxi fares and long lines at the rank can take away from the excitement of starting your vacation. That’s why we recommend booking your Sydney taxis ahead of time.
For a hassle-free experience, why not book your Sydney Airport transfer with a trustworthy provider like Welcome Pickups? We’ll pair you with a local, professional driver for a competitive, set price to begin your trip on a high.
Sydney taxi tips
- Sydney taxi drivers don't expect tips, but it's always appreciated if you add a small tip for good service or after a long journey.
- At the beginning of each ride, check that the driver is using the correct tariff.
- Be sure to ask for a receipt at the end of each ride, as you'll need this to retrieve an item you left behind or file a report.
- Traffic in Sydney can be heavy during rush hours, which will likely affect the final fare.
- Drivers will sometimes have an illuminated 'VACANT' sign switched on when they're accepting rides.
- Larger groups may be best off pre-booking their rides to avoid long waiting times.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis in Sydney
While standard Sydney taxi cabs aren’t wheelchair accessible, it’s free to store foldable wheelchairs in the trunk. However, most companies, like Wav Cabs or 13Cabs, have a selection of adapted vehicles in their fleet. Waiting times can be long for taxis with ramps and lifts, so it’s best to arrange your transport in advance, regardless of the operator you choose to go with.
Safety and complaints for taxis in Sydney
In the vast majority of cases, you won’t need to worry about poorly behaved drivers or overcharging when taking a taxi in Sydney. Nonetheless, you can run into either of these issues no matter where in the world you are. If you’re unhappy with the service and/or feel you’ve been mistreated, reach out to the taxi company and file a complaint. Another option is to get in touch with the local police at +61 131 444. Remember, you’ll usually need to have the driver’s name, ID number, and registration to complete a report.