Taxi Cost Calculator
Estimate metered taxicab and rideshare fares from base drop fees, mileage rates, waiting traffic time, airport surcharges, and driver tips.
Metered Taxi Fare Formula
Total Taxi Fare = [Base Drop Fee + (Distance Miles * Rate/Mile) + (Traffic Minutes * Rate/Min) + Surcharges] * (1 + Tip %)- Base Drop Fee: Initial meter fee upon entering the vehicle ($3.00 to $5.00).
- Mileage Rate: Charged while vehicle is moving above threshold speed ($2.50 to $3.50/mile).
- Idle/Traffic Rate: Charged during standstill traffic or red lights ($0.40 to $0.60/minute).
- Gratuity: Customary US taxi tip is 15% to 20% of the total metered charge.
Step-by-Step Worked Example
Calculation Steps:
- Distance Fare: 7 * $2.80 = $19.60
- Traffic Delay Fare: 12 * $0.50 = $6.00
- Metered Subtotal: $3.50 + $19.60 + $6.00 = $29.10
- Total with Surcharges: $29.10 + $3.00 = $32.10
- Tip (18%): $32.10 * 0.18 = $5.78
- Total Payable Taxi Fare: $32.10 + $5.78 = $37.88 ($5.41 per mile)
How to Use This Calculator
- 1Input the base drop charge and per-mile rate for your city.
- 2Estimate the distance of your trip and potential rush-hour traffic delay in minutes.
- 3Select a tip percentage (15-20%) to calculate the total cash or credit card amount.
Assumptions & Limitations
- Assumes standard tariff rates without late-night or holiday extra surcharges.
- Gratuity is calculated on the metered fare plus airport access fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should you tip a taxi driver in the United States?
The standard gratuity for taxi drivers in the US is 15% to 20% of the fare for prompt and courteous service, or a minimum of $2 to $3 for short $10 trips.
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