Question 1

How much does a taxi cost per kilometre in Germany?

Accepted Answer

In the 14 major cities covered here, the per-km rate is between €2.00 and €3.30 — with one exception: in Nuremberg the first kilometre costs €5.10. On top comes a base fare of €4.00 (Frankfurt) to €5.90 (Munich). Many cities use distance bands: the first kilometres cost more, longer distances less, e.g. in Hamburg €2.70 up to 9 km and €2.00 after that. A 10 km trip with 5 minutes of waiting costs roughly €31 to €37 depending on the city, i.e. a little over €3 per kilometre.

Question 2

How is the taxi fare calculated?

Accepted Answer

The fare consists of base fare, distance charge and waiting time. The base fare is charged once when the meter starts. While driving, the meter counts distance at the per-km rate; when the taxi stands in traffic, at lights or waits at your request, the waiting rate applies instead. Surcharges, e.g. for a large taxi, come on top. All values are set by the city or district in its taxi tariff ordinance.

Question 3

Is a taxi more expensive at night or on weekends?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the city. Most major cities have a single tariff around the clock — a trip costs the same at night and on Sundays as during the day. Leipzig, Dresden and Duisburg, however, have a separate night, Sunday and holiday tariff with higher per-km rates. Over 10 km the difference is between €1.00 (Dresden) and €2.40 (Leipzig). The calculator only shows the night option where the tariff has one.

Question 4

How much does a large taxi (minivan) cost?

Accepted Answer

For a large taxi — usually from the fifth passenger or when you explicitly order one — cities charge a flat surcharge per trip. It ranges from €3.00 in Nuremberg (5–6 passengers) through €6.00 in Berlin, Cologne, Dortmund and Duisburg and €8.00 in Hamburg to €10.00 in Munich and Leipzig. The per-km and waiting rates stay the same. Split among five to eight people, a large taxi is almost always cheaper than two regular taxis.

Question 5

Why does the meter show a different price than the calculator?

Accepted Answer

The calculator estimates the price for the distance and waiting time you enter. In real traffic, jams, lights, roadworks and detours change the waiting time and the distance driven. The meter also counts up in small steps of 10 or 20 cents, and some surcharges (e.g. airport) only apply in certain cases. The amount on the calibrated taximeter is always binding.

Question 6

Can I agree a fixed price with a taxi?

Accepted Answer

For pre-booked trips, section 51(1) of the German Passenger Transport Act allows fixed prices or a price corridor with minimum and maximum prices. Many cities have implemented this, e.g. Berlin (up to 20 % above or 10 % below the meter price), Cologne (±20 %) or Dortmund (±15 %). If you take a taxi from a rank or hail one, you pay the meter price. Within the mandatory service area the tariff may otherwise be neither exceeded nor undercut (section 51(5) with section 39(3) of the Act).

Question 7

Does luggage cost extra in a taxi?

Accepted Answer

In most major cities it does not: normal luggage, prams and wheelchairs ride free in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Dortmund and Essen, for example; in Bremen and Düsseldorf any other surcharges are expressly excluded. Surcharges sometimes apply to bicycles (Hamburg €8.00, Munich €7.50), to animals in Duisburg (€2.00) or when bulky luggage requires a large taxi or estate car. The notes for each city in the calculator show the details.

Question 8

Which major German city has the cheapest taxi fares?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the distance, because cities weight base, per-km and waiting rates differently. For a typical 10 km trip with 5 minutes of waiting, Dortmund is cheapest at about €30.60, followed by Frankfurt (€31.17). Düsseldorf (€35.58) and Cologne (€36.80) are the most expensive. For short trips of around 5 km Frankfurt leads; at 25 km Dortmund, Hamburg and Berlin come out ahead because long distances get cheaper there. The city comparison in the calculator shows the ranking for your distance.

Question 9

Do I have to tip in a taxi?

Accepted Answer

No, tipping is voluntary and not part of the tariff. It is common to round up to the next full euro or to give around 5 to 10 % for good service. The calculator does not include a tip. You can ask for a receipt — important for business trips or your tax return.

Guide: Taxi Fare Calculator

Taxi Fares in Germany: How Taxi Prices Are Calculated

Nights, Weekends, Holidays: When Do Taxis Cost More?

Large Taxis, Luggage, Bikes: Which Taxi Surcharges Are Allowed

Taking a Taxi to the Airport: Costs, Fixed Prices and Fare Corridors

Taximeter, Receipt, Duty to Carry: Your Rights as a Taxi Passenger

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