Print

Taxi service standards

This page is about travelling by taxi…

Maximum fares

Your total fare is made up of several components and GST is included. At the end of your trip, you can request a receipt that must include a breakdown of your total fare and any payment surcharges.

The flagfall is the first meter charge to start the trip.

The waiting time fee is whenever the taxi isn’t moving.

As of 1 July 2025, those costs are:

  • flagfall: $3.70 from 7am to 7pm on weekdays (except public holidays) and $6.00 at all other times
  • waiting time fee: $1.01 per minute the taxi isn’t moving
  • booking fee: $1.80

In Queensland, there are three taxi areas. They are South East Queensland, Regional Queensland, and Rural Queensland.

The cost per kilometre is different for each area. As of 1 July 2025, those costs are:

  • South East Queensland is $2.69 per kilometre.
  • Regional Queensland is $2.80 per kilometre.
  • Rural Queensland is $4.60 per kilometre.

Find out more about maximum taxi fares and areas.

Other costs

Extra costs like tolls and airport access fees are added to your total.

Credit card transaction surcharge may apply. This is capped at 5%.

Rank or hail taxi

If you hail a taxi or get in at a rank

  • the driver cannot refuse a trip.
  • there is no booking fee.
  • the taximeter starts when you enter the vehicle. Drivers must always use the taximeter except in rural Queensland, where they do not have to have a taximeter.
  • you may negotiate your fare with the driver. Drivers must always use the meter, even if you agree on a fare before the trip. You'll pay the lower fare at the end.
  • maximum fares apply.
  • you can share the taxi with others going in the same direction if everyone agrees on the fare before the trip starts.
  • high occupancy vehicle fares must not be applied, regardless of the number of passengers.
  • premium vehicle  fares must not be applied.
  • the taximeter must be turned off when you arrive at your destination, and before unloading any luggage.
  • driver can ask for a deposit based on the estimated fare.
  • you can request a receipt which must include a breakdown of your total fare and any payment surcharges.

Booked taxi

If you book a taxi

  • you will receive a fare estimate when you book your trip.
  • your service provider may charge a booking fee for your trip, and this should be included in your fare estimate.
  • drivers must always use the taximeter except in rural Queensland, where they do not have to have a taximeter.
  • the taximeter starts when you enter the vehicle.
  • maximum fares do not apply, unless you are a TSS member or a wheelchair user needing a Wheelchair Accessible Taxi.
  • the taximeter must be turned off when you arrive at your destination, and before unloading any luggage.
  • you can request a receipt which must include a breakdown of your total fare and any payment surcharges.

TSS member or wheelchair user needing a wheelchair accessible taxi

If you are a Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS) member or a wheelchair user needing a Wheelchair Accessible Taxi and you book a taxi, hail at taxi or get in at a rank

  • the driver cannot refuse a trip.
  • the highest booking fee is $1.80.
  • high occupancy and premium booking fees should not be charged.
  • drivers must always use the taximeter except in rural Queensland, where they do not have to have a taximeter.
  • maximum fares apply to all trips.
  • the taximeter starts when you enter the vehicle.
  • for passengers using a wheelchair or mobility scooter, the taximeter may only be started once the passenger has been safely loaded and secured in the taxi.
  • passengers must transfer to a fixed seat in the vehicle if using a scooter or mobility device/aid that is not a wheelchair.
  • the taximeter must be turned off when you arrive at your destination, and before unloading any luggage or wheelchair (if required).
  • you can request a receipt which must include a breakdown of your total fare and any payment surcharges.

Find out more about disability support and the Taxi Subsidy Scheme.

Assistance animals

You can be accompanied by an assistance animal if needed. Drivers are not allowed to refuse to take you because of your assistance animal.

Penalties

If you dirty the taxi, the driver can charge a cleaning fee of up to $166.90.

Not paying your fare is illegal and penalties apply. This may be as high as $6,676.

Making a complaint

If a taxi driver overcharged you, or refused your trip or to start the meter, contact the service provider (the taxi or booked hire company), so they can resolve the complaint with you.

For more information, visit our Personalised transport complaints page .

Safety in taxis

There are safety standards in taxis.

  • you can identify taxis by a distinctive registration plate: T + 5 numbers (maroon and white colours).
  • all vehicles must pass safety inspections every 12 months.
  • approved security cameras are installed in most taxis.
  • it’s illegal for your driver to arrange future bookings with you unless they also have approval to operate as a booking entity.
  • a driver is allowed to direct a person to leave or not enter the vehicle if the driver reasonably believes the person is creating or likely to create a disturbance or nuisance – or cause danger to anyone.

What drivers must do

Taxi drivers have requirements.

  • if the driver needs to stop the journey at any time, for example to put fuel in the vehicle or to examine a map, the driver must turn off the taximeter until the hiring can recommence.
  • you can check your driver is authorised by viewing their driver display card, which must be displayed in the taxi.
  • all authorised drivers undergo criminal and traffic history checks to ensure suitability before becoming a driver. They are then monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure they are still suitable.
  • drivers must comply with zero alcohol and drug limits.
  • drivers must not drive while fatigued.
  • drivers must be medically fit.

What passengers must do

Taxi passengers have responsibilities.

  • the Queensland Government does not regulate the age of passengers. Please check with your service provider for any passenger age restrictions.
  • you are responsible for wearing a seatbelt.
  • if you have a child with you (under 16 years of age), you must ensure they are properly restrained. If you have your own child restraint, check with your taxi service provider if it can be installed in the vehicle.
  • you cannot smoke or vape or consume food or drink, including alcohol, during your journey.
Last updated:
1 July 2025
Share this page: