Taxi Fares: How Much Does a Ride Cost?
A meter inside the taxi calculates the cost of your ride and displays the fare. The cost of a taxi ride in Seattle is regulated, and each taxi charges the same fares. All meters print a receipt showing the charges for your trip.
The City of Seattle tests all meters at least once a year to ensure accuracy. Tested meters are sealed to prevent tampering.
Taxi fare is a combination of three separate charges:
- Drop charge.
- Distance charge.
- Time charge.
You don't simultaneously pay both distance and time charges; you pay one or the other. This table summarizes Seattle taxi fares:
| Taxi charges | Fare rate |
|---|---|
| Drop charge: Applied as soon as you enter the taxi and accept a ride | $2.60 |
| Distance charge: Applied once the taxi is travelling to your destination | $2.70 per mile ($0.30 per 1/9 mile) |
| Time charge: Applied when the taxi stops or travels at slow speeds during the trip (for example, at red lights or in heavy stop-and-go traffic) | $0.50 per minute ($0.30 per 36 seconds) |
| Sea-Tac Airport flat rate (to/from downtown) | varies by company |