Taxis in Berlin

Berlin runs a fleet of more than 8,000 licensed taxis, so you rarely wait long for one, day or night. They are a quick door-to-door option when you are loaded with luggage, travelling late, or simply want to skip the U-Bahn. In rush hour, though, a train or the S-Bahn can still beat a cab across the city, so it is worth weighing the traffic before you jump in.

Fares and the meter

Every Berlin taxi is metered, and the city sets the tariff, so the price does not change from one company to the next. Day and night rates are identical, with no late surcharge.

  • Base fare: €4.30
  • First 3 km: €2.80 per km
  • From 3 to 7 km: €2.60 per km
  • Beyond 7 km: €2.10 per km
  • Waiting time: €39 per hour
  • Airport pick-up surcharge: €1.50

Bulky luggage can add a small extra charge. For trips that stay inside the city you can also agree a fixed price before you set off, which protects you if the traffic turns bad.

The €6 short trip (Kurzstrecke)

Berlin has a cheap short-hop fare that many visitors miss. Wave down a taxi on the street, say “Kurzstrecke” before the driver starts the meter, and you pay a flat €6 for up to 2 km. The rules are strict: it only applies to cabs hailed in the street, not booked by app or phone or taken from a rank, and the ride must be direct with no stops. Go past 2 km and the normal meter takes over.

Paying

Cash and cards both work, and by law drivers must accept at least three of the common credit cards. Not every card is taken, so it helps to keep some euros on you, ideally in small notes and coins. Tipping is not required; rounding up or adding 5 to 10 percent is the usual thank-you for a good ride.

Where to find one

  • Ranks: at the airport, main stations, hotels and big squares. Take the first car in line.
  • Street hailing: flag any taxi showing a lit yellow roof sign. This is the only way to get the €6 Kurzstrecke fare.
  • App or phone: handy late at night or for a group, though these bookings do not qualify for the short-trip price.

Taxis to Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)

From the city centre to BER a taxi takes around 45 minutes and costs about €60 to €70, depending on where you start and the traffic. Cabs queue at the official rank in front of Terminal 1, and Terminal 2 passengers use the same stand next door. To compare the cab against the train first, try our BER transfer cost calculator or read our airport-to-city guide.

Good to know

  • Drivers should take the shortest sensible route unless you ask otherwise.
  • No smoking inside the cab.
  • Wheelchair-accessible taxis exist but are best pre-booked.
  • Need a child seat or room for five or more? Arrange it in advance.
  • Check the meter is reset to the base fare as you set off.
  • Ask for a receipt at the end if you need one.