Berlin Taxis

Taxis in Berlin: Overview

With more than 8,000 taxis operating across the city, Berlin guarantees quick and reliable taxi service day and night. Whether you need a direct ride to your hotel, a business meeting, or Brandenburg Berlin Airport (BER), taxis provide a comfortable, air-conditioned, and stress-free transfer option.

Although public transport in Berlin is excellent, taxis offer door-to-door service — saving you time, especially if you’re carrying heavy luggage or traveling late at night. Still, during rush hours, traffic may slow down your journey, so metro or S-Bahn can sometimes be faster.

Berlin Taxi Fares

All Berlin taxis are metered, so prices depend on distance:

Starting fare: €4.30
First 3 km: €2.80/km
3–7 km: €2.60/km
From 7 km onwards: €2.10/km
Waiting time: €39/hour
Airport surcharge: €1.50

Extra charges may apply for large luggage. Good news: daytime and nighttime fares are identical — no hidden night surcharges.

Tip: For rides within Berlin city limits, you can request a fixed-price fare, unaffected by traffic conditions.

Berlin Taxi “Short Trips” (Kurzstrecke)

For short distances, Berlin taxis offer a special deal: up to 2 km for only €6. This “Kurzstrecke” fare is valid only if you hail the taxi directly on the street (not via app, phone, or taxi rank). You must tell the driver “Kurzstrecke” before the meter starts. The ride must not include intermediate stops and must stay within the 2 km limit — otherwise, the normal meter applies.

Payment Methods

Berlin taxis accept cash and cards. By law, drivers must take at least 3 of the most common credit cards. However, not all cards are accepted, so it’s wise to carry some euros (preferably small bills/coins). Tips are not mandatory, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% is appreciated for good service.

How to Get a Taxi in Berlin

Taxi ranks: Found at airports, train stations, hotels, and major squares. You can usually take the first car in line.
Street hailing: Simply wave at a taxi with the yellow sign lit up. This is the only way to request the €6 Kurzstrecke fare.
Apps & phone booking: Use taxi apps or call a local company to pre-book your ride. This is convenient but not eligible for the short-trip fare.

Berlin Taxis to Brandenburg Airport (BER)

A taxi from Berlin city center to Brandenburg Airport takes around 45 minutes and costs about €58. Taxis are always available at official ranks in front of Terminal 1. For airport transfers, they are the most comfortable option compared to public transport.

Useful Taxi Tips

Drivers must take the shortest route unless you request otherwise.
No smoking inside taxis.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis are available — best to pre-book.
Child seats or larger vehicles (5+ passengers) can be requested in advance.
Always check the taximeter is reset when you start your journey.
Ask for a receipt at the end of the ride.

FAQ

Are taxis in Berlin expensive?

Berlin taxis aren’t cheap, but they aren’t expensive at the same time. In any case, for trips up to 2km, the taxi fee is only 6€ (6$) for up to 4 passengers, as long as you hail a taxi from the street and you inform the driver when entering the cab (saying “Kurzstrecke”).

How much do taxis cost in Berlin?

The initial rate for Berlin taxi rides is 4.30€ (4.30$). For the first 3km, the charge is 2.80€ (2.80$) per km, and a fee of 2.60€ (2.60$) applies to kilometers 3 to 7. From that point on, the price reduces to 2.10€/km (2.10$/km). Moreover, one hour of waiting time costs about 39€ (39$).

How do I get a taxi in Berlin?

You can either take a taxi from the official taxi ranks, which are everywhere in the city or flag one down at the street. Alternatively, online booking is also possible (through an app or a website) or you can book your cab over the phone.