DON’T MISS
IamExpat FairIamExpat Job BoardIamExpat Webinars
Newsletters
EXPAT INFO
CAREER
HOUSING
EDUCATION
LIFESTYLE
EXPAT SERVICES
NEWS & ARTICLES
Transportation
Public transportGerman transport associationsLong-distance travelTaxisAirports
Home
Expat Info
Transportation
Taxis in Germany
Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy

Taxis in Germany

By Olivia LoganUpdated on Apr 25, 2025
On this page

Even though S-Bahns, U-Bahns, trams and buses are the most popular forms of transportation in Germany, taxis are still used relatively frequently as an alternative to driving. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that public transportation is likely to be cheaper and sometimes even quicker during rush hour traffic.

Getting a taxi in Germany

Taxi drivers in Germany are instantly-recognisable by their cream-coloured cars topped with yellow taxi signs. You can hail one in the street, from a taxi rank, or call a local taxi company. Nowadays, many also have apps - see below.  

Cost of taxis in Germany

Taxi companies are heavily regulated in Germany so you can expect standardised fares. These vary according to city, but there is usually a basic fee of around 2-3 euros, then a rate of 1-3 euros per kilometre. Waiting time is charged at around 0,10 to 0,50 cents per minute. Surcharges may apply at night and for larger vehicles or bulky luggage.

All taxis must use a meter, which needs to be clearly visible. Payment is usually in cash, but it is increasingly possible to pay via card.

Uber & taxi apps in Germany

After a German court ruled in 2015 that Uber services UberPop and UberBlack violate German transportation laws, the app’s expansion into the German market was slowed down dramatically. By forcing Uber to operate with certified drivers and vehicles, this German ruling hampered the business model that had allowed Uber to sweep through the American market.

Uber currently operates in a handful of larger cities across Germany, including Berlin, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hannover, Mannheim, Munich, Rostock and Stuttgart, and has had to contend with stiff competition from well-established German companies such as SIXT ride, Mytaxi, Taxi.de and door2door as well as other international taxi apps like FreeNow and Bolt.


This page uses affiliate links.

Was this helpful?
Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy
or
follow us for regular updates:

MORE ON TRANSPORTATION

Transportation

Driving
Car insurance
Public transport
German transport associations
Long-distance travel
Airports

Related Stories

Haushalt 2025: How will Germany’s new budget impact our lives?Haushalt 2025: How will Germany’s new budget impact our lives?
May 2025: 7 changes affecting expats in GermanyMay 2025: 7 changes affecting expats in Germany
[Video] The train travelling through a house in Berlin[Video] The train travelling through a house in Berlin
3 day trips from Berlin you can do with your 49-euro ticket3 day trips from Berlin you can do with your 49-euro ticket
How do I get hold of the 29-euro ticket in Berlin?How do I get hold of the 29-euro ticket in Berlin?
8 best routes to travel across Germany with your 9-euro ticket8 best routes to travel across Germany with your 9-euro ticket
The most beautiful cycle routes in Europe for all skill levelsThe most beautiful cycle routes in Europe for all skill levels
[Video] Gas prices getting you down? Here’s how to travel by train in Germany[Video] Gas prices getting you down? Here’s how to travel by train in Germany
For expats of all colours, shapes and sizes

Explore
Expat infoCareerHousingEducationLifestyleExpat servicesNews & articles
About us
IamExpat MediaAdvertisePost a jobContact usImpressumSitemapRSS feeds
More IamExpat
IamExpat Job BoardIamExpat HousingIamExpat FairWebinarsNewsletters
Privacy
Terms of usePrivacy policyCookiesAvoiding scams

Never miss a thing!Sign up for expat events, news & offers, delivered once a week.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy


© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.
© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.