Taxis are one of the most popular modes of transportation among travelers. Find out which cities around the world have the most expensive and most affordable taxi rides in 2025

Taxi rides have long been an integral part of travel, especially when public transport is inconvenient or time is limited. However, the cost of such trips can vary significantly depending on the city, which is especially noticeable in popular tourist destinations. A new study by the insurance company ChoiceQuote has shown where in the world taxi services are the most expensive, and in which cities, on the contrary, they remain more affordable.

The researchers analyzed the average cost of a trip of 8 km, including tips, and compiled a rating of 100 cities. The top five were mainly European megacities - tourists have to pay many times more there than, for example, in Asia or North Africa.

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Top 5 cities with the most expensive taxis

According to the results of the study, Paris became the most expensive city in the world for taxi rides - an average 8 km trip here costs ≈36.94 USD (including 7.5% tips).

Second place went to London – ≈35.52 USD, including 10% tips.

Third place went to Milan, the second largest city in Italy, where the average trip will cost ≈31.15 USD.

Fourth and fifth places went to Osaka (≈30.57 USD) and Amsterdam (≈30.48 USD)

Such figures are explained not only by the high level of prices in the cities themselves, but also by the large flow of tourists who use taxis even for short distances – during rush hours this is often the only option to quickly get to a hotel or museum.

Where is the cheapest taxi?

At the bottom of the ranking are cities in Asia and Africa, where prices are much lower even with tips.

Delhi turned out to be the most affordable – for a similar distance in India, on average, you will pay ≈2.62 USD (tips – 12.5%).

Cairo is in second place (≈2.93 USD, including 10% tip).

Denpasar, the tourist center of Bali, is in third place, where a trip will cost approximately ≈3.05 USD, and tips are not provided.

Agra is in fourth place (≈4.74 USD), and the top five is rounded out by multi-million dollar Shanghai (≈5.24 USD).

How much tip do taxi drivers expect in different countries?

The study also showed that in 86% of the cities analyzed, tips are mandatory or expected. The highest standards are in the USA - taxi drivers expect more than 17.5% of the trip amount. In South Africa - ≈15%, and in India, Greece and Mexico - ≈12.5%.

What should tourists consider?

In popular tourist cities (especially in Europe), taxis should be left as a backup option – for example, in case of a night flight or transfers between stations.

If the city has a developed public transport network (London, Paris, Amsterdam) – a trip by metro or tram can be 3–5 times cheaper.

Booking a transfer in advance through official services is also often cheaper than using a taxi on the spot.

In Asia and North Africa (India, Egypt, Indonesia), you can safely plan short taxi trips in your travel budget – prices are among the lowest in the world.

Taxis continue to be one of the most convenient ways to get around, but in the tourist capitals of the world – a real expense. In Paris or London, you will have to pay more than 35 USD for an 8 km trip, while in Delhi or Cairo – less than 3 USD. So when planning a trip, you should not only think about the route, but also take into account transportation costs: in some cities it is cheaper to walk or use public transport, while in others a taxi may be the most profitable and fastest option.

When planning a trip abroad, be sure to take care of a travel insurance policy that will protect you from unforeseen situations during your trip and compensate for unplanned expenses - for medical treatment, in case of lost luggage, flight cancellation, etc.

Buy a reliable travel insurance policy from trusted insurance agents on the Visit World portal!

Let's remind you! Which airports in the world in 2025 became the most comfortable, most efficient and most impressive for travelers? Two authoritative ratings have already given the answer. We have already told you which airports became the best in 2025 according to Travel + Leisure and AirHelp.

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