Taxis in Sydney

Following a couple of horror stories posted here where tourists were blatantly ripped off by taxi drivers, I thought I would post some fare information.

Current Fares - Effective From 27 August 2007

 

Hiring Charges: $3.00

Distance Rate: Tariff 1: $1.79 per kilometre Between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily

Tariff 2: Tariff 1 + 20% Between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily

Radio Booking fee: $1.60 surcharge in addition to the fare.

Waiting time: $46.20 per hour (72.17c per minute - less than 25.77 KPH)

Luggage Rates: First 25kg no charge - then 10c for each subsequent 25kg or part thereof. Maximum payable 55c

Toll and ferry Charges: The hirer must pay all road, bridge, ferry, tunnel and airport tolls that apply to the journey.

Maxi Cabs: Except in the case of a multiple hiring, where 75% of the authorised fare applies, all the above maximum fares and charges apply only in the case of the maxi-cab hire from a taxi zone or hailed on the street to carry up to 5 passengers. For any other hiring (except a multiple hiring) up to 150% of the above maximum fares and charges may be charged.

The last bit is a tad confusing and I had to read it about 4 times to get it. What it means is if you hire a maxi-cab from a taxi stand or on the street, the normal taxi fares apply. If you ring and specifically order one because you have a larger party it costs 150% of the normal fare.

In addition there is a $2.50 airport toll for taxis. And any other tolls incurred have to be paid by the passenger. You will possibly go via the Eastern Distrbutor into the city which has a toll of $4.50

Thanks for the info. What would be an approximate cost from the airport to Circular Quay?

We were in Sydney in August last year and our fare into Sydney to the Rocks Area which is very close to Circular Quay cost us $40AUD.

Our fare back to the airport a few days later was only $30AUD. I think the difference was due to having to pay the airport tax and the tolls. I know that going to the airport the toll isn't collected on the Eastern Distributor.

Jennie

Linda, going on the kilometre rate it should be about $30 (as Jennie said). The Sydney Airport website states that it is 8km to the city. I think this must be as the crow flies though. Where you might get charged more is if the traffic is really bad because there is a charge of 72c per minute if the taxi is going less than 26kph.

Somebody said here recently that they were charged $65 from the airport to Park Hyatt - the only way you should be charged that much is if you are in really bad traffic. I think Sheila was blatantly ripped off. I get so angry when I hear those sorts of stories:mad: