The City’s fleet of taxicabs is regulated by the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC). Taxicabs operate 24 hours, provide door-to-door service and accept cash or credit cards. The City’s famous yellow fleet is primarily seen throughout Midtown but can be hailed for trips to other boroughs and even to other states. NYC’s apple-green Boro Taxis can pick up passengers in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens (excluding the airports) and Staten Island, plus northern Manhattan (north of West 110th Street and East 96th Street); they are not authorized to pick up any trips elsewhere in Manhattan.
To hail a taxi, stand at the curb and look for a yellow cab with an illuminated white number on top. Off-duty cabs display the illuminated words “Off Duty” on the same sign. Board and exit the cab curbside.
For yellow or green taxis, there is a minimum meter fare of $3, and prices increase based on the distance and duration of the trip (assume prices are higher during peak rush-hour traffic). Surcharges apply to the meter price nightly, 8pm–6am, and Monday–Friday, 4–8pm. Drivers appreciate a 15–20 percent gratuity at the end of a trip. Bridge and tunnel tolls are not included in the taxi’s metered fare. For further details, visit nyc.gov/taxi or call +1(212)NEW-YORK (639.9675) from outside the City or 311 when in town.