Taxi Surcharges in Singapore: A Quick Guide for Passengers

In Singapore, travelers will come across various taxi companies and booking options, each with its fare structure and surcharges.

The main components include flag-down fares, distance, and time-based unit fares, booking fees, and surcharges that can significantly affect the total trip cost.

Some taxi surcharges in Singapore apply during peak periods, originating from specific locations like airports or tourist spots or booked through different channels.

By familiarizing yourself with the intricacies of Singapore’s taxi industry, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the city hassle-free and cost-effectively.

Keeping an eye on commonly applied surcharges and understanding how to mitigate them will be helpful to ensure that your time in Singapore is enjoyable and efficient.

Key Takeaways

• Understand Singapore’s taxi fare components, including key surcharges.
• Be aware of factors such as time, location, and booking method that affect surcharges.
• Leverage strategies to minimize taxi expenses while enjoying a convenient transportation experience

Understanding Taxi Fare and Taxi Surcharges in Singapore

Type of Taxi Fares

In Singapore, taxi fares are typically calculated on a metered basis, taking into account the flag-down rate, distance traveled, and waiting time.

On top of the metered fare, various surcharges may apply to your trip, depending on factors like time, location, and type of taxi service.

When traveling in a standard taxi:

• Flag-down rate: ranges between $3.20 and $3.90, depending on the type of cab
• Distance rate: $0.22 per 400 meters for the first 10 km, $0.22 per 350 meters after 10 km
• Waiting time rate: $0.22 per 45 seconds

Premium taxis have higher flag-down and distance rates, at $3.90-$5 and $0.33 per 400 meters, respectively.

Types of Taxi Surcharges in Singapore

Surcharges are additional fees added to your taxi fare under certain circumstances. Here are some common taxi surcharges in Singapore:

1. Peak hour surcharge: 25% of the metered fare during weekday peak hours (6:00 AM – 9:30 AM, 6:00 PM-midnight) and Sunday/Public Holiday peak hours (6:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
2. Late-night surcharge: 50% of the metered fare from midnight to 6:00 AM daily
3. Location-based surcharges:
   • Mandai Wildlife Reserve: $3 surcharge for trips from 4:00 PM to midnight
   • Marina Bay Cruise Centre: $5 surcharge from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM, $3 surcharge at all other times
   • Marina Bay Sands: $3 surcharge on Sundays and public holidays from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
4. Changi Airport surcharge: $5 surcharge from 5:00 PM to midnight on Fridays to Sundays, $3 surcharge during all other hours

Knowing the different surcharges and planning your trips helps you better manage your taxi expenses in Singapore.

For example, traveling during off-peak hours or avoiding high surcharge locations can save you money.

Lastly, don’t forget to watch for promotions and discounts offered by various taxi companies and ride-hailing apps.

Type of Charge	Amount
The flag-down rate for premium taxi	$3.20 – $3.90
25% of metered fare during weekday peak hours (6:00 AM – 9:30 AM, 6:00 PM-midnight) and Sunday/Public Holiday peak hours (6:00 AM – 5:00 PM)	$3.90 – $5
Distance rate for first 10 km	$0.22 per 400 meters
Distance rate after 10 km	$0.22 per 350 meters
Waiting time rate	$0.22 per 45 seconds
Peak hour surcharge	25% of metered fare during weekday peak hours (6:00 AM – 9:30 AM, 6:00 PM – midnight) and Sunday/Public Holiday peak hours (6:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Late-night surcharge	50% of metered fare from midnight to 6:00 AM daily
Mandai Wildlife Reserve surcharge	$3 for trips from 4:00 PM to midnight
Marina Bay Cruise Centre surcharge	$5 from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM, $3 at all other times
Marina Bay Sands surcharge	$3 on Sundays and public holidays from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Changi Airport surcharge	$5 from 5:00 PM to midnight on Fridays to Sundays, $3 during all other hours
Credit card payment fee	around +10% of the total fare
NETS payment fee	+$0.30
ERP charges	varies based on location and time
Additional charges	varies based on location and time

Taxi Companies and Booking Options

Singapore offers various taxi services, including standard taxis, limousine taxis, and private hire cars like Grab and Uber. This section will discuss these options, helping you decide the best transportation mode for your needs.

Standard Taxis and ComfortDelGro Taxi

Different companies like ComfortDelGro, Transcab, and Strides Taxi. These taxis come in various colors and models and are known for their reasonably priced fares.

To book a standard taxi, you can:

• Hail one on the streets
• Reserve through a phone call
• Use taxi booking applications (Zig)

Fare Structure for Standard Taxis:

• Flag-down fare
• Distance and time-based unit fares
• Surcharges
• Booking fees

Check the taxi company’s website or use a fare calculator for accurate estimates.

Limousine Taxis and Premium Taxi Services

Limousine taxis cater to passengers seeking luxury and exclusive transportation.

These premium services offer a comfortable and stylish ride experience. Some companies offering such services include Comfort and other high-end taxi companies.

You can book the Limousine Taxis and Premium Taxi Services here:

🏎️ BOOK SINGAPORE PREMIUM TAXI & LIMOUSINE TAXI 🚘

Key Features of Limousine Taxis:

• Spacious and luxurious vehicles
• Professional chauffeurs
• Fixed, upfront pricing

Grab, Gojek, and Private Hire Cars

Private hire cars like Grab, Gojek, and Tada are popular alternatives to traditional taxis.

These app-based services provide convenience and competitive pricing.

Advantages of Using Grab and Private Hire Cars:

• Upfront pricing (excluding tolls and surcharges)
• Cashless payment options
• Easy booking and tracking through a mobile app

Taxi Surcharges in Singapore: Based on Time and Location

Taxi surcharges in Singapore can be categorized based on time-related factors as well as location-specific factors.

This section will provide an overview of the different types of surcharges that passengers might encounter when using taxi services in Singapore.

Peak Hour and Late Night Surcharges

During peak periods, taxis in Singapore impose an additional surcharge for rides, aimed to incentivize drivers to provide services during high-demand hours.

The peak hour surcharge generally applies during weekdays from 6 am to 9:30 am and from 6 pm to midnight.

During these periods, passengers expect approximately 25% higher fares than off-peak timings.

Another taxi surcharge that passengers may encounter in Singapore is the midnight surcharge.

This surcharge is usually applied between midnight and 6 am every day. Passengers who take taxis during this period can expect to pay approximately 50% more for their rides compared to standard daytime fares.

Airport and Location-Specific Surcharges

Location-specific surcharges are applied to taxi rides from popular travel destinations such as Changi Airport, Seletar Airport, and Singapore Zoo.

For instance, passengers taking a taxi from Changi Airport can expect a $3 additional surcharge on top of their fare.

Such surcharges compensate drivers for potential waiting times and other inconveniences in these high-demand areas.

Understanding these time- and location-based taxi surcharges in Singapore can help passengers better plan their trips and make informed transportation choices.

By being mindful of peak hours, city area boundaries, and specific surcharge-prone locations, passengers can save on their taxi fares without compromising convenience and comfort.

Payment Options and Additional Charges

Cash, Credit Card, and NETS Payments

In Singapore, taxi passengers have a variety of payment options to choose from.

For those who prefer using cash, having some local currency ready when taking a taxi is essential, as drivers might not accept foreign currencies.

Regarding card payments, most taxis accept credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard. However, be aware that paying with a credit card may incur an additional fee of around +10% of the total fare.

NETS is a popular electronic payment method in Singapore, and many taxis are equipped to accept NETS payments. There will be an extra +$0.30 charge when you pay by NETS.

ERP Charges and Other Extra Fees

Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) charges may apply during your taxi ride. ERP charges are incurred when a taxi passes through certain zones during peak hours, as designated by the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

The taxi’s in-vehicle unit (IU) will automatically deduct the ERP charges from your payment method, so make sure you have a sufficient balance if paying by NETS or credit card.

Additional charges can also be expected for specific locations and times. For instance, passengers may be charged an extra $3 to $5 for pickups in the Central Business District (CBD) area or Changi Airport.

The Public Transport Council regulates surcharges for peak hours and other special conditions. Peak hour fees may apply if you travel during busy periods, such as weekdays from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. or weekend evenings from 6 p.m. to midnight.

Lastly, if your taxi ride has more than four passengers, be prepared for an additional S$3.00 surcharge per extra person.

By being aware of the various payment options and taxi surcharges in Singapore when taking a taxi, you’ll be more prepared to make the most out of your transportation experience in this vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions