Taxi Fares: How Much Does a Ride Cost?
New laws adopted by Seattle in 2023 now allow taxis to calculate trip fares using alternate methods instead of the established drop, distance and time charges (please see table below). Alternate methods, which can vary by dispatch agency, leverage new taximeter technology to determine fares based on, for example, time of day, special event or number of vehicles available to serve passengers.
When applicable, additional charges for tolls, increased fuel costs, fare payment by credit card and/or extra luggage may be added to the fare. Before accepting a trip, a passenger should confirm the trip fare.
Despite the fare flexibility now available to taxis, Seattle still requires each taxi to have a taximeter in the vehicle, to test all taximeters at least once a year to ensure accuracy and to provide a passenger with a paper or electronic receipt following completion of the trip.
For trips where the established drop, distance and time charges are used to calculate the passengers’ fare, the taximeter will display the fare. A passenger does not simultaneously pay both distance and time charges; a passenger pays one or the other.
| Taxi charges | Fare rate |
|---|---|
| Drop charge: Applied as soon as you enter the taxi and accept a ride | $2.60 |
| Distance charge: Applied once the taxi is travelling to your destination | $2.70 per mile ($0.30 per 1/9 mile) |
| Time charge: Applied when the taxi stops or travels at slow speeds during the trip (for example, at red lights or in heavy stop-and-go traffic) | $0.50 per minute ($0.30 per 36 seconds) |
| Sea-Tac Airport flat rate (to/from downtown) | varies by company |