United States – Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services

How do taxis work in the United States, and are they safe and reliable for expats?

The taxi industry across the United States functions within a heavily regulated framework, though the specific rules differ from one city or state to the next. Licensing requirements, fare controls, mandatory insurance, and vehicle safety standards all serve to keep taxicabs a dependable and secure way to travel. Rather than a single national regulatory structure — as exists in some countries — every US city or county maintains its own rules, meaning the experience can vary noticeably depending on where you are.

Many cities use a “taxi medallion” system to authorise drivers to pick up street hails. New York City is a prime example: the famous yellow cabs fall under the authority of the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). The TLC licenses more than 120,000 vehicles in total, among them 13,587 taxis permitted to take street hails across all five boroughs, alongside roughly 106,000 for-hire vehicles that only operate through advance booking.

Metered fares are the norm in virtually every major American city, with meters legally calibrated and officially mandated by local authorities. Taxi rates are set by cities or districts and apply uniformly to all cabs operating in the designated area — drivers cannot charge above or below the official tariff. Officially calibrated taximeters installed in each vehicle enforce this requirement.

You can flag down a taxi from the pavement in busy city areas, find them queued at designated ranks outside hotels, airports, and train stations, or arrange one by phone or app. Modern taxi operators are increasingly embracing digital payments, GPS routing, and online bookings, making the experience smoother and more transparent for passengers.

A GAO review of state laws and regulations established that 45 states plus Washington D.C. require criminal background checks for prospective ride-hailing drivers, while 11 states mandate the same for prospective taxi drivers. In practice, most reputable taxi companies carry out their own checks regardless of whether the law compels them to, so the overall standard of driver vetting tends to be high.

Licensed taxicabs are required to display a decal or licence number on the outside of the vehicle, and the driver’s photo ID along with their registration number must be visible inside the cab. Checking for these details is a simple but effective first step when boarding any taxi in a US city.

Which ride-hailing apps work in the United States, and how do I use them?

Uber and Lyft continue to dominate the American ride-hailing market, together commanding the vast majority of app-based trips across the country. Their combined grip on urban mobility is comparable to how Grab holds sway across much of Southeast Asia, or how Bolt has established itself in numerous European cities.

Uber’s product range spans UberX, UberXL, UberBlack, and UberPool, covering everything from economy fares to high-end transfers. Lyft provides ride-hailing services across the United States and into Canada, holding the position of second-largest ridesharing company in the country behind Uber. Both platforms require a smartphone, a valid email address, and a linked payment method — international credit and debit cards including Visa, Mastercard, and Amex are accepted. A US phone number is not mandatory to sign up, though having one does simplify the account verification process.

Curb bills itself as the official taxi app, allowing users to electronically hail licensed and regulated taxicabs. It operates in cities including New York City, Chicago, Miami, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Boston, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh. Unlike Uber and Lyft, which connect riders with private-hire drivers, Curb dispatches a fully licensed traditional taxi or professional for-hire car — an appealing option for expats who value the accountability that comes with a fully regulated vehicle.

Waymo One, developed by Alphabet Inc. — Google’s parent company — is an autonomous ride-hailing service deploying fully self-driving vehicles powered by sophisticated artificial intelligence and sensor arrays. Currently available in a limited selection of US cities including Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, it remains a niche but expanding offering, especially popular among tech-curious expats and early adopters in those markets.

By 2025, the wider field of ride-hailing options in the USA encompasses services including UnicoTaxi, Uber, Lyft, Waymo, Gett, Wingz, inDrive, Moovn, Curb, Via, Blacklane, HopSkipDrive, and Revel, collectively spanning standard rides, luxury vehicles, and specialist child-friendly journeys. For everyday purposes, Uber and Lyft cover the vast majority of situations, and most expats find they can have either app set up and ready to use within a few minutes of downloading.

Getting started is straightforward: download Uber or Lyft from the Apple App Store or Google Play, create an account with your email address, add a payment card, and type in your pickup location. The app displays nearby drivers, estimated arrival times, and a fare quote before you finalise the booking.

Where can I find taxis and book rides in the capital city and major expat areas?

The United States spans an enormous geographic area, and the taxi and ride-hailing landscape shifts substantially between cities. Here is a practical rundown of the most expat-populated urban centres.

Washington D.C. (the capital)

Washington D.C. maintains a lively taxi and ride-hailing scene. Cabs can be waved down on the street throughout the city, especially near the National Mall, major hotels, and Union Station. All taxis and for-hire vehicles in the District are overseen by the DC Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV). Uber and Lyft both see heavy use here. The Curb app is also active in D.C., directing passengers to licensed cabs. For traditional telephone bookings, DC Yellow Cab (Tel: +1 202-544-1212) and Barwood Taxi (Tel: +1 301-984-1900) are well-established operators.

New York City

New York ranks among the cities with the highest taxi usage anywhere in the world. Yellow cabs are available for street hailing throughout Manhattan and parts of the outer boroughs. Green cabs — officially known as street hail liveries (SHLs) — are for-hire vehicles authorised to pick up street hails in areas that yellow taxis have historically underserved. Uber, Lyft, and Curb all operate here. The regulatory body is the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). For telephone enquiries, the TLC’s 311 city information line connects passengers with NYC Taxi services.

Los Angeles

Nine franchise taxi operators hold licences to operate in the City of Los Angeles, running a fleet of more than 2,300 vehicles. Although vehicle colours and branding may differ between operators, every officially licensed cab must carry the City of Los Angeles Taxicab Seal. Street hailing is far less common here than in New York — most passengers book by app or phone. Uber, Lyft, and Waymo are all active in LA. Established operators include Yellow Cab of Los Angeles (website: laycab.com) and United Independent Taxi (Tel: +1 800-822-8294).

Chicago

Chicago’s taxi trade is regulated by the City of Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). Street hailing is common practice in the Loop and central neighbourhoods. Uber, Lyft, and Curb all provide citywide coverage. American United Cab Association serves the Chicago area (Tel: +1 773-248-7600, website: americanunited.com). Passengers departing O’Hare or Midway Airport pay an additional $4 airport surcharge on top of the metered fare.

Miami

Taxis in Miami and Miami-Dade County are regulated by the Miami-Dade County Consumer Services Department, which issues chauffeur’s licences to cab drivers. Uber and Lyft are the dominant choice here. Traditional taxis can be found at Miami International Airport, the major hotels, and designated ranks in South Beach. Metro Taxi Miami (Tel: +1 305-888-8888) is one of the more established local operators. A minimum fare of $15 applies when departing Miami International Airport or the Port of Miami.

San Francisco and the Bay Area

Taxis in San Francisco are governed by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). Cabs wait at designated stands and can occasionally be hailed in busier districts. Uber, Lyft, Waymo, and Curb all serve the city. In tech-corridor areas further south in the Bay Area, traditional taxi coverage can be thin, making app-based services essentially indispensable.

In smaller cities, suburban zones, and rural communities, conventional taxis may be scarce or entirely absent. In such areas, Uber and Lyft are typically the only on-demand ground transport option available — and even their coverage can be inconsistent.

How much does a taxi or ride-hailing trip cost in the United States?

Taxi fares across the US are determined by local municipal ordinance and collected through calibrated meters. Ride-hailing apps, by contrast, use demand-driven algorithmic pricing — commonly called “surge pricing” — which can push fares considerably higher during busy periods, in much the same way that dynamic pricing affects app-based transport in other countries.

In New York City, the base fare for a yellow cab sits at around $3.00, with a per-mile rate of approximately $2.50–$3.50 and a per-minute charge of roughly $0.50–$0.90 depending on traffic conditions and zone. In 2025, airport journeys carry a surcharge of approximately $1.50–$2.75, and a night-time rate adds around $1.25. As a rough guide, a 2-mile trip within Midtown typically comes to $12–$20, while a ride to JFK Airport including tolls can reach $60–$75 depending on traffic.

Chicago applies a base fare of $3.25 followed by $2.25 for each mile travelled, plus an elapsed-time charge of 20 cents per 36 seconds. Card payments attract a 50-cent surcharge. Tolls are billed separately, and journeys beginning at O’Hare or Midway Airport carry an extra $4 airport fee.

In Los Angeles, the city’s official fare schedule published by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation sets an initial flag fee of $3.10 plus $2.98 per mile, charged in increments of one-ninth of a mile.

Miami-Dade County licensed cabs operate under a fixed tariff structure: the metered rate begins at $2.95 for the first one-sixth of a mile, then 85 cents for the next portion up to one mile, after which an equivalent rate of $3.30 per mile applies for the remainder of the journey. Additional passengers and luggage carry no extra charge.

Las Vegas stands apart by offering a flat-rate airport transfer system. Travellers arriving at Harry Reid International Airport can immediately see the fixed cost to their hotel of choice — representative examples include $21 to the MGM Grand, $25 to the Bellagio, and $29 to the Venetian.

All figures above are current as of 2025. Fares can and do change, so it is advisable to verify the latest rates directly with the relevant local taxi regulator or operator before travelling. A 5-mile journey is often used as a standard benchmark for comparing taxi costs between US cities, since it captures the combined effect of initial drop fees and varying per-mile tariffs, giving an accurate picture of real-world costs. For ride-hailing, both Uber and Lyft show a fixed upfront fare estimate before you confirm your booking, providing price certainty even when surge pricing is in effect.

Are there any common scams or safety issues with taxis in the United States that expats should know about?

The US is broadly safe for taxi passengers, but there are recognised pitfalls to be aware of — particularly in areas that attract large numbers of tourists. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation has issued repeated warnings against using so-called “bandit taxis” — unlicensed operators posing as legitimate cabs. These unregistered vehicles are widely known to defraud passengers and, in some instances, pose genuine physical dangers.

The most prevalent scam involves unlicensed or informal drivers who target travellers outside airports, sports venues, or busy nightlife districts, pitching rides at ostensibly attractive prices. Such drivers are not bound by metered tariffs, carry no passenger transport insurance, and have undergone no background checks. Always confirm that any cab you board displays the correct official licensing credentials before getting in.

Licensed taxicabs must show a decal or licence number on the vehicle’s exterior, along with the driver’s photo ID and registration number on display inside the cab. If either of these is missing, do not board the vehicle. In New York City, the law requires the driver to switch on a working meter at the start of every trip — its absence is a clear warning sign.

Passengers using digital apps most commonly rely on pre-trip verification features. These typically include the driver’s name and photograph plus the vehicle’s licence plate number, all of which can be checked against the actual car before you get in. This practice is as important whether you are using Uber in a US city or any comparable app-based service elsewhere in the world.

GAO safety research found that respondents ranked the licence plate number and the driver’s name and photo as the most valuable in-app safety tools. More than 90 percent of those surveyed were aware of at least one in-vehicle safety feature, such as a vehicle identification decal.

Further sensible precautions include forwarding your trip details to someone you trust, sitting in the rear of the vehicle, and ensuring your phone is sufficiently charged before you travel. At airports in particular, always proceed to an official taxi rank or use a pre-booked service — never accept a ride from a driver who solicits you inside the arrivals hall. An important advantage of ride-hailing apps is that every journey generates a permanent digital record, providing a layer of accountability that cash taxi transactions often lack.

How do I pay for taxis and ride-hailing services — cash, card, or app?

Payment across the US taxi and ride-hailing sector has shifted decisively toward cashless methods, though most licensed taxis still accept notes and coins. This trajectory mirrors patterns seen in comparable markets such as Australia and Canada, where contactless card and mobile payments have become the everyday standard.

All the major ride-hailing platforms — Uber, Lyft, Curb — manage payment entirely within their apps. You link a credit or debit card before your first ride, or connect a service such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, and the fare is charged to that method automatically once the journey ends. Internationally issued Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards are accepted by every major platform without any special configuration.

Traditional taxi operators have increasingly embraced digital payment technology, and in cities such as New York, licensed yellow cabs are legally required to carry card readers. These systems encompass credit card terminals, trip recording devices, and the Taxi TV screens found throughout yellow cabs and street hail liveries. In Chicago, a small processing fee applies to card transactions — electronic payments in Chicago taxis carry a 50-cent surcharge.

Cash remains a viable fallback, particularly in smaller cities where card infrastructure may be less consistent, or when you simply want to sidestep card reader surcharges. Tipping is deeply ingrained in US service culture — 15 to 20 percent of the fare is the accepted norm — and can be added through the app or paid directly in cash to the driver. Omitting a tip entirely is viewed as discourteous.

Unlike Uber and Lyft, which connect passengers with private-hire drivers, the Curb app dispatches a traditionally licensed taxi. Fares are set by the local taxi partners involved, so rates differ by city. Crucially, Curb supports in-app card payment even if you have already flagged down a cab on the street — a useful hybrid arrangement for anyone who prefers a regulated cab but wants the convenience of digital payment.

Are there alternatives to taxis and ride-hailing for getting around the United States as an expat?

Taxis continue to serve as a vital pillar of urban mobility across the country, moving commuters, visitors, and business travellers efficiently in cities where public transit coverage may be limited or impractical. That said, several strong alternatives are available depending on where you have settled.

Public transit (metro, bus, commuter rail): New York City’s subway is one of the most expansive underground networks on the planet and runs around the clock — a considerable advantage over many European systems that suspend service overnight. Chicago, Boston, Washington D.C., San Francisco, and Los Angeles all operate well-developed metro and rail networks. In cities with robust transit infrastructure, regular commuters frequently find public transport not only far cheaper but actually faster than taxis or ride-hailing during peak hours.

Rental cars: Beyond the major urban centres, owning or hiring a vehicle is often a practical necessity. Much of the US was designed around private car ownership, and countless suburban and rural areas have minimal or nonexistent taxi or transit coverage. Major rental companies such as Hertz and Enterprise have forged partnerships with ride-sharing platforms, and a significant proportion of Uber and Lyft drivers operate rental vehicles sourced from these providers.

Cycling and e-scooters: Bike-share and e-scooter schemes have expanded substantially in most large cities in recent years. Systems like Citi Bike in New York, Divvy in Chicago, and Capital Bikeshare in Washington D.C. are well-used for short urban hops and connect naturally with app-based journey planning. Lyft also runs motorised scooter and bicycle-sharing operations in numerous US cities.

Long-distance travel: Amtrak operates the national passenger rail network, connecting principal cities along corridors such as the Northeast Corridor (Boston–New York–Washington) and along the Pacific Coast. For longer trips, domestic flights often represent the quickest and most economical choice. Intercity bus services including Greyhound, FlixBus, and Megabus provide affordable connections between cities for budget-conscious travellers.

What do expats say about using taxis and ride-hailing services day-to-day in the United States?

The broad view among expats is that Uber and Lyft make day-to-day life markedly easier, especially during the initial weeks after arrival when you may not yet own a vehicle or be familiar with local geography. Both apps function seamlessly with foreign phones and payment cards, and since GPS handles navigation, any language gap with a driver rarely becomes a meaningful obstacle — the destination is entered digitally, and routing is managed automatically.

The current market is characterised by a drive toward electrification, the growing uptake of loyalty and subscription programmes, and tighter integration with public transit and last-mile delivery services. Uber One and Lyft Pink — the subscription plans offered by each company respectively — extend regular discounts to frequent users, and both are worth considering once you are settled and relying on the apps consistently.

Airport transfers are among the most common use cases for expats. For cost predictability, many prefer booking via Curb or arranging a taxi in advance rather than waiting for surge pricing to ease on the main apps. Curb-dispatched licensed cabs frequently work out cheaper than Uber or Lyft, though arrival times can be longer, particularly outside the densest urban districts.

Expats based outside major metropolitan areas consistently point out that the US is fundamentally a car-dependent society. In cities such as Houston, Phoenix, or across much of suburban Los Angeles, ride-hailing exists but wait times can stretch and costs mount quickly for everyday use. Purchasing or leasing a car becomes close to essential for many expats who live outside walkable city cores. Those relocating to New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., Boston, or San Francisco, however, generally report managing perfectly well without a personal vehicle, relying on a combination of public transit and ride-hailing apps.

From the classic yellow cab to AI-driven robotaxis, the American taxi ecosystem is growing more technologically sophisticated, environmentally conscious, and interconnected with each passing year. For expats based in San Francisco or Phoenix in particular, Waymo’s fully driverless service is already a practical reality — and one that many find worth experiencing for themselves at least once.

How do I get a taxi or ride-hailing service as an expat — step by step?

1. Download the app: Install Uber and/or Lyft from the App Store or Google Play. For licensed taxi booking, also consider downloading Curb if you are in New York, Chicago, Miami, D.C., Boston, Philadelphia, or Las Vegas.
2. Create an account: Register using your email address. You do not need a US phone number, though adding one speeds up verification. International phone numbers are accepted.
3. Add a payment method: Enter your credit or debit card details. International Visa, Mastercard, and Amex cards are accepted. You can also link Apple Pay or Google Pay.
4. Enter your destination: Type your destination into the app. A fare estimate, vehicle type options, and driver availability will appear. For Uber and Lyft, the upfront price is shown before you confirm.
5. Confirm and verify your driver: Once matched, check the driver’s name, photo, and vehicle plate in the app against the actual car that arrives. Never get into a vehicle that does not match.
6. Take your ride: Sit in the back seat. GPS navigation handles routing. If there is a language barrier, show the destination on your phone screen.
7. Pay and tip: Payment is automatic via the app. Add a tip of 15–20% in-app, or hand cash to the driver for traditional cabs.
8. Rate your driver: Both Uber and Lyft prompt you to rate the trip. This helps maintain driver accountability across the platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Uber operate throughout the United States?

Yes. Uber is active in hundreds of cities spanning all 50 states, making it the most broadly accessible ride-hailing platform in the country. Service is most reliable in urban and suburban areas; in deeply rural or remote regions, driver availability can be limited or nonexistent. Use the Uber app to check live driver availability wherever you happen to be.

How do I get from the airport to my destination by taxi in the US?

The vast majority of major US airports have official taxi ranks positioned outside the arrivals level — look for “Ground Transportation” or “Taxis” signage. If you are using a ride-hailing app, airports generally designate specific pickup zones that are clearly marked; consult the Uber or Lyft app for the exact pickup location at your airport. Never accept a lift from a driver who solicits you inside the terminal building.

Is it safe to take a taxi alone at night in the United States?

Travelling alone at night in a licensed taxi or via a reputable ride-hailing app is widely regarded as safe, particularly in large cities. Before boarding, always confirm that the vehicle and driver details shown in your app match what is in front of you, send your trip information to someone you trust, and occupy the rear seat. Steer clear of unmarked or unbranded vehicles, especially in the vicinity of bars or entertainment venues late at night.

How do I avoid being overcharged in a US taxi?

Insist that the driver activates the meter the moment your journey begins, and check that the fare being displayed corresponds to the city’s official tariff — this information is typically posted inside the cab or on the regulator’s website. With ride-hailing apps, an upfront fare is displayed before you confirm your booking, so unexpected charges are not an issue. Should you believe you have been overcharged, record the driver’s licence number and raise the matter with the local taxi regulatory authority.

What should I do if a driver refuses to use the meter?

If a driver declines to start the meter or proposes a fixed price that appears inflated, you are fully entitled to walk away from the ride. Running a licensed taxi without engaging the meter constitutes a regulatory breach in most US cities. You can file a complaint — quoting the vehicle’s licence plate or cab number — with your city’s taxi authority. In New York City, call the TLC via 311; elsewhere, contact the relevant municipal transport regulator.

Do I need a US bank account or phone number to use Uber or Lyft?

No. Both Uber and Lyft accept internationally issued credit and debit cards and allow registration with a non-US phone number and email address. This means you can use either service from the moment you set foot in the country, before you have opened a local bank account or obtained a domestic SIM card. Registering a US phone number at a later stage will make the account verification process more straightforward.

Are taxis and ride-hailing services accessible for passengers with disabilities?

The NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission has implemented measures to improve long-term accessibility, including policy changes that removed scheduled retirement dates for wheelchair-accessible taxicabs and allowed used vehicles to be converted to accessible configurations. Both Uber and Lyft offer WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) options in a number of cities — check the relevant app for availability in your area. At a national level, the Americans with Disabilities Act establishes minimum accessibility standards for passenger transport services.

Is tipping expected in US taxis and ride-hailing services?

Absolutely — tipping is a well-established social expectation in the United States, not merely a courtesy as it might be in other countries. The accepted standard for taxis is 15 to 20 percent of the metered fare. Both Uber and Lyft present a tip prompt at the end of each journey, with pre-calculated suggested amounts for convenience. For traditional cab drivers, a cash tip is equally welcome. Leaving no tip at all is considered impolite and, on app platforms, may affect your passenger rating.