How do taxis and ride-hailing work in Singapore?
Licensed taxis run on a meter with published surcharges, while ride-hailing apps quote a fixed price before you book. Both are regulated, and drivers and vehicles must hold the relevant licences.
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How it works
Taxis can be hailed at ranks and on the street where permitted, and apps set marked pick-up points at airports, malls and offices. Fares vary with time of day, location and demand, and the operator must show the basis of the charge.
Commonly mixed up with
Private hire cars are often called taxis. They are a separate licensed category with different rules for street hailing and for fare display.
How do taxis and ride-hailing work in Singapore?
| Knowledge, Singapore | Travel and visit |
|---|---|
| Short answer | Licensed taxis run on a meter with published surcharges, while ride-hailing apps quote a fixed price before you book. Both are regulated, and drivers and vehicles must hold the relevant licences. |
| How it works | Taxis can be hailed at ranks and on the street where permitted, and apps set marked pick-up points at airports, malls and offices. Fares vary with time of day, location and demand, and the operator must show the basis of the charge. |
| Commonly mixed up with | Private hire cars are often called taxis. They are a separate licensed category with different rules for street hailing and for fare display. |
| Last reviewed | 2026-08-08 |
Short questions
- Are taxi fares metered?
- Yes, licensed taxis use a meter plus published surcharges.
- Is tipping expected?
- Tipping is not a local expectation in regulated transport.
- Can I pay by card?
- Card and app payment are widely accepted in both categories.
- Who regulates drivers?
- The Land Transport Authority licenses drivers and vehicles.
- What about airport surcharges?
- Airport pick-ups carry published surcharges at certain hours.
Sources
More in this track
- How do you get from Changi Airport to the city centre?
- How do MRT and bus fares work in Singapore?
- What is the SG Arrival Card and who has to submit one?
- What is the weather like in Singapore through the year?
- Where do visitors usually stay in Singapore?
- What is a hawker centre and how does it work?
- Can you leave the airport during a layover in Singapore?
- How do you get to Sentosa and what is on the island?
- How do you pay for things in Singapore, and is tipping expected?
- Which everyday rules do visitors to Singapore most often miss?
- How do public holidays affect a visit to Singapore?
These pages explain how the rules work and link the authority that owns them. They are not legal, tax or immigration advice, and amounts and thresholds change, so open the source before you act.
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