Prices and useful tips for taxis in Singapore

Singapore is a very busy city, always throbbing with locals and tons of tourists alike. Therefore, the transport management system existing here is also very convenient and far-stretched. However, despite such an extensive network of public transport, the importance of taxis can still not be denied.

Although buses and metros are the most popular and suitable modes of public transport here, their operating hours are fixed. Moreover, there are certain corners which still don’t fall under the coverage of public transport networks.

Under such circumstances, a taxi remains the only convenient option that can save your day. As per Singaporean standards, the taxi fares are reasonable. However, naturally, they are more expensive than any other public transport like trains or buses.

Nearly 26000 taxis ply in and around this Lion City. Therefore, you can well understand that the availability of taxis is not a big deal here under normal circumstances.

Taxi models

Singapore taxis offer you three choices in terms of their models and designs. The fares are also decided depending on the particular model you choose. These models are:

1. Standard

This is the most popular, common basic type of Singaporean taxi. Depending on the designated operating company, these taxis vary in their body colours, each one denoting its respective company. These are generally Kia, Hyundai, or Toyota models.

2. Premium and minicabs

These are imported from London and are always white in colour. Although given the name ‘minicabs’, they are designed to accommodate 7 passengers.

3. Limousine

This is the most luxurious option among taxis. These are generally a black Chrysler 300C sedan, or champagne-gold or white Mercedes Benz.

Fares and rates

The basic rates and fares of Singaporean taxis are as follows:

1. The base fare, including the initial first kilometre, stands at SGD 3

2. The fare for every 400 metres is SGD 0.22

All these rates and fares are strictly regulated and maintained by the government and are comparatively far cheaper than that in any European country. The taximeter works unfailingly to monitor the fare charged depending on the distance travelled.

Fares depend on the taxi model

The fare mentioned above is the basic rate. It varies from one another depending on the model of taxi you choose.

In this respect, the fare rates are as follows:

For Standard taxis

1. The base fare is SGD 3 including the primary first kilometre

2. The cost per 400 m is SGD 0.22

For premium taxis

1. The base fare including the first km stands at SGD 3.90

2. For every 400 m, the price is SGD 0.22

3. The charge for every passenger after 4 heads is SGD 2

For limousines

1. The base fare including the primary first kilometre ranges between SGD 3.90 and SGD 5

2. The cost for every 400 metres is SGD 0.33

Basic tariffs

1. The minimum fare including the initial first km ranges between SGD 3.20 and SGD 3.90

2. For every 400 metres up to the first 10 km, it is between SGD 0.20 and SGD 0.25

3. For every 350 metres after the 10 km range, it stands between SGD 0.20 and SGD 0.25

4. For every 45-second-long-waiting, a charge between SGD 0.20 and SGD 0.25 is applicable

Supplements and other additional charges

Your basic taxi fare attracts certain additional supplements under certain special circumstances:

1. Every Monday to Friday, between 6 am and 9.30 am, and every Monday to Saturday, between 5 pm and 8 pm is considered to be the rush hour. If you hail a cob during this time, your base fare will attract another 25% additional charge.

2. The night fare is based fare+50%

3. If you are hiring a cab from any financial district, from Monday to Saturday, between 5 pm and midnight, you have to pay an extra SGD 3

4. If you are travelling to the airport by taxi on weekends, then an additional charge ranging between SGD 3 and SGD 5 is applicable from 5 pm onwards till midnight.

5. The supplement for Marina Bay Sands is SGD 3

6. Visa and credit card payment of taxi fare also attracts an additional surcharge of 10%

7. If you call a cab using your phone, then also you will have to pay a fixed supplement

8. On public holidays, a 25% surcharge is applicable throughout the day

Chief taxi operators in Singapore

1. CityCab/Comfort Taxi

2. Prime Taxi

3. Premier Taxi

4. SMRT Taxi

5. Trans-Cab Taxi

6. HDT Singapore Taxi