Cabs in Singapore: Overview
Overall, Singapore taxis are a popular mode of transit as they offer efficient services at rather affordable prices. Although some scamming incidents may occur from time to time, Singapore taxi rides are regarded as safe and reliable. Their journeys are door-to-door, to the exact location of the passenger’s destination, and are definitely the way to go when traveling with luggage or children. Verily, their comfort is undeniable, while they provide secure storage for personal belongings in the trunk.
Even though the number of Singapore cabs was much higher, the present quantity efficiently meets the demand. Verily, more than 14.084 Singapore taxis provide their services, while ride-sharing companies are also available in Singapore. Operating exclusively via their apps, the ride-sharing agencies cover a significant portion of the demand, with Grab Singapore being the major provider.
For the time being, four taxi companies are present in Singapore. As Singapore taxis aren’t uniformly colored, each company’s fleet consists of differently-colored vehicles. In any case, you’ll spot three types of Singapore cabs: the standard vehicles, the premium ones, and the luxurious limousines. The four official Singapore taxi providers are:
- ComfortDelGro: the company’s cabs are blue or yellow.
- TransCab: its fleet consists of red vehicles.
- Prime Taxis: its taxis are copper-colored.
- Strides Taxis: the company has lime and silver vehicles.
Singapore Taxi Fares
Singapore taxis are metered and considered affordable. Hence, their rates are formed by their taximeter based on the traversed distance and the duration of the ride. In general terms, each taxi company has its own price table. That being said, all fares are somewhat the same, kept at competitive levels.
The flag-down rate of taxis in Singapore is around S$3.90/$2.90/€2.70-S$4.30/$3.20/€3, while the fee per 400m/0.2 mile (after the 1km/0.6 mile) for the first 10km/6.1 miles is about S$0.25/$0.19/€0.18. The same rate applies after the 10km/6.1-mile distance but for every 350m or less, while the waiting time is also charged at around S$0.25/$0.19/€0.18 for every 45 seconds. Moreover, bookings are extra charged at about S$3.30/$2.45/€2.27-S$4.50/$3.34/€3.10 during peak hours (Monday to Friday from 06:00 am to 09:30 am, every day from 05:00 pm to midnight, weekends and public holidays from 10:00 am to 02:00 pm) and around S$2.30/$1.70/€1.58-S$2.50/$1.86/€1.73 at other times. Please note that early in-advance reservations are pricier.
Furthermore, various surcharges also apply at the Singapore taxi rates, mostly based on the location and the time of the day. Thus, a supplement of S$3/$2.20/€2 is added to the final fare for rides from the CBD (the Central Business District) from 05:00 pm to midnight as well for journeys from Gardens by the Bay, Resorts World Sentosa, Seletar Airport, Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, and from Mandai Wildlife Reserve from 04:00 pm to midnight. What’s more, Singapore taxi rides from Marina Bay Sands come with an extra S$3/$2.20/€2 fee on Sundays and during public holidays from 06:00 am to 05:00 pm. On the other hand, if the pick-up location is the Marina Bay Cruise Center and the ride takes place from 07:00 am to 11:00 am, the final Singapore cab fare will be S$5/$3.70/€3.40 costlier, whereas, at other times, a S$3/$2.20/€2 surcharge will be added to the final price. Finally, taxi trips from the Singapore Expo are S$2/$1.50/€1.40 pricier, and an extra charge is added to the Changi airport rides (S$8/$6/€5.55 from 05:00 pm to midnight and S$6/$4.46/€4.13 at other times).
During rush hours, that is from 06:00 am to 09:30 am on weekdays (not on public holidays), from 05:00 pm to midnight from Monday to Sunday (on holidays too), and from 10:00 am to 02:00 pm on weekends and public holidays, Singapore taxi journeys are 25% more expensive. Moreover, night rides (midnight to 06:00 am) are also costlier. As a matter of fact, they come with a 50% of the metered fare surcharge. The ERP (Electronic Road Pricing – the electronic tolls) fee also adds to the taxi’s costs, while each passenger from the fifth onward brings an additional charge of S$3/$2.20/€2.
Please note that premium vehicles are more expensive (for example, the flag fee is S$3.90/$2.90/2.70-S$5/$3.70/€3.40). Expectantly, limousines are the costlier option. Bookings through taxi apps (for instance, ComfortDelGro has an app) come with flat fares too. However, if you opt for the flat rate, you should bear in mind that it is subject to the demand and the supply.
Singapore Taxis: Payment Methods
All Singapore taxis accept both cash and card payments. Thus, even if you don’t have cash, you can use a credit or debit card to pay for your cab. Nevertheless, e-payments come with a 10% extra fee (plus GST). On the other hand, NETS payments bring an extra charge of S$0.30/$0.22/€0.20.
How to Hire a Singapore Taxi
You can hail your Singapore taxi from the street (simply by standing at the edge of the road and raising your hand), catch one of the cabs lining up at the taxi stands, or call your taxi. That being said, although taxis are easy to find around the city, pick-ups and drop-offs aren’t allowed inside the Central Business District (CBD). Hence, passengers in the Singapore city area have to catch their cab or be dropped off at the designated taxi stops, which are to be found around the city center or use one of the official taxi ranks, which lie in the most popular city areas, outside the main transit hubs, and close to major accommodation facilities. Moreover, taxis in Singapore aren’t allowed to stop close to bus stops, in lanes with zigzag double lines, on expressways, and along bus routes during their operational hours. In any case, empty taxis have a green light on their roof, whereas the occupied ones have red lights. Additionally, if the roof Taxi sign displays a location, it indicates that the driver is on the way to change shifts. Thus, the taxi can serve only passengers heading to that particular destination.
Singapore Taxi to Changi Airport
More Tips about Taxis in Singapore
- Singapore taxis are overall metered. Thus, once you enter the taxi, you should check that the taximeter is zeroed and works properly.
- The driver’s and vehicle’s data should be clearly displayed inside the taxi.
- Although their fares are approximately the same, Singapore taxi companies charge according to different price tables.
- You should ask for a receipt at the end of the ride. It will be proven extremely handy in case of forgotten items inside the Singapore cab.
- Both cash and card payments are equally accepted. Nevertheless, card payments come with a 10% extra fee.
- During rush hours and rainy days, calling your cab is the best option.
- Pets are allowed inside Singapore taxis. However, they must be put into cages or be muzzled. Conversely, service dogs are always accepted.
- Singapore taxi drivers usually don’t help passengers with their luggage.
- Luggage isn’t charged extra.
- Keeping the exact address and postal code of your destination written down is always advisable.
- Tipping the driver is optional. Hence, if you are pleased with your ride, you can always round up the final fare.
FAQs
Are taxis in Singapore expensive?
Though Singapore taxi companies charge differently, their prices are approximately the same. In any case, taxis in Singapore are regarded as affordable, at least when compared with the taxi rates of other major capital cities.
How to get a taxi in Singapore?
You can catch a Singapore taxi from the street, head to one of the city’s taxi stands, or call your cab. That being said, taxis aren’t allowed to pick up passengers from any location inside the CBD (Central Business District) other than the city area’s taxi ranks and designated taxi stops.
Do I need cash in Singapore for a taxi?
Singapore taxis accept payments in cash and via bank cards. That being said, e-payments come with a surcharge. Thus, e-payments add an extra 10% to the final taxi fare.
Do you tip cab drivers in Singapore?
Tipping the cab driver isn’t obligatory in Singapore. Thus, you don’t have to add a tip to the final price of your taxi journey. Still, locals usually round up the final fare as a form of appreciation for pleasant rides.