Taxis in Frankfurt: Overview

Taxis are a convenient way to get around Frankfurt, especially when you are travelling with luggage, arriving late, or heading somewhere that is awkward to reach by public transport. Frankfurt’s tram, U-Bahn and S-Bahn network is fast and reliable, but many visitors still choose taxis when comfort and time matter more than cost.

Licensed Frankfurt taxis are comfortable, professional and available 24/7. Fares are regulated by the city, so every official cab charges the same metered rate. As anywhere, it is worth avoiding rush hour (roughly 07:30–09:30 and 16:30–18:30), when traffic can push up the final fare.

Frankfurt Taxi Fares

Taxi fares in Frankfurt are set by the city authority, and all licensed taxis apply the same tariff. There are no fixed city fares; the price is calculated by taximeter from distance and time. Frankfurt uses a tiered kilometre rate that becomes cheaper on longer trips.

  • Base fare (flag fall): around €3.50–4.00
  • Price per kilometre: roughly €2.00–2.60 (lower on longer journeys)
  • Waiting/standing time: about €39 per hour

There is no extra charge for night rides or luggage. Ordering a larger van (Großraumtaxi) for a bigger group may carry a small supplement.

Our tip: a short hop across the city centre usually costs somewhere around €10–20; a longer cross-town ride will be more. If you want a guaranteed price to or from the airport, compare a private transfer.

Frankfurt Taxis: Payment Methods

Most licensed Frankfurt taxis accept both cash and credit/debit cards, and contactless payment is increasingly common. Even so, it is polite to mention at the start of the ride if you intend to pay by card, and to carry some cash as a backup for shorter trips.

All fares are charged in euros. When paying cash, smaller notes are helpful, as drivers may not always carry change for large bills.

How to Hire a Taxi in Frankfurt

You can get a taxi in Frankfurt in several ways: pick one up at an official taxi rank (found at the main railway station, major squares, hotels and the trade-fair grounds), hail a passing cab with its roof light lit, or order one in advance.

To book ahead, call a local dispatcher such as Taxi Frankfurt (tel. +49 69 230001) or use a mobile app. FreeNow is the most widely used taxi app in Frankfurt, and it books the same licensed cabs you would find at a rank.

How to Recognise an Official Frankfurt Taxi

Official German taxis have a consistent, easy-to-spot appearance:

  • The vehicle is ivory/cream (light “Hellelfenbein”) in colour.
  • A yellow "TAXI" roof sign that is lit when the cab is free.
  • An official licence number and dispatcher details displayed on the vehicle.
  • A working taximeter clearly visible on the dashboard.

Because all Frankfurt taxis are regulated and metered, the risk of scams is low — but always check that the meter is running and set to the correct tariff.

Ride-hailing is also available in Frankfurt. FreeNow, Uber and Bolt all operate here; in Germany these apps connect you with licensed taxis or professional hire-car drivers, and prices are broadly similar to a metered cab.

Frankfurt Taxis to Frankfurt Airport

Taxis are a straightforward way to reach Frankfurt Airport (FRA) from the city. A cab ordered by app or phone usually arrives within 5–15 minutes, and the ride to the airport takes around 20–30 minutes, costing approximately €30–40 depending on traffic.

For more on getting to and from the airport, see our Frankfurt Airport taxis guide and the full airport transport overview.

Tram, U-Bahn and S-Bahn Alternatives

Frankfurt’s public transport, run under the RMV tariff, is often quicker than a taxi across the city centre. U-Bahn and S-Bahn lines converge on Hauptwache and Konstablerwache, trams serve the areas the underground misses, and a single city ticket costs only a few euros. The S-Bahn (S8/S9) also links the airport to the centre in about 11–15 minutes — see our airport train guide.

Useful Tips about Frankfurt Taxis

  • Make sure the taximeter is switched on and set to the correct tariff at the start of the ride.
  • Ask for a receipt (Quittung) at the end if you need one.
  • Carry small notes and coins, as drivers may not have change for large bills.
  • Tipping is optional; rounding up the fare or adding about 5–10% is customary for good service.
  • Confirm card payment is possible before you set off if you have no cash.
  • Order a Großraumtaxi in advance if you are a larger group or need extra luggage space.
  • Have your destination address ready to show the driver.
  • For airport runs, allow extra time during weekday rush hours.