Are you planning a trip to Germany and wondering how to most conveniently order a taxi?
You can use classic methods such as taxi ranks or telephone orders, but also modern mobile applications that allow online booking and payment.
Check what options you have to choose from and what to pay attention to to make your journey quick, safe and hassle-free!
How to order a taxi in Germany?
Ordering a taxi in Germany is easy and available in several ways. Depending on your preferences, you can use traditional methods as well as modern mobile applications that simplify the booking and payment process.
Traditional ways of ordering a taxi
The most classic way to take a taxi is to hail it on the street. In most German cities, taxis are easily available, and if the illuminated " TAXI " sign on the roof of the vehicle is lit , it means that the car is free and you can hail it with a hand gesture.
Another popular method is to use taxi ranks, which are located in strategic places such as airports, train stations, shopping malls or main city squares.
These stops provide quick access to available vehicles and often offer the option of larger cars for families, people with a lot of luggage or passengers requiring vehicles adapted for the disabled.
If you prefer to book a taxi in advance, you can use the telephone option. There are many taxi hubs in Germany that allow you to book a ride for a specific time.
The most famous include:
Taxi Berlin – +49 30 202020
Taxi Hamburg – +49 40 666666
IsarFunk Taxi Munich – +49 89 450540
For people who do not speak German, it may be helpful to ask staff at a hotel, restaurant or other public place to order a taxi.
It's also worth knowing basic phrases like:
"Could you please order a taxi for me? "
"How long will it take?" (How long will it take?)
"I would like to pay by card. "
Modern technologies in ordering taxis
In recent years, hailing a taxi has become even easier thanks to mobile apps that allow you to book rides, track your vehicle in real time and pay online.
The most popular taxi booking apps in Germany are:
Taxi Germany
Free Now (formerly MyTaxi)
Bolt
KiwiTaxi
These platforms allow riders to select their preferred vehicle, rate drivers and use card or digital wallet payment options. This allows riders to avoid the hassle of cash and feel confident that their ride will be safe and convenient.
To cope with growing competition from ride-hailing companies such as Uber, Munich is introducing a flat-rate fare system for pre-booked rides from 1 September 2025.
The new feature allows you to set the final price at the time of booking, regardless of traffic or travel time. Similar solutions are being studied in other major cities, such as Berlin and Hamburg.
Additionally, preferential night fares for women are being tested in Cologne, which aims to increase the safety of female passengers using taxis after dark.
Payments and additional services
Most taxis in Germany accept both cash and payments by debit and credit card, as well as through systems such as Google Pay or Apple Pay, although it must be remembered that it is still not as widespread as in Poland.
It is worth checking with the driver before starting your journey, as in some smaller towns the "cash only" rule still applies.
Interestingly, until recently you could meet drivers who accepted only so-called embossed cards and charged the account, as in the 1990s, by tracing the card details.
Those travelling with children or with special needs can order a taxi adapted to their requirements.
Many companies offer vehicles equipped with child seats , as well as cars adapted to transport people with mobility disabilities .
Some apps also offer the option of ordering a premium taxi, such as a limousine or an electric vehicle.
What are taxi prices in Germany's largest cities?
The cost of a taxi ride in Germany varies from city to city. Each municipality sets its own rates, which include an initial fee, a rate per kilometer, and additional fees for parking or luggage.
Below you will find a detailed list of prices in the largest German cities.
Initial fee : €4.30
Tariff I (1-3 km) : €2.80 per km
Tariff II (3-7 km) : €2.60 per km
Tariff III (over 7 km) : €2.10 per km
Parking fee per hour : €39.00
Sample routes :
10km: ~€29.40
50km: ~€113.40
Munich
Initial fee : €5.50
Rate per kilometer : €2.30
Parking fee per hour : €36.00
Sample routes :
6km: ~€19.30
10km: ~€28.00
Hamburg
Initial fee : €4.20
Rate per kilometer (6:00-22:00) : €2.50
Rate per kilometer (22:00-6:00) : €2.80
Parking fee per hour : €48.00
Sample routes :
10km (day): ~€29.20
10 km (night): ~€31.00
Frankfurt am Main
Initial fee : €4.00
Rate per kilometer (up to 15 km) : €2.50
Rate per kilometer (over 15 km) : €1.75
Parking fee per hour : €40.00
Sample routes :
10km: ~€29.00
50km: ~€103.00
Cologne
Initial fee : €4.50
Rate per kilometer : €2.70
Parking fee per hour : €38.00
Sample routes :
10km: ~€31.50
50km: ~€122.50
Stuttgart
Initial fee : €4.20
Rate per kilometer (up to 4 km) : €2.50
Rate per kilometer (over 4 km) : €2.10
Parking fee per hour : €34.00
Sample routes :
10km: ~€26.00
50km: ~€101.00
Duesseldorf
Initial fee : €4.50
Rate per kilometer : €2.20
Parking fee per hour : €35.00
Sample routes :
10km: ~€26.50
50km: ~€98.50
Leipzig
Initial fee : €3.90
Rate per kilometer : €2.50
Parking fee per hour : €32.00
Sample routes :
10km: ~€28.40
50km: ~€99.00
Taxi prices in Germany depend on local regulations and may vary depending on the time of day or length of the route.
The highest rates apply in Munich, where the initial fee is the highest in the country. It is also worth paying attention to night rates and parking costs, which can significantly affect the final price of the trip.
License for passenger transport in Germany
To legally transport passengers in Germany as a taxi or transport service driver, it is necessary to obtain a special license known as a Personenbeförderungsschein (P-Schein) .
This is a document required for all drivers carrying out passenger transport for profit.
How to obtain a passenger transport license (P-Schein)?
To apply for the P-Schein , the candidate must meet the following requirements:
Minimum age : 21 years
Driving license category B (minimum 2 years)
Certificate of no criminal record (Führungszeugnis)
No penalty points on the road registration (Flensburg)
Medical and psychotechnical certificate confirming the ability to drive a vehicle
Passing the test of knowledge of the city's topography (for taxi drivers)
The licence application must be submitted to the relevant motor vehicle office (Fahrerlaubnisbehörde) for your place of residence.
Terrain knowledge test for taxi drivers
Taxi driver candidates in Germany must pass an exam on the topography of the city in which they plan to work.
The topography test includes:
Main streets, squares and intersections
The most important facilities such as railway stations, airports, hospitals
Optimal routes between key points in the city
In some cities, such as Berlin and Hamburg, knowledge of the terrain is required even for Uber drivers.
The cost of obtaining a license to transport people
The costs associated with obtaining a P-Schein depend on the city and the scope of tests required.
Approximate prices:
Administration fee : 40-200 €
Medical and psychotechnical examinations : 100-200 €
City topography exam : €50-150 (if required)
The total cost can range from €200 to €500.
Penalties for transporting people without a license
Transporting passengers without a valid P-Schein license is severely punished in Germany.
Penalties may include:
Fine of up to €5,000 for the driver
Financial penalty of up to €20,000 for a company employing illegal carriers
Ban on practicing a profession and possible legal consequences
Authorities regularly check carriers, especially in large cities, which makes a legal license absolutely necessary for commercial drivers.
What are the alternatives to taxis in Germany?
In Germany, the well-developed public transport network makes it often a cheaper alternative to taxis.
Tickets for the metro, trams and buses usually cost between €2.50 and €3.50 for a single journey, while the minimum fare for a taxi is around €6-7.
Public transport is therefore more economical, especially on shorter routes.
Taxis are useful in situations where time or comfort are important – e.g. late in the evening, when you have a lot of luggage, or on routes beyond the reach of public transport.
Car sharing and other transport options
In addition to taxis and public transport, in Germany, similarly to Poland, car sharing services (e.g. Share Now, Sixt Share) and rental of electric scooters and bikes (e.g. Lime, Tier) are popular.
Car sharing is a good solution for people who want to have the freedom to move around without having to own a car.
Electric scooters and bikes are a great option for short distances, especially in big cities.
Services like Uber and Bolt offer cheaper alternatives to traditional taxis, although their operations are restricted by regulations in some cities.
Tips for Taxi Drivers in Germany: How Much and When to Give?
In Germany, there is no obligation to tip taxi drivers, but it is customary to round the amount to the nearest euro or add around 5-10% of the fare . For example, if the ride costs €18, you usually tip €20.
Tips are appreciated, especially if the driver was polite, helped with luggage or showed flexibility, such as choosing a route.
When paying by card, the tip can be given in cash or added to the bill if the terminal allows it.
Comments