Taxi in Ireland: Rules, Prices and Available Services
- Damian Brzeski
- 17 hours ago
- 12 min read
You land in Dublin and wonder how much your taxi will cost, whether you can pay by card, or whether the driver is even legal?
The Irish transport system is surprising not only with its diversity, but also with its precise rules, which – if you know them well – will save you stress and money.
What are the day, night and public holiday rates? What does "Hackney" mean and why is it worth knowing the TFI Driver Check app?
You’ll find all the answers in this guide – and a few tips that will surprise even regular visitors to the Emerald Isle.
What are taxis like in Ireland?
Imagine: you land at Dublin Airport, exit the terminal and from a distance you see a row of orderly cars with distinctive roof signs. This is no coincidence – taxis licensed in the Republic of Ireland must meet strict requirements.
Every legal taxi is marked with the "Transport for Ireland" logo and an individual licence number on the door.
In addition, there is an illuminated roof sign (if active – the vehicle is free), a taximeter with a printer and license discs visible on the windows. All this is to ensure that you, the tourist, are getting into a vehicle you can trust.
In Northern Ireland the system is slightly different. There are four classes of taxi: A, B, C and D, each with a different function.
Here's a quick summary:
Class A : The most common taxis. They have a full yellow roof sign, a taximeter, a printer and a displayed fare card. They can be hailed on the street (outside Belfast city centre).
Class B : vehicles adapted for people with disabilities. Their roof sign is white and yellow and includes a wheelchair symbol. Also equipped with a taximeter and printer.
Class C : Cars operating only on the basis of a prior reservation (e.g. limousines, ceremonial rides). They do not have roof signs, they cannot be stopped on the street.
Class D : serve specific routes or cooperate with institutions. No roof sign, but have internal markings. Also require advance reservation.
Remember – taxis with a license are a guarantee of safety and legality of the service. Avoid cars without markings, especially if someone offers you a "bargain ride" on the street. In Ireland, everything has its rules, and driving a taxi is not the time to experiment.
How does the Irish taxi fare system work?
You get into a taxi, the doors close, you drive off... and what next? It's time to dispel all doubts about fees , tariffs and taximeters .
The Republic of Ireland operates a metered taxi system that charges a fee based on distance travelled and time spent parked. Each journey starts with an initial fare and is charged at one of three rates:
Standard Tariff (Standard Tariff / Tariff 1) – valid from Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Premium Tariff (Premium Tariff / Tariff 2) – active during night hours (8:00 p.m.–8:00 a.m.), all day Sunday and on public holidays.
Special premium tariff (Premium+ Tariff / Tariff 3) – valid from midnight to 4:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings and at night on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
Fares (up to 15 km / 43 minutes):
Standard : €1.32/km or €0.47/min
Premium : €1.81/km or €0.64/min
Premium+ : €2.20/km or €0.78/min
After exceeding 15 km or 43 minutes, the rates increase – you automatically switch to the so-called Tariff B.
Initial fee:
From €4.40 (standard tariff) – includes the first 500 metres or 85 seconds of travel.
What are the surcharges for Irish taxis?
€1 for each additional adult passenger
€1 for every additional two children (the first child travels for free)
€3 for advance booking (by phone or app)
Total cost of tolls (if any)
Max. €140 for vehicle contamination (e.g. due to accident or illness)
Real-life example: An evening journey from Dublin Airport to the city centre will be charged at a premium fare , and if you get stuck in traffic – the extra minutes of waiting will increase the final cost.
Payments and receipts : As of 2022, all licensed taxis are required to accept card payments (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx) without any surcharges . The driver should also give you a paper receipt from the taximeter – it’s your proof and security, so it’s worth keeping it.
What about hackneyed cars and limousines?
They do not use taxi meters – the price of the ride must be agreed in advance, preferably in writing. The driver should also issue a receipt upon request.
In the next part, we will check how to estimate the cost of a route in practice - even before you order a taxi. It will be useful for anyone who does not want to have unpleasant surprises at the end of the trip.
Taxi Fare Estimator: How to Estimate the Cost of a Ride
Don't like surprises on your bill? Neither do we. That's why before you get in the taxi, you can use tools that will help you estimate the cost of your ride in advance . And that's without having to count in your head how many kilometers and minutes you might have to wait in traffic jams.
Transport for Ireland Fare Estimator
The official TFI (Transport for Ireland) tool is one of the best ways to find out the approximate price of your journey. Simply go to the website, enter your starting and destination points and the calculator does the rest.
What does it include?
tariff (standard/premium/premium+),
distance and estimated travel time,
indicative sum divided into rates.
This is a very useful tool, especially if you are planning taxis for transport to Dublin city centre , from the airport , or even between cities .
Calculators on carriers' websites
Some companies, like Lynk Taxis or FreeNow, have built-in calculators in their apps. Just select your route and the app will give you an estimated price. Simple, fast and stress-free.
UberX in Belfast
If you're using Uber in Northern Ireland (mainly Belfast), the app will give you a price up front before you confirm your ride. No surprises or extra fees hidden in the small print.
Just remember that each estimator gives approximate values . The actual price may differ slightly due to traffic jams, detours or changes in the fare during the route. But having a point of reference, you are always one step ahead!
Taxi in Northern Ireland and outside the main cities
Not all tourists end up in Dublin or Belfast. Many want to see less obvious places – green hills, hidden ruins, local festivals. And then the key question is: how to get there if there is no train or bus? This is where lesser-known forms of transport – taxis – come into the picture.
Local Area Hackney: rural transport
In rural areas of the Republic of Ireland, there are so-called Local Area Hackneys (LAH) – vehicles for hire with a driver, but without the classic taxi sign and without the possibility of hailing them on the street.
They must be ordered in advance , preferably by phone or through the hotel/B&B.
The price is determined in advance , based on an agreement with the driver.
Perfect for people travelling through villages, small towns, and tourist routes.
This is an option for those who want to get to places off the beaten track. And in the process, support the local transport business.
Transfers between cities and tourist attractions
Intercity and tourist taxis are an option for those who value comfort and direct access, without transfers and with a suitcase in the trunk.
In the Republic of Ireland, companies such as Dublin Dial A Cab and About Ireland Taxi Tours offer transfers to anywhere in the country – from the Cliffs of Moher to the golf courses of Kildare.
In Northern Ireland you can take advantage of the offers of Andy Brown & Ultra Taxis , who will take you to, for example, the Giant's Causeway or on a guided tour.
These types of tourist attraction taxis are a great option if you don’t want to waste time on schedules and connections. The drivers are often knowledgeable about the area, have interesting stories to tell, and the whole thing can feel like a private mini-tour.
Types of Taxi Services in Ireland
If you think a taxi is just a car with a sign on the roof - it's time to change that image. In Ireland , taxi services are surprisingly diverse , and choosing the right type can affect comfort, price and... legality of the ride.
City, government and private taxis
In the Republic of Ireland we have three main types of licensed carriers:
City Taxis (Public Hire Vehicles) – classic, with an illuminated taxi sign on the roof. They can be hailed on the street or found at a rank. They are metered and charged an official fare.
Private Hire/Hackney Taxis - do not have a roof sign, cannot be hailed from the street, must be booked in advance and the price is determined individually.
Limousines – rental of a vehicle with a driver for special occasions: weddings, corporate events, VIP transfers. Comfort and style, but always with a reservation and an agreed price.
In addition, there are, of course, government-licensed taxis and city-licensed taxis , regulated by the National Transport Authority.
Hackney, Limousines and Special Services
Hackney and limousine services are made to order.
You can't stop them on the street,
You won't find them at a rest stop,
They don't have a taximeter,
They must be ordered in advance,
The price is agreed with the driver, usually in writing.
Hackneys are often local carriers operating in villages and smaller towns, whereas limousines focus on the premium market and special events.
There are also VIP taxis , i.e. luxury cars with drivers for special tasks – airport transfers, business meetings or trips on request.
Taxi adapted for people with disabilities
In Ireland, there is a huge emphasis on accessibility . Wheelchair Accessible Taxis (WAT ) must:
accommodate at least one passenger in a wheelchair,
have special belts and safety devices,
enable safe entry and exit,
give priority to reservations from people with disabilities.
These types of taxis can be ordered through apps like FreeNow , or by phone. Sometimes hotels and B&Bs will help you find these vehicles, especially outside of big cities.
Accessibility is not an optional extra – it’s standard. And in Ireland it’s taken very seriously.
Dublin Taxis: Local Rules and Availability
Dublin is the capital and transport hub of Ireland, so it’s no surprise that Dublin taxis have a well-developed infrastructure. Whether it’s early in the morning or late at night, you have a good chance of finding an available taxi within minutes.
Key locations and 24/7 availability
There are numerous taxi ranks located at key points throughout the city:
Dublin Airport
Heuston and Connolly railway stations
Temple Bar and other nightlife spots
Grafton Street, O'Connell Street, St. Stephen's Green
Additionally, you can order taxis from apps (e.g. FreeNow, Uber, Lynk Taxis), by phone or by hailing them on the street if the roof sign is lit white – this is a signal that the vehicle is free.
Taxis from Dublin Airport to City Centre and other destinations
Dublin Airport taxis have a dedicated rank outside the Arrivals terminal.
You don't have to worry about making a reservation - just exit the terminal and walk to the taxi queue.
All vehicles are licensed , with a visible price list.
The journey from the airport to Dublin city centre (approximately 10km) usually takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Price? From €25 to €35 for daytime fares, up to €40 to €45 at night or on holidays.
You can also use apps like FreeNow or the Kiwitaxi taxi app , which allow you to book in advance and guarantee a pre-defined price.
Dublin Prices and Tariffs
Taxis in Dublin operate on the same fare rules as throughout the Republic of Ireland:
Standard fare (Mon-Sat 8am–8pm): from €4.40 + €1.32/km or €0.47/min
Premium fare (night, Sundays, public holidays): from €5.40 + €1.81/km or €0.64/min
Special tariff (premium+) (midnight–4:00 a.m. and night holidays): from €5.40 + €2.20/km or €0.78/min
Please note that all taxis must accept card payments and issue a receipt from the taximeter.
Dublin is a city where a taxi can be a real alternative to public transport – especially when travelling with luggage, at night or simply when time is of the essence.
In the next part, we will check which apps are most popular in Ireland for ordering a taxi and how Uber differs from FreeNow.
Popular Taxi Apps Available in Ireland
In Ireland, you don’t have to wave your hand in the street to hail a taxi. All it takes is a few taps on your phone. Here are three of the most popular apps you should have installed:
Uber – only works with licensed taxi drivers, both in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. This is not the typical Uber you’ll find in other countries – it’s just another way of ordering a regular taxi. In Belfast, UberX is available, with 24/7 service and a pre-paid price.
FreeNow – the most popular taxi app in Ireland. Serves the cities of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. Allows you to order rides in advance (up to 4 days), track the driver on the map, pay by card, cash or through the app. Offers different types of vehicles: standard, eco-friendly and adapted for people with disabilities.
TFI Driver Check App – the official app from Transport for Ireland. It allows you to scan a QR code in a taxi or enter the licence number to check the driver and vehicle details. Ideal for those who want to make sure they are using a legal taxi – especially when travelling in Ireland for the first time.
Airport Transfers & Advance Bookings
Planning to fly to Ireland and want to avoid the stress of finding a taxi on the spot? See what options you have to book your airport transfer in advance – convenient, safe and often with a guaranteed price.
Kiwitaxi – offers transfers from airports to hotels, city centres or specific attractions. The key advantage is a fixed price , so you won’t be surprised by the meter or traffic jam. It operates in Dublin and other popular tourist locations.
AtoB Transfer – specializes in airport transfers with a personalization option. You can choose the vehicle class, add a child seat, and even specify your driver preferences. The service is aimed at demanding travelers.
UniTaxi – a platform offering a wide range of vehicles and service in English. It works well for both standard transfers and more comfortable premium options. It also supports transfers from ports and between cities.
Welcome Pickups – one of the most popular options among foreign tourists. Prices are set in advance, and drivers track your flight and wait for you with a sign at the airport. Service is available in Polish and English.
GetTransfer – allows you to compare offers from multiple drivers and choose the one that suits you best in terms of price or comfort. A great option if you like to have a choice and negotiate terms.
Tripadvisor / Viator – yes, you can even book your airport transfer here. The service offers ready-made transfer offers in various classes, with reviews from other travelers and the possibility of booking in advance.
Booking in advance is a good choice for those who want to avoid queues, anticipate costs and have everything planned down to the last detail.
Special and tourist services
Not all taxis are the same. In Ireland, you will also find special services that go beyond the standard A to B ride.
Wheelchair Accessible Taxi (WAT) and Hackney – accessible for disabled people. They have ramps, space for a wheelchair and appropriate seat belts. Advance booking is required and drivers are required to give priority to such trips.
Black Taxi Tour in Belfast – an iconic tour of the city in a classic black taxi with a guide who knows the history of the region from their own experience. This is not just transport but a real history lesson and insight into the political background of Northern Ireland.
If you want to see more, understand the local context, or simply have convenience tailored to your needs, these services are worth using.
Taxi service regulations and safety
Finally, we leave a topic that may not sound sexy, but is crucial: the safety and legality of the ride . Because when you get into a taxi in a foreign country, you want to make sure everything is fine.
Government, City and Private Licensing – There are different types of licensing in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Government and City licences apply to standard taxis, private licences include hackneys and limousines. Each vehicle must have visible markings, a licence number and comply with the regulations.
National Transport Authority (NTA) – oversees the taxi market in the Republic of Ireland. It looks after standards, sets fares, issues licenses. If you have a problem, a complaint or want to verify a driver – NTA is your place.
An Garda Síochána – the Irish police force. They enforce the law and respond to reports of violations. In the case of lost items or a dishonest driver – you can always report the matter at the station.
How to check if a taxi is legal?
Check roof sign and door markings
Pay attention to the visible license number
Make sure the driver has ID
Use the TFI Driver Check app or ask for a receipt from the taximeter
If the car has no markings, the driver avoids asking for a license or does not offer a receipt - it is better to pass. You have the right to feel safe and know who you are entrusting your time and money to.
Hit the road with your head on your shoulders
Taxis in Ireland – from classic city vehicles to apps and VIP services to guided tours – offer great convenience and flexibility. However, it is worth knowing the rules of the game: where to order, how much you will pay, what you can check and how to stay safe.
Now that you know everything you need to know – from fares to routes and from apps to regulations – you can hit the road with confidence. Because a taxi in Ireland isn’t just about transport. It’s part of the journey.
And you? Do you already have a plan, where will you go first?
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