Taxi rates in Zurich are regulated by the canton and apply uniformly to all licensed taxis. Here you will learn everything about the base fare, price per kilometer and how the fare is calculated.
Official Zurich Taxi Rates 2026
The current rates have been set by the Canton of Zurich and apply to all taxi companies in the city and region of Zurich.
Base Fare and Kilometer Prices
| Fare Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base fare | 8.00 CHF |
| Price per km Tariff 1 (day) | 3.80 CHF/km |
| Price per km Tariff 2 (night/weekend) | 4.60 CHF/km |
| Waiting time per hour | 68.00 CHF |
| Waiting time per minute | 1.13 CHF |
When Which Tariff Applies
In Zurich there are two tariffs that apply depending on the time of day and day of the week.
Tariff 1 (Day Rate)
3.80 CHF per kilometer
- Monday to Saturday
- 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Exception: public holidays
Tariff 2 (Night Rate)
4.60 CHF per kilometer
- Daily from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM
- Sundays all day
- Public holidays all day
Calculation Examples for Typical Routes
Here is how prices are calculated for popular routes in Zurich.
Example 1: Main Station to Airport (11 km)
| Item | Day Rate | Night Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Base fare | 8.00 CHF | 8.00 CHF |
| 11 km journey | 41.80 CHF | 50.60 CHF |
| Total | approx. 50 CHF | approx. 59 CHF |
Example 2: Bellevue to Oerlikon (6 km)
| Item | Day Rate | Night Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Base fare | 8.00 CHF | 8.00 CHF |
| 6 km journey | 22.80 CHF | 27.60 CHF |
| Total | approx. 31 CHF | approx. 36 CHF |
Example 3: Short City Trip (3 km)
| Item | Day Rate | Night Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Base fare | 8.00 CHF | 8.00 CHF |
| 3 km journey | 11.40 CHF | 13.80 CHF |
| Total | approx. 19 CHF | approx. 22 CHF |
Surcharges and Additional Costs
In addition to the base fare and price per kilometer, additional costs may apply.
Possible Surcharges
| Surcharge | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Large taxi (6+ seats) | Approx. 20% | Specify when booking |
| Bulky luggage | 5-10 CHF | Skis, bicycles, etc. |
| Pets | 5 CHF | At driver's discretion |
| Credit card payment | Free | At most taxis |
| Airport surcharge | None | Already included in fare |
Included Free of Charge
- Normal luggage (suitcases, bags)
- Child seats (on request)
- Receipt
- Air conditioning
Fixed Prices for Popular Routes
Many taxi companies offer fixed prices for certain routes, especially for airport transfers.
Typical Fixed Prices to/from Zurich Airport
| Route | Fixed Price (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Airport - Main Station | 50-60 CHF |
| Airport - Zurich City | 55-70 CHF |
| Airport - Winterthur | 90-110 CHF |
| Airport - Baden | 80-100 CHF |
| Airport - Zug | 140-160 CHF |
Advantages of Fixed Prices
- No surprises due to traffic jams
- Price known in advance
- Ideal for budget planning
- Often cheaper than meter when there is traffic
Price Comparison: Taxi vs. Alternatives
How does the taxi compare to other means of transport?
| Transport | Main Station - Airport | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi (day) | approx. 50 CHF | 15-25 min |
| Taxi (night) | approx. 59 CHF | 12-18 min |
| Uber | 35-50 CHF | 15-25 min |
| S-Bahn (train) | 6.80 CHF | 10-12 min |
| Tram + S-Bahn | 6.80 CHF | 25-30 min |
Conclusion: The taxi is more expensive than public transport but offers comfort and door-to-door service. For groups of 3-4 people, it becomes more attractive price-wise.
Money-Saving Tips for Taxi Rides in Zurich
1. Use the Day Rate
Travel between 6 AM and 8 PM on weekdays if possible. The day rate is about 21% cheaper.
2. Agree on a Fixed Price
Especially for longer distances or airport transfers, it is worth asking for a fixed price.
3. Choose the Direct Route
Do you know a faster route? Tell the driver. You can suggest the way.
4. Share the Ride
With 3-4 people, the taxi per person is often cheaper than individual public transport tickets.
5. Compare Apps
Compare prices between different providers (Uber, Bolt, local taxis). During rush hour there can be big differences.
- Check price in the app
- Compare with estimated taxi price
- Watch out for surge pricing in apps
The Taximeter: How It Works
Every licensed taxi in Zurich must have a calibrated taximeter.
What the Taximeter Shows
- Current fare: Sum of base fare + journey
- Tariff: 1 (day) or 2 (night)
- Kilometers traveled: Not always visible
Your Rights
- The taximeter must be visible
- Must show the base fare at the start of the journey
- You may ask about the tariff
- With a fixed price, the taximeter is not used
Receipt and Payment Methods
Receipt
You are entitled to a receipt with the following information:
- Date and time
- Start and destination address
- Kilometers traveled
- Applied tariff
- Total amount
- Taxi license number
Accepted Payment Methods
| Payment Method | Availability |
|---|---|
| Cash (CHF) | Always |
| Credit card (Visa, Mastercard) | Almost all taxis |
| Debit card (Maestro, V-Pay) | Almost all taxis |
| TWINT | Many taxis |
| Apple Pay / Google Pay | Some taxis |
| Euro (cash) | By arrangement, poor exchange rate |
Complaints in Case of Problems
If you disagree with the fare or other problems occur.
Immediate Measures
- Speak to the driver calmly
- Request a detailed receipt
- Note the taxi number (on the roof)
- Remember the time and route
Filing a Complaint
For legitimate complaints, you can contact:
- Statthalteramt Zurich: Responsible for taxi licenses
- Taxi central: For drivers of a cooperative
- Consumer protection: For serious cases
Summary of Zurich Taxi Rates
| Fare Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base fare | 8.00 CHF |
| Day rate (Mon-Sat 6 AM-8 PM) | 3.80 CHF/km |
| Night rate (8 PM-6 AM, Sun, holidays) | 4.60 CHF/km |
| Waiting time | 68.00 CHF/h |
In short: Expect to pay 20-35 CHF for a typical city ride, 50-70 CHF for an airport transfer. Agree on a fixed price for longer journeys.
Find a Taxi in Zurich
All taxi companies in Zurich with phone numbers
