Taxis in Berlin

In Berlin, unlike in some other major cities, you can wave down any free taxi that passes. You can distinguish an empty taxi by the brightly lit “Taxi” sign that sits on top of the car.

You can also catch a Taxi standing at one of the many taxi stands throughout the city. These stands are located at all main railway stations as well as airports. Simply follow the signs indicating the way to the taxi stand. While there is no queue system and you are free to choose any taxi you wish, it is generally advised to pick the first taxi in the line.

Calling a taxi

Taxi Berlin +49 30 – 20 20 20

WürfelFunk + 49 30 – 21 01 01

TaxiFunk Berlin: +49 30 – 44 33 22

Quality Taxi: +49 30 – 26 300 0

Car seats for infants and children

If you are traveling with infants or small children, you will need to call and request a taxi with a car seat. Taxi companies will speak German and English.

Short distance trip

If you are only driving a short distance (under 2km), you can specifically request a “short distance” trip when you enter the taxi. The rate for short trips is €5.00. This fare rate is only available when waving down a taxi from the street (not from a taxi-stand). Remember: If you don’t ask for the short trip, they won’t give it to you.

Costs

The basis fare is €3.90 Euro and €2 per kilometer (first 7 kilometers) and then €1.50 per kilometer thereafter. These rates were accurate as of February 2016. Taxi-Portal-Berlin has an online fare calculator to help you estimate your fare.

How to pay

It is important to understand that Germany is a cash society. A small number of taxis take credit/EC cards but you shouldn’t expect this to be the norm. It is wise to bring cash including small denomination bills as the taxi driver is not obligated to carry around excessive amounts of change. If you order a taxi by telephone you can request that a taxi come equipped to use take a credit/EC card.

Be sure to request a receipt once you have paid. If you leave something behind or want to later file a compliment/complaint all of the information you need is on this receipt.