Planning a taxi in Toronto? Fares start at CA$4.25 with a 10 km ride costing around CA$22. Here's everything you need to budget your trip.
Toronto is a big, spread-out city — and whether you're heading from Pearson Airport to downtown or hopping between neighbourhoods, knowing what a taxi should cost keeps you in control. Licensed taxis in Toronto run on a regulated meter, so fares are predictable once you understand the system. Here's exactly what to expect.
All licensed Toronto taxis use a city-regulated meter that starts at CA$4.25 the moment you get in. From there, the meter ticks over at CA$1.75 per kilometre. There are no surge pricing surprises with licensed cabs — the rate is fixed by the City of Toronto regardless of the time of day or weather. That said, you may pay a small additional fee for luggage assistance or for trips that require waiting time in traffic, which is charged at a per-minute idle rate. Always confirm the meter is running when the car pulls away — that's your guarantee the fare is official.
Getting from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to downtown Toronto by licensed taxi typically costs between CA$55 and CA$65, depending on your exact destination and traffic. It's a roughly 30 km journey and one of the most common rides visitors take. Before you commit to a taxi, though, consider your alternatives — the savings can be significant.
Toronto is generally a safe city for taxi travel, but a few scam patterns do occur — mostly targeting visitors unfamiliar with the city. Knowing what to watch for means you won't get caught out.
Watch out for these Toronto-specific scam patterns: (1) Unofficial taxis at Pearson Airport — unlicensed drivers approach arrivals halls offering flat rates that sound reasonable but are often CA$80–100+. Always use the official taxi rank or a pre-booked app. (2) The long route — some drivers take new arrivals on unnecessarily lengthy routes between the airport and downtown. Before you travel, check Google Maps for the expected route and journey time. (3) Meter not started — a small number of drivers may 'forget' to start the meter, then quote an inflated flat rate at the end. Confirm the meter is running as soon as the car moves. (4) Flat-rate refusals — licensed Toronto taxis are legally required to take you anywhere within the city on the meter. A driver who insists on a cash flat rate for a short trip is not following the rules — you can refuse and hail another cab.
For the airport run, the UP Express train at CA$12.35 to Union Station is the single best money-saving move in Toronto. From Union Station you can connect to the TTC subway to reach most downtown hotels quickly. Save the taxi for late-night arrivals or when you have a lot of luggage.
Yes — licensed taxis in Toronto are safe, regulated, and reliable. The City of Toronto licenses all taxi drivers and vehicles, meaning drivers have passed background checks and vehicles are inspected. Lone travellers, including women travelling solo at night, generally report feeling comfortable in licensed cabs. Your safest bet is always to use an official taxi rank, hail a clearly marked licensed cab on the street, or book through a reputable app. Avoid accepting rides from anyone who approaches you in arrivals halls or outside venues — stick to official channels and you'll have no issues.
How much does a taxi from Pearson Airport to downtown Toronto cost?
A licensed taxi from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to downtown typically costs CA$55–65. The exact fare depends on your destination and traffic. For a much cheaper alternative, the UP Express train runs directly from the airport to Union Station for CA$12.35.
How much should I tip a taxi driver in Toronto?
Tipping is customary in Toronto. A standard tip is 10–15% of the metered fare for a normal journey, and 15–20% for exceptional service, help with luggage, or a longer airport transfer. Most taxi payment terminals will prompt you with tip options — it's fine to select one or enter your own amount.
Can I pay by card in a Toronto taxi?
Yes. Licensed Toronto taxis are required to accept credit and debit card payments. Most vehicles have a payment terminal in the back seat. That said, carrying a small amount of cash is never a bad idea for short trips or if a terminal is temporarily out of service.
What's the best time to take a taxi to avoid Toronto traffic?
Avoid travelling by taxi during weekday rush hours — roughly 7:30–9:30am and 4:00–7:00pm — especially on the Gardiner Expressway and Highway 401. Midday, evenings after 7pm, and weekends are generally much smoother. For airport runs, budget extra time during peak hours as the journey can stretch well beyond 45 minutes.
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