Last updated: October 26, 2025
Quick Answer
In Osaka, a standard taxi starts at ¥600 for the first 1.3 km. After that, the meter adds ¥100 every 260 m. In slow traffic, it adds ¥100 about every 95 seconds. Late night from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. costs 20% more. App or phone bookings may add a company pick-up fee.
Osaka taxis are easy to use. Cars are clean. Drivers are professional. The meter rules are public. They are the same across the city. This guide explains the base fare, how the meter works, late-night costs, airport options, and app fees. Links at the end go to official sources.
How the fare works
- Base fare (standard taxi): ¥600 for the first 1.3 km.
- After the base: ¥100 for every 260 m.
- Slow traffic: ¥100 about every 95 seconds when the car is moving slowly.
- Late night: +20% from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
- Pick-up fee: Set by each company. Apps show this before you book.
Jumbo and wheelchair-friendly (UD) taxis may use different steps. Those cars can fit more people or gear.
How to take a taxi
Hail, rank, or app.
You can wave a taxi down on the street. Look for the green “vacant” sign. You can also go to a taxi rank. Ranks are at big hubs like Umeda, Namba, Shin-Osaka, and both airports. Or book in an app such as GO or a fleet app. The app shows an estimate and any pick-up or app charge before you confirm.
Share the address.
Show a map pin on your phone. Or show a simple written address. Drivers can read English addresses. During the ride the meter adds by distance. In heavy traffic the meter switches to time-distance. Expressway tolls are extra unless the company clearly says they are included.
How to pay.
Cash, credit cards, and IC cards (for example, ICOCA and Suica) are widely accepted. Ask for a receipt. It lists the car and company so you can call if you forget something.
Time and cost examples (Nov 1–30, 2025)
USD shown at ≈ 1 USD = ¥150; check live rates.
| Example ride (daytime) | Distance | Simple meter logic | Approx fare (¥ / USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short hop near Umeda | ~2 km | ¥600 base + increments | ~¥1,000–¥1,300 (≈ $7–$9) | Traffic and lights change totals |
| Namba → Osaka Castle | ~4–5 km | Base + increments | ~¥1,700–¥2,400 (≈ $11–$16) | Add pick-up fee if you used an app |
| Shin-Osaka → Dōtonbori | ~7–8 km | Base + increments | ~¥2,700–¥3,600 (≈ $18–$24) | Tolls are extra if you use the expressway |
| Late night (any ride) | — | Add +20% | +20% to above | Applies 10:00 p.m.–5:00 a.m. |
These are sample ranges. Your total may be higher in heavy traffic. It may be lower on clear roads.
Airport taxis (KIX and Itami)
Kansai International Airport (KIX).
Taxis run day and night. The late-night period is 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. and costs 20% more. Tolls are extra. Some companies offer flat-rate airport transfers. These are per vehicle. You usually need to book ahead.
Itami Airport (ITM).
The airport also has a taxi rank. Some operators, such as MK Taxi, offer fixed rates to parts of the city. Vehicle size varies. Tolls are usually extra. Book in advance during busy times.
Pick-up fees and app charges
If you book by app or phone, you may see a pick-up fee. This fee is set by the company. The GO app may also list an app charge in some areas. Some firms use a “slip” pick-up system. In that system the meter runs as the taxi drives to your location, up to a set distance cap. The app shows these details before you confirm. Check the “Fee details” screen so there are no surprises.
Accessibility
- UD taxis: Many fleets have wheelchair-friendly cars. You can request one in the app or by phone. Book early if you can.
- Boarding: Rear doors open automatically. Leave space at the curb.
- Luggage: Sedans have limited trunk space. Jumbo taxis carry more but use different rates.
- Airport ranks: Both KIX and Itami have staffed ranks. Look for signs for UD or jumbo vehicles.
- Discounts: Some companies offer disability discounts for holders of a Japanese disability ID. If you are a visitor, ask first.
FAQs
What is the current base fare and how does it add up?
A standard car starts at ¥600 for 1.3 km. Then the meter adds ¥100 every 260 m, or ¥100 about every 95 seconds in slow traffic. Late night from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. adds 20%.
Do apps change the price?
The meter rules are the same. But companies can add a pick-up fee. The GO app may also show an app charge or a slip pick-up. The app displays these before you book.
Are tolls included?
No. Expressway tolls are extra for metered rides and most fixed-rate transfers unless the operator clearly says they are included.
Can I pay by card or IC card?
Yes. Most taxis accept credit cards and IC cards like ICOCA. Look for stickers on the door. You can also check the app’s payment options.
How much is a typical 5 km daytime ride?
Often around ¥1,700–¥2,400. Traffic, signals, and route choice affect the total. Add any pick-up fee if you used an app.
Is tipping expected?
Tipping is not expected in Japan. Pay the fare on the meter plus any tolls and any pick-up fee.
Can I book a fixed-rate car from KIX or Itami?
Yes. Some operators offer flat-rate airport transfers. These are per vehicle. Tolls are usually extra. Check what the price includes before you book.
Key Takeaways
- Standard meter: ¥600 for 1.3 km, then ¥100/260 m; ¥100/≈95 s at low speed.
- Late night: +20% from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
- Apps: See pick-up and app charges before you confirm.
- Airports: Ranks at KIX and Itami; flat-rate transfers exist, but tolls are usually extra.
- Accessibility: UD and jumbo cars are available; book ahead when possible.
Sources used (official; clean URLs)
- Osaka Taxi Association — Osaka Taxi Fare (English): https://www.osakataxi.or.jp/english/
- Kansai International Airport — Taxi: https://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/access/taxi
- JNTO — Taxis in Japan: https://www.japan.travel/en/plan/getting-around/taxis/
- Osaka Official Tourism (DMO): https://en.osaka-info.jp/
- GO App — Pricing: https://go.goinc.jp/en/price
- Osaka Itami Airport — Taxi: https://www.osaka-airport.co.jp/en/access/taxi
- MK OSAKA — Airport transfer: https://mktaxi-japan.com/osaka/airport-transfer/
