Last updated: October 26, 2025
Quick Answer
In central Tokyo (23 wards plus Musashino and Mitaka), taxis start at ¥500 for the first 1.096 km. After that, the meter adds ¥100 every 255 m. In slow traffic (10 km/h or less), it adds ¥100 about every 95 seconds. Late night (10:00 p.m.–5:00 a.m.) costs 20% more. Some companies charge a pick-up fee for app or phone bookings.
Tokyo taxis are clean, safe, and simple to use. The rules are public and the same across the city. Below is a clear guide to the current base fare for Nov 1–30, 2025, how the meter works, late-night costs, airport fixed fares, and what to expect when booking with apps.
How the fare works
- Base fare: ¥500 for the first 1.096 km.
- Distance add-on: ¥100 every 255 m after the base distance.
- Slow traffic add-on: When the car moves 10 km/h or less, the meter adds ¥100 about every 95 seconds.
- Late night: +20% from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
- Pick-up or reservation fees: Set by each company. Apps show this before you book.
These rules apply across Tokyo’s 23 wards, Musashino, and Mitaka.
How to take a taxi (simple steps)
- Hail or use an app. You can wave one down on the street, use a hotel taxi stand, or book in an app such as GO or a fleet app (km Group, Checker Cab).
- Show the address. A map pin or written address helps. Taxi doors open automatically; wait for the green “vacant” light.
- During the ride. Expressway tolls are extra unless you choose a fixed-fare airport taxi. The meter increases by distance or by time in slow traffic.
- Pay and get a receipt. Cash, credit cards, and IC cards (Suica/PASMO) are widely accepted. Ask for a receipt in case you need lost-and-found support.
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 neighborhood hop | ~2 km | ¥500 base + distance/time adds | ~¥900–¥1,200 (≈ $6–$8) | Signals and slow traffic can raise totals |
| Across downtown districts | ~5 km | Base + increments | ~¥1,900–¥2,600 (≈ $13–$17) | Add any app pick-up fee if used |
| Cross-town | ~7 km | Base + increments | ~¥2,500–¥3,300 (≈ $17–$22) | Matches typical visitor guidance |
| Late-night any ride | — | Add +20% to the meter | +20% to above | Applies 10:00 p.m.–5:00 a.m. |
Tip: Apps show an estimate before you confirm. Leave some room for traffic.
Airport fixed-fare taxis (Haneda)
From Haneda Airport, fixed-fare taxis run to set city zones. These use the expressway. Tolls are extra. Late-night rules are listed on the official fixed-fare pages. Read the notes for your zone before you book.
Pick-up and reservation fees
These fees are set by each company. They appear in the app or are quoted by phone. Fleet pages (for example, km Group) explain their fee types. The GO app also shows any premium or larger-vehicle charges. Always check the fee line before you confirm.
Accessibility
- UD (wheelchair-friendly) taxis: Many fleets have them. You can request one by app or phone. Major ranks (such as Haneda) have signed lanes.
- Boarding and space: Doors open automatically. Ramps need curb space. Trunk space is limited in sedans.
- Discounts: Some fleets list a 10% disability discount. It usually requires a Japanese disability certificate. Visitors should confirm eligibility first.
FAQs
What is the base fare and how does the meter add up?
Base is ¥500 for 1.096 km. Then ¥100 every 255 m. In slow traffic, ¥100 about every 95 seconds. Late night (10:00 p.m.–5:00 a.m.) adds 20%.
What does a typical 5 km daytime ride cost?
Usually around ¥1,900–¥2,600 depending on lights and traffic. If you booked by app, add any pick-up fee shown before you confirmed.
Do I need to tip?
Tipping is not expected in Japan. Pay the fare shown, plus any tolls and any company pick-up fee.
Are app and street-hail prices the same?
The meter rules are the same. The difference is the pick-up or reservation fee, which each company sets.
Do fixed-fare airport taxis include tolls?
No. Fixed fares assume the expressway, and tolls are paid on top. Late-night handling follows the fixed-fare notes for your zone.
Can I pay with a card or IC card?
Yes. Most taxis accept credit cards and IC cards (Suica/PASMO). Look for payment stickers or confirm in the app.
Key Takeaways
- Base fare is ¥500 for 1.096 km, then ¥100 per 255 m; slow-traffic ticks are ¥100 about every 95 seconds.
- Late night (10:00 p.m.–5:00 a.m.) adds 20% to the meter.
- Pick-up and reservation fees are company-set and shown before you book.
- Haneda fixed-fare taxis run by zone; tolls are extra.
Sources used
- Tokyo Taxi Center — Taxi Fare Table: https://www.tokyo-tc.or.jp/en/
- Tokyo Hire-Taxi Association — Rates Table: https://www.taxi-tokyo.or.jp/english/call/pricelist.html
- GoTokyo (Tokyo DMO) — Taxis: https://www.gotokyo.org/en/plan/getting-around/taxis/index.html
- JNTO — Taxis in Japan: https://www.japan.travel/en/plan/getting-around/taxis/
- Haneda Airport — Taxi access: https://tokyo-haneda.com/en/access/taxi/index.html
- THTA — Haneda Fixed-Fare Zones: https://www.taxi-tokyo.or.jp/english/teigaku/to.html
- km Group — Taxi Service: https://www.km-group.co.jp/en/taxi/
- Checker Cab (Tokyo) — English fares: https://www.checker-cab.co.jp/english/
- GO (GO Inc.) — Pricing: https://go.goinc.jp/en/price
