Berlin Taxis – Fares, Tips & Airport Transfers

Cream-colored Berlin taxi waiting at a central street
Official cream-colored taxis are easy to spot across Berlin — convenient for short trips, luggage, and direct airport connections.

Berlin taxis are safe, regulated, and available day and night. Whether you need a quick ride from the station, a door-to-door trip with luggage, or a direct BER airport transfer, taxis offer flexibility and comfort.

Look for the cream color with a “TAXI” sign. Fares are metered, cash and cards are widely accepted, and apps like FreeNow make booking easy.

Is a taxi right for you?

  • Late-night arrival: Direct to your hotel without waiting for night buses or trains.
  • Luggage & groups: More space and door-to-door convenience.
  • Airport transfer: Fastest way between BER Airport and the city.
  • Short hops: Good for 2–4 km rides when public transport is less direct.
  • Accessibility: Many taxis are wheelchair-accessible; request when booking.

Quick Overview

  • Coverage: Cream-colored taxis (usually Mercedes) are available citywide, 24/7.
  • Pick-up: Hail on the street, use official taxi stands, or book via app/call center.
  • Payment: Cash and major cards accepted; tipping 5–10% is customary.

Taxi Options (when each one makes sense)

  • Street-hail (on the spot)

    Wave down a licensed cream taxi. Kurzstrecke possible: fixed short-trip fare up to ~2 km — say “Kurzstrecke” when you get in. Not available via apps or from ranks.

  • Taxi ranks (stations, BER)

    Reliable queues at airports and major hubs. Standard metered tariff applies; ideal with luggage or after late arrivals.

  • App-hail (FREE NOW / Uber / Bolt)

    Book licensed taxis via app: ETA, driver details, digital receipt. Some show price estimates; Kurzstrecke does not apply.

  • Van / Large vehicle

    For 4–6 people or bulky bags. Limited supply — prebook in the app or via dispatch to avoid waiting.

  • Wheelchair-accessible

    Request ramp/accessible taxis in apps or by phone. Fleet is limited; book ahead and allow extra time.

  • Child seats / Special requests

    Ask in advance; availability varies by driver. For infants, bringing your own seat is the safest option.

Best Taxi Options in Berlin (quick wins)

  • Street hail: Available almost everywhere — look for the cream-colored cabs with the yellow “TAXI” sign.
  • Apps: Free Now, Uber and Bolt cover the city and allow card payments.
  • Airport transfer: Flat rates available to/from BER; pre-booking saves stress.
  • Short-hop fare: Ask for the “Kurzstrecke” (short ride) option — up to 2 km for a reduced flat fee.
Tip: Short-hop fares are cheaper but must be requested before the ride starts. Ideal for late-night hops or when U-/S-Bahn is closed.

Planning Tools

  • Apps: Free Now, Uber (licensed taxis), Taxi Berlin — compare ETAs, fares, pay in-app, get receipts.
  • Street hail: Legal anywhere it’s safe to stop. Look for cream taxis with roof sign; light on = available.
  • Taxi ranks: At BER Airport, Hauptbahnhof, Zoo, Alexanderplatz and major squares — reliable queues.
  • Short trip option: Berlin’s “Kurzstrecke” short-trip fare for very short rides (up to ~2 km) applies only when hailing on the street; say “Kurzstrecke” as you enter.
  • Payment & receipts: Cards are widely accepted; ask before starting. Always request a printed or digital receipt.
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