What the Uber Taxi app does

The Uber Taxi app is Uber's service for requesting traditional licensed taxis through your phone instead of hailing one on the street. When you open the app and select Uber Taxi, you see available taxis near you on a map, request one, and the driver's location and estimated arrival time appear in real time. The fare is calculated the same way as other Uber services — based on distance, time, and current demand — and you pay through the app.

Uber Taxi differs from UberX (Uber's ride-sharing service with private drivers) because the vehicles are licensed medallion taxis operated by traditional taxi companies. The driver is a professional taxi operator, not a private driver using their own car. In cities where Uber Taxi is available, it gives you another option alongside UberX, Uber Eats, and other Uber services within a single app.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber Taxi connects you to licensed medallion taxis through the Uber app, so you request and pay the same way you would for UberX.
  • Availability depends on your city — Uber Taxi operates in some markets but not others, and some cities have removed it in favor of other services.
  • The fare structure is the same as other Uber services: base fare plus per-mile and per-minute charges, with surge pricing during high-demand periods.
  • You can see the taxi's location and driver details in real time after you request, just as you would with any other Uber service.

Where Uber Taxi is available

Uber Taxi is not available in every city. The service operates in select markets, and availability has changed over time as Uber has adjusted its offerings in different regions. Some cities have the service, while others have phased it out or never offered it.

To find out whether Uber Taxi is available in your area, open the Uber app, tap the service selection menu at the top, and look for the Taxi option. If it appears, the service is available in your location. If you do not see it listed, Uber Taxi is not currently offered where you are. You can also check Uber's website for your city to see which services are active in your region.

How to request an Uber Taxi

Open the Uber app and confirm your pickup location on the map. Tap the service selection button at the top of the screen — this is where you normally choose between UberX, Uber Eats, or other services — and select Taxi if it appears. The app will show you available taxis nearby with their estimated arrival times.

Tap the taxi you want to request. You will see the driver's name, vehicle details, and real-time location on the map. The app calculates your estimated fare based on the distance to your destination and current demand. Confirm your destination and tap to request. Once a driver accepts, you can message them through the app or call if you need to communicate before they arrive.

Pricing and payment

Uber Taxi fares work the same way as UberX fares. You pay a base fare, a per-mile charge, and a per-minute charge. During times of high demand, surge pricing applies — the per-mile and per-minute rates increase, and the app shows you the multiplier (for example, 1.5x or 2x) before you request. The total estimated fare appears before you confirm your request.

Payment is handled through your Uber account. You can use a credit card, debit card, or other payment method linked to your account. The fare is charged automatically when your trip ends, and you receive a receipt in the app. You can add a tip after the trip is complete through the app or choose to tip in cash if you prefer.

Differences between Uber Taxi and UberX

The main difference is the driver and vehicle type. Uber Taxi drivers operate licensed medallion taxis — they hold professional taxi licenses and their vehicles are registered as commercial taxis. UberX drivers use their own personal vehicles and are independent contractors. Both use the same Uber app to request and pay, and both charge based on distance, time, and demand.

Taxi drivers typically have more extensive training and background checks than UberX drivers because they hold professional licenses. Medallion taxis are also subject to city regulations about vehicle condition, insurance, and fare structure. In some cities, Uber Taxi may be cheaper or more expensive than UberX depending on local taxi regulations and Uber's pricing strategy in that market. The experience is similar — you see the vehicle approaching in real time and communicate through the app — but you are getting a traditional taxi service through the Uber platform.

What to do if Uber Taxi is not available in your city

If Uber Taxi does not appear in your app, the service is not currently offered in your location. You can use UberX instead, which operates in most cities where Uber is active. UberX works the same way — you request through the app, see the driver's location in real time, and pay through your account.

Some cities have removed Uber Taxi over time as Uber has shifted focus to other services. If you specifically need a licensed taxi, you can call a local taxi company directly or use a taxi-specific app if one operates in your area. Many cities still have traditional taxi dispatch services you can reach by phone or through their own apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request Uber Taxi in advance?

Yes. In the Uber app, you can schedule an Uber Taxi request for a future time instead of requesting when ready. Tap the clock icon when setting your pickup location, choose your desired time, and complete your request. The app will notify you when a driver is on the way.

What if my Uber Taxi driver cancels?

If a driver cancels after accepting your request, the app will show you other available taxis. You can request another one when ready. If you were charged a cancellation fee, you can contact Uber support through the app to dispute it if you believe the cancellation was not your fault.

Do I need to tip the Uber Taxi driver?

Tipping is optional. You can add a tip through the app after your trip ends, or you can tip in cash. Unlike some ride services, Uber does not require a tip, but drivers may appreciate one for good service.

Is Uber Taxi safer than hailing a taxi on the street?

Both are licensed taxis with professional drivers. Uber Taxi has the added benefit that you know the driver's name and vehicle details before they arrive, and your trip is recorded in the app. You can share your trip details with a contact through the Uber app for added safety if you want someone to know where you are.