What Uber Taxi and Chauffeur services are
Uber Taxi connects you with licensed taxi drivers who use the Uber app to pick up passengers. You request a ride the same way you would with UberX, but the car that arrives is a metered taxi operated by a licensed driver. The fare is based on the taxi's meter, not Uber's pricing algorithm, so the cost depends on distance and time just like a street hail.
Uber Chauffeur (where available) is a premium service that pairs you with professional drivers who have additional training and background screening beyond standard Uber requirements. These drivers typically wear professional attire, drive higher-end vehicles, and provide a more formal experience than standard rideshare. The service is booked through the Uber app but operates as a separate tier with its own pricing.
Not all cities offer both services. Taxi service is available in many major metropolitan areas where Uber has partnerships with local taxi companies or medallion holders. Chauffeur service is offered in select cities and requires a separate booking option within the app.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Taxi uses licensed taxi drivers and meter-based fares, so your cost is determined by the taxi's meter rather than surge pricing.
- Uber Chauffeur is a premium option with professionally trained drivers and higher-end vehicles, available only in certain cities.
- Both services are booked through the Uber app using the same request process, but you select the specific service type before confirming.
- Taxi service availability depends on local partnerships, while Chauffeur service is limited to major metropolitan areas.
- Payment and ratings work the same way as other Uber services — you pay through your app account and can rate your driver after the ride.
How to request Uber Taxi
Open the Uber app and tap the service selection menu at the top of the screen. If Uber Taxi is available in your area, you will see it listed alongside UberX, UberXL, and other options. Tap "Taxi" to select it.
Enter your pickup location and destination as you normally would. The app will show you available taxis nearby and an estimated fare based on the taxi meter rate. Confirm your request, and a licensed taxi driver will be assigned to pick you up. The driver's name, vehicle details, and real-time location appear on your screen just like any other Uber ride.
When the driver arrives, get in and provide your destination if you have not already. The meter runs during the ride, and you pay the metered fare through the Uber app at the end. You can also tip your driver through the app after the ride is complete.
How to request Uber Chauffeur
Uber Chauffeur is booked the same way as Taxi, but you must select it from the service menu before requesting. Open the app, tap the service selection menu, and look for "Chauffeur" in the list. This option only appears if the service operates in your city.
Enter your pickup and destination addresses. The app will show you available chauffeurs and an upfront price estimate. Chauffeur rides are priced higher than standard UberX because of the professional training and vehicle quality. Confirm your request, and a chauffeur will be assigned to you.
Chauffeur drivers typically arrive in professional business attire and drive premium vehicles. The experience is more formal than standard rideshare — the driver may open the door for you and may offer amenities like bottled water or phone chargers. Payment and tipping work the same way as other Uber services.
Pricing differences between Taxi, Chauffeur, and UberX
Uber Taxi fares are set by the taxi meter, not by Uber. This means your cost is based on the distance traveled and time spent in the vehicle, following the same meter rates that explore to street hails. Because meter rates are regulated by local authorities, they do not change based on demand the way UberX surge pricing does. In some cases, a metered taxi ride may cost less than UberX during peak hours, and in other cases it may cost more — it depends on the specific route and local meter rates.
Uber Chauffeur pricing is set by Uber and is typically higher than both Taxi and UberX. You see an upfront price before you confirm the request, so there are no surprises. Chauffeur rates reflect the professional training, vehicle quality, and service level included in the offering.
UberX uses dynamic pricing based on demand. During busy times, prices rise; during slow times, they fall. Taxi meter rates do not fluctuate this way, which is why Taxi can sometimes be cheaper during surge pricing events and sometimes more expensive during off-peak hours.
When to choose Taxi versus Chauffeur versus UberX
Choose Uber Taxi if you want a licensed taxi driver and prefer meter-based pricing that does not surge. Taxi is useful during peak demand times when UberX prices spike, because the meter rate stays the same. It is also a good option if you prefer the traditional taxi experience or want to support local taxi drivers.
Choose Uber Chauffeur if you need a professional, formal experience — for business meetings, airport transfers, or events where appearance and service quality matter. The higher cost reflects the additional training and vehicle standards. Chauffeur is not available in all cities, so check your app to see if it is an option in your area.
Choose UberX if you want the most straightforward, affordable option for everyday trips. UberX is available everywhere Uber operates and offers the widest selection of drivers. During off-peak hours, UberX may be cheaper than Taxi because there is no surge pricing pressure.
Ratings, cancellations, and support
Ratings and cancellations work the same way across all three services. After your ride ends, you can rate your driver on a scale of one to five stars and leave comments. Drivers also rate passengers. Both ratings affect future ride requests — consistently low ratings may result in fewer drivers accepting your requests.
If you need to cancel before the driver arrives, you can do so through the app. Cancellation fees vary depending on how long the driver has been en route. If you cancel after the driver has started driving toward you, a cancellation fee will be charged to your account.
If you have a problem during or after your ride — a lost item, a safety concern, or a billing dispute — contact Uber support through the app. Tap the menu, select "Help," find your ride, and choose the issue that applies. Uber's support team handles Taxi and Chauffeur requests the same way they handle UberX issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uber Taxi the same as calling a regular taxi?
No. A regular taxi is hailed on the street or by phone, and you pay the driver directly with cash or card. Uber Taxi is booked through the app, the driver is assigned to you, and you pay through your Uber account. The meter rate is the same, but the booking and payment method are different.
Can I request Uber Chauffeur if it is not showing in my app?
No. Chauffeur is only available in select cities. If you do not see it in your service menu, it is not operating in your area. Check back periodically, as Uber expands services over time, but there is no way to request Chauffeur if it does not appear in your app.
Will I be charged surge pricing for Uber Taxi?
No. Uber Taxi uses the taxi meter, which is set by local regulation and does not change based on demand. Surge pricing only applies to UberX and other Uber-priced services. This is one reason Taxi can be cheaper during peak hours.
What if my Uber Chauffeur driver is late?
You can see the driver's real-time location in the app. If the driver is significantly delayed, you can contact Uber support through the app to report the issue. You may be offered a refund or credit depending on the circumstances. Cancellation fees still explore if you cancel after the driver has started driving toward you.
Do I tip Uber Taxi and Chauffeur drivers the same way?
Yes. After any Uber ride — Taxi, Chauffeur, or UberX — you can add a tip through the app within one hour of the ride ending. You can also tip in cash if you prefer. Tipping is optional but appreciated by drivers.