Taxis & Ramp Taxis combine the flexibility of same-day availability with the convenience of a direct route to your destination. There are so many reasons why taxis are a great choice for any trip, whether you’re visiting a friend or attending a medical appointment.
Ready to take a taxi? Here are some helpful tips to consider:
Plan
1. Know which taxis can serve your mobility needs:
The majority of taxis within San Francisco are hybrid-powered sedans or SUVs. These taxis have enough storage space for the driver to fold up and stow your walker or mobility device after you board. In addition, “ramp taxis” equipped with wheelchair accessible ramps operate within the City and County. If you are travelling using a wheelchair or similar mobility device and are unable to transfer out of your mobility device, be sure to request a Ramp-Taxi. See our Taxi Directory or our Ramp Driver Contact List for a list of taxi companies that operate Ramp-Taxis.
2. Know how to hail a taxi:
- On the Street. In busier areas of the city, you’re likely to spot available taxis on the street. Available taxis will have an illuminated top light on the roof of the vehicle. Unlike many other private transportation services, taxis can be hailed on the street.
- By Phone. All San Francisco taxi companies are affiliated with a telephone dispatch service, available 24 hours a day, that you can call to request an immediate pickup or to schedule a taxi in advance. See our Taxi Directory for a list of taxi companies and their dispatch phone numbers.
- Electronic Hailing. Flywheel, the SFMTA’s preferred e-hail app, allows you to request and pay for your taxi ride using your smartphone. It also gives live views of taxis nearby and arrival times to map your route with ease. You can even request a Ramp Taxi through the app. Download Flywheel here.
Pay
Taxis provide consistent, transparent pricing for their services. Taxis always accept cash, credit cards, and SF Paratransit Debit Cards to pay the fare at the end of your trip. Electronic hailing apps allow you to store your credit card in the app to pay for your ride.
Want to know how much a taxi ride will cost? Here's a quick breakdown of taxi rates in San Francisco.
Taxi Service Fare Amount:
- First one-fifth mile (“flag rate”) $4.15
- Each additional one-fifth mile or fraction thereof $0.65
- Each minute of waiting or traffic time delay $0.65
- SFO Exit surcharge $5.50
Ride
You may ask the driver for assistance if you need help getting in or out of the vehicle. If you are using a wheelchair, ramp taxi drivers will secure your wheelchair for you.
Once onboard, tell the driver where you want to go. The driver will start the meter and give you a direct route to your destination.
Attendants & Companions: An attendant and at least one companion may accompany you. The San Francisco Transportation Code allows you to ride with the maximum number that can be safely secured and transported (usually four adults). No extra fares will be required for the additional passengers. An attendant or companion must start and end their ride with you. Only the ADA-certified rider may possess and use the SF Paratransit Debit Card. An attendant or companion cannot under any circumstances use your SF Paratransit Debit Card.
Exit
The driver will stop the meter once at your destination. Pay the fare shown on the meter. You are welcomed, but not required, to tip the driver.
If you had a positive or negative experience in a taxi, we’d love to hear about it! Contact the Mobility Management Center or call 415.351.7000 to share your questions or feedback.
Left something in your taxi? Find your lost item here.