When you take a taxi or ride hailing service in Singapore, the final fare depends on several components. Among them, the distance rate is the most fundamental. It is the charge applied for every kilometer traveled after the initial flagdown or base fare. Understanding how distance rate is calculated, how it varies between taxi companies and app based services, and what factors influence it can help you estimate your trip cost more accurately and avoid surprises.

In Singapore, the distance rate is regulated for street hail taxis by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and set individually by each taxi company for booking and app based services. For ride hailing platforms like Grab, Gojek, and Tada, distance rate is part of a dynamic pricing algorithm that also considers time, demand, and surcharges. This article provides a factual, evidence based explanation of distance rate across all major providers, with specific numbers and context.

How Distance Rate Works in Singapore Taxis

Distance rate is the per kilometer charge applied after the first 1 kilometer (for street hail taxis) or after the initial distance included in the base fare (for ride hailing). For street hail taxis, the fare structure is set by the LTA and consists of three main parts: flagdown fare, distance rate, and time rate. The distance rate itself is split into two tiers: a higher rate for the first few kilometers, and a lower rate for subsequent kilometers.

As of 2025, the standard distance rate for street hail taxis (ComfortDelGro, SMRT, Prime, Transcab, and others) is:

  • First 1 km to 10 km: SGD 0.25 per 400 meters (equivalent to SGD 0.625 per km)
  • After 10 km: SGD 0.25 per 350 meters (equivalent to SGD 0.714 per km)

This means that for the first 10 kilometers, the distance rate is lower per kilometer, and it increases slightly for longer trips beyond 10 km. The rationale is that longer journeys incur higher fuel and maintenance costs, and the higher rate compensates drivers for the additional distance.

For example, a 15 km street hail trip from Orchard Road to Changi Airport would incur:

  • Flagdown fare: SGD 3.90 (standard, no peak surcharge)
  • Distance charge for first 10 km: 10 km / 0.4 km per unit = 25 units x SGD 0.25 = SGD 6.25
  • Distance charge for next 5 km: 5 km / 0.35 km per unit = 14.29 units (rounded to 14 or 15 depending on meter) x SGD 0.25 = approximately SGD 3.50 to SGD 3.75
  • Total distance charge: approximately SGD 9.75 to SGD 10.00
  • Total fare before surcharges: SGD 13.65 to SGD 13.90

Note that actual meter readings may vary due to rounding and the time rate if the taxi is stuck in traffic. The time rate is charged at SGD 0.25 per 30 seconds of waiting time or slow speed (below 20 km/h).

Distance Rate Differences Across Taxi Operators

While the LTA sets the maximum distance rate for street hail trips, each taxi company can choose to apply a lower rate for their own booking or app based services. For example, ComfortDelGro's standard booking fare via the ComfortDelGro app uses the same distance rate as street hail, but they also offer fixed price options for certain routes. SMRT's app based booking also follows the LTA structure. However, some smaller operators like Prime or Transcab may have slightly different rates for their own booking channels, though they still adhere to the LTA maximum for street hail.

For a detailed comparison of all fare components, see our article on flagdown fare breakdown.

Distance Rate in Ride Hailing Apps: Grab, Gojek, and Tada

Ride hailing platforms do not use the LTA's distance rate structure. Instead, each platform sets its own per kilometer and per minute rates, which are part of a dynamic pricing model. These rates vary by time of day, demand, and vehicle type. The base fare for ride hailing includes a certain distance and time, and additional distance is charged at a per kilometer rate that is usually higher than taxi distance rates.

As of early 2025, typical distance rates for ride hailing services in Singapore are:

  • Grab (GrabCar): Base fare SGD 3.50 to SGD 5.00 (depending on location and time), then SGD 0.60 to SGD 0.80 per km after the first 1 km, plus SGD 0.15 to SGD 0.25 per minute.
  • Gojek (GoCar): Base fare SGD 3.00 to SGD 4.50, then SGD 0.55 to SGD 0.75 per km, plus SGD 0.12 to SGD 0.20 per minute.
  • Tada (Economy): Base fare SGD 2.50 to SGD 4.00, then SGD 0.50 to SGD 0.70 per km, plus SGD 0.10 to SGD 0.18 per minute.

These rates are not fixed and can change based on surge pricing. During peak hours, the per kilometer rate can increase by 1.5x to 2x. For example, a 10 km GrabCar trip during peak demand could have a distance rate of SGD 1.20 per km instead of SGD 0.70. The time rate also increases proportionally.

For a direct comparison of the two largest platforms, read our article on Grab vs Gojek pricing.

Why Ride Hailing Distance Rates Are Higher Than Taxis

Ride hailing platforms typically have higher per kilometer rates than street hail taxis for several reasons. First, the base fare is lower (SGD 3 to 5 vs SGD 3.90 for taxis), so the platform recovers costs through distance and time charges. Second, ride hailing drivers are independent contractors who bear their own vehicle costs, insurance, and platform commission (usually 15% to 25%). Third, the platform's dynamic pricing model includes a profit margin that covers technology, marketing, and customer support.

For short trips (under 5 km), ride hailing can be cheaper than taxis because the lower base fare offsets the higher per km rate. For longer trips (over 15 km), taxis are usually cheaper because the distance rate is lower and there is no surge pricing. However, during peak hours, taxi surcharges can narrow the gap.

For a comprehensive overview of all surcharges, see our surcharge comparison across all apps.

Distance Rate and Surcharges: How They Interact

Distance rate is only one part of the total fare. Surcharges are added on top of the metered or calculated distance and time charges. For taxis, common surcharges include:

  • Peak period surcharge: 25% of metered fare (excluding ERP) during weekday peak hours (6:00 AM to 9:30 AM, 6:00 PM to 11:59 PM) and weekend peak hours (6:00 PM to 11:59 PM). For example, a SGD 20 metered fare becomes SGD 25.
  • ERP surcharge: Exact ERP toll amount added to fare if the taxi passes through a gantry during operational hours.
  • Airport surcharge: SGD 3 to SGD 5 for trips from Changi Airport (depending on time and booking method).
  • Booking fee: SGD 2.30 to SGD 3.30 for phone or app bookings (street hail has no booking fee).

For ride hailing, surcharges are typically included in the upfront fare estimate, but they may also appear as separate line items. Common surcharges include:

  • Peak pricing multiplier: Applied to the base fare, distance rate, and time rate simultaneously.
  • Airport pickup fee: SGD 3 to SGD 6 for trips from Changi Airport.
  • ERP reimbursement: Some platforms add ERP costs separately.

For example, a 20 km taxi trip from Jurong East to Changi Airport during weekday evening peak (6:30 PM) would have:

  • Metered fare (distance + time): approximately SGD 18 to SGD 22
  • Peak surcharge 25%: SGD 4.50 to SGD 5.50
  • ERP (if using PIE): SGD 1.00 to SGD 2.00
  • Airport surcharge: SGD 5.00
  • Total: SGD 28.50 to SGD 34.50

A similar GrabCar trip during the same time might cost SGD 30 to SGD 40, depending on surge. For a detailed breakdown of peak period surcharges, see peak period surcharges explained.

Distance Rate for Airport Transfers

Airport transfers are a common use case for both taxis and ride hailing. The distance rate applies from the point of pickup to the destination, but airport specific surcharges can significantly affect the total cost. For Changi Airport, taxi surcharges are:

  • From Changi Airport: SGD 3.00 (standard) or SGD 5.00 (peak hours: 5:00 PM to 11:59 PM daily, and 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM on weekdays)
  • To Changi Airport: No airport surcharge, but standard distance and time rates apply.

For ride hailing, pickup from Changi Airport incurs a fee of SGD 3.00 to SGD 6.00 depending on the platform and vehicle type. This fee is added to the distance based fare. For example, a 25 km trip from Changi Airport to Woodlands via GrabCar might have a base fare of SGD 4.00, distance charge of SGD 0.70 x 25 = SGD 17.50, time charge of SGD 0.20 x 30 minutes = SGD 6.00, airport fee of SGD 5.00, and total of SGD 32.50 before surge.

For a complete guide to airport transfers, see our Changi Airport taxi guide and airport ride hailing pickup.

How to Estimate Distance Rate for Your Trip

To estimate the distance rate for a specific trip, you need to know the distance between your pickup and dropoff points. You can use Google Maps or the LTA's OneMotoring website to get the driving distance. Then apply the appropriate rate based on your chosen mode:

  1. For street hail taxi: Use SGD 0.625 per km for the first 10 km, then SGD 0.714 per km for the remaining distance. Add flagdown fare (SGD 3.90) and time rate if traffic is heavy (SGD 0.25 per 30 seconds).
  2. For ComfortDelGro app booking: Same as street hail, but add booking fee (SGD 2.30 to SGD 3.30).
  3. For GrabCar: Use estimated per km rate from the app (typically SGD 0.60 to SGD 0.80) plus per minute rate. The app provides an upfront fare estimate.
  4. For Gojek: Similar to Grab, with slightly lower rates on average.
  5. For Tada: Lowest base fare and distance rate among the three major apps, but availability may be lower.

For example, a 12 km trip from City Hall to Tampines Mall via taxi would cost approximately:

  • Flagdown: SGD 3.90
  • Distance (first 10 km): 10 / 0.4 = 25 units x SGD 0.25 = SGD 6.25
  • Distance (next 2 km): 2 / 0.35 = 5.71 units (rounded to 6) x SGD 0.25 = SGD 1.50
  • Total distance: SGD 7.75
  • Total before surcharges: SGD 11.65

If using GrabCar with no surge, it might be SGD 4.00 base + SGD 0.70 x 12 = SGD 8.40 distance + SGD 0.20 x 15 minutes = SGD 3.00 time = SGD 15.40.

For more tips on reducing distance related costs, read our article on how to save money on taxis in Singapore.

Distance Rate and Off Peak Travel

Traveling during off peak hours (late night, early morning, weekends before 6 PM) can significantly reduce the distance rate component of your fare because there are no peak surcharges and no surge pricing. For taxis, the distance rate itself does not change, but the absence of the 25% peak surcharge means the total fare is lower. For ride hailing, off peak hours often have no surge multiplier, so the per kilometer rate stays at the base level.

For example, a 15 km trip from Bugis to Jurong East at 10:00 PM (off peak) via taxi would cost approximately:

  • Flagdown: SGD 3.90
  • Distance: SGD 0.625 x 10 + SGD 0.714 x 5 = SGD 6.25 + SGD 3.57 = SGD 9.82
  • Time: minimal if no traffic
  • Total: SGD 13.72

The same trip at 7:00 PM (peak) would have a 25% surcharge on the metered fare: SGD 13.72 x 1.25 = SGD 17.15 (plus ERP if any).

For ride hailing, the same trip at 10:00 PM might cost SGD 12 to SGD 16, while at 7:00 PM it could be SGD 18 to SGD 25 due to surge. For strategies to minimize costs, see our off peak ride hacks.

Distance Rate for Shared Rides and Budget Options

Distance rate for shared ride options (GrabShare, Gojek Share, Tada Share) is calculated differently. Instead of a per kilometer rate, the fare is a fixed price based on the route and number of passengers. The distance rate is effectively lower because the cost is split among multiple passengers. However, shared rides have longer travel times due to detours to pick up and drop off other passengers.

For example, a 15 km GrabShare trip from Orchard to Tampines might cost SGD 8 to SGD 12, compared to SGD 15 to SGD 20 for a private GrabCar. The distance rate per passenger is lower, but the time rate is higher due to longer trip duration. Shared rides are best for budget conscious travelers who are not in a hurry.

For a full overview of shared ride options, see shared ride options in Singapore.

Comparing Distance Rate Across All Services: A Summary

To help you choose the most cost effective option based on distance, here is a summary of typical distance rates (excluding surcharges and time) for a 10 km trip:

  • Street hail taxi: SGD 3.90 flagdown + SGD 6.25 distance = SGD 10.15 (no booking fee)
  • ComfortDelGro app: SGD 3.90 flagdown + SGD 6.25 distance + SGD 2.50 booking fee = SGD 12.65
  • GrabCar (no surge): SGD 4.00 base + SGD 0.70 x 10 = SGD 7.00 distance + SGD 2.00 time (10 min) = SGD 13.00
  • Gojek (no surge): SGD 3.50 base + SGD 0.65 x 10 = SGD 6.50 distance + SGD 1.50 time = SGD 11.50
  • Tada (no surge): SGD 3.00 base + SGD 0.55 x 10 = SGD 5.50 distance + SGD 1.00 time = SGD 9.50

Note that these are estimates and actual fares may vary. For short trips under 5 km, ride hailing is often cheaper due to lower base fares. For longer trips over 20 km, taxis are generally cheaper because the distance rate is lower and there is no surge.

For a detailed comparison of all platforms, read our article on Tada vs Zig review and our street hail taxi vs app comparison.

Practical Tips: How to Minimize Distance Rate Impact

Here are actionable tips to reduce the distance rate component of your fare:

  • Choose the shortest route: Use GPS navigation to avoid unnecessary detours. A 1 km difference can cost SGD 0.60 to SGD 0.80 in ride hailing or SGD 0.625 in a taxi.
  • Avoid peak hours: Peak surcharges and surge pricing effectively increase the distance rate by 25% to 100%. Traveling off peak can save you 20% to 40% on the total fare.
  • Use street hail for long trips: For trips over 15 km, flagging a taxi on the street (no booking fee) is usually cheaper than any ride hailing app.
  • Use ride hailing for short trips: For trips under 5 km, GrabCar or Gojek can be cheaper than a taxi because of the lower base fare.
  • Consider shared rides: If you have time, GrabShare or Gojek Share can reduce the distance cost per person by 30% to 50%.
  • Use promo codes: Many platforms offer discounts on distance charges. Check our promo codes and referrals page for current offers.

For daily commuters, consider using a combination of bus/MRT for the main route and a short taxi or ride hailing for the first or last mile. This reduces the distance rate significantly. For more budget tips, see our budget tips for daily commute.

Conclusion

Distance rate is the core component of taxi and ride hailing fares in Singapore. For street hail taxis, it is regulated by the LTA and charged at SGD 0.625 per km for the first 10 km and SGD 0.714 per km thereafter. For ride hailing apps, distance rates are set by each platform and range from SGD 0.50 to SGD 0.80 per km, plus per minute charges. Surcharges and surge pricing can significantly increase the effective distance rate, especially during peak hours or at airports.

By understanding how distance rate works across different services, you can make informed choices that save money. Use street hail taxis for long trips, ride hailing for short trips, and avoid peak hours when possible. Always check the upfront fare estimate in ride hailing apps before booking, and consider shared rides for budget travel. For a complete overview of all fare components, refer to our complete guide to taxis and ride hailing in Singapore.

Related Articles

  • The Complete Guide to Taxis and Ride Hailing in Singapore
  • Distance and Time Charges Explained
  • ERP Surcharges for Taxis
  • Airport Surcharges at Changi
  • Grab vs Gojek Pricing Comparison
  • How to Save Money on Taxis in Singapore