Accessibility & Safety

How Street Hail Fares Are Calculated

When you street hail a taxi, the fare is calculated using the standard metered fare structure set by the LTA and applied by all major taxi companies: ComfortDelGro, SMRT, Strides, Prime, and Trans-Cab. The meter calculates the fare based on distance and time, plus applicable surcharges. There is no surge pricing on street hails; the fare is fixed by the meter.

Metered Fare Components

• Flagdown fare: A fixed amount for the first 1 km. As of 2025, the flagdown fare for a standard taxi is SGD 3.90 (ComfortDelGro and SMRT). For higher-end taxis like London cabs or Mercedes-Benz models, the flagdown is higher (SGD 5.90 to SGD 8.90). See our flagdown fare breakdown for the exact amounts.
• Distance charges: After the first 1 km, the meter charges per 400 metres (or per 25 seconds when the taxi is stationary or moving slowly). The rate is approximately SGD 0.25 per 400 metres for the next 9 km, then SGD 0.20 per 400 metres beyond 10 km. Detailed rates are in our distance and time charges article.
• Time charges: If the taxi is moving slower than 15 km/h, the meter switches to time-based charging: approximately SGD 0.25 per 25 seconds. This applies in traffic jams or at traffic lights.

Surcharges That Apply to Street Hails

Street hails are subject to the same surcharges as app bookings, except that you cannot apply promo codes or discounts. The following surcharges are automatically added to the meter fare:

• Peak period surcharge: SGD 1.00 per trip from 6:00 AM to 9:29 AM (morning peak) and from 6:00 PM to 11:59 PM (evening peak). On weekends and public holidays, the evening peak starts at 6:00 PM. See peak period surcharges for full details.
• City area surcharge: SGD 3.00 for trips that start in the Central Business District (CBD) between 5:00 PM and 11:59 PM on weekdays. The CBD is defined as the area bounded by Shenton Way, Raffles Place, Marina Bay, and the Singapore River.
• ERP surcharges: If the taxi passes through an Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) gantry during the trip, the ERP fee is added to the fare. The driver cannot absorb it. See ERP surcharges for taxis.
• Airport surcharges: If you hail a taxi at Changi Airport, you must queue at the taxi stand. Street hailing is not allowed at the airport. However, if you street hail a taxi that is dropping off a passenger at the airport and then pick you up from the departure kerb, that is technically illegal. The airport surcharge for trips starting at Changi Airport is SGD 6.00 (standard) and SGD 8.00 (premium taxi). See airport surcharges at Changi.
• Midnight surcharge: 50% of the metered fare for trips between midnight and 5:59 AM.
• Public holiday surcharge: SGD 1.00 per trip on public holidays.

For a full comparison of surcharges across all booking methods, see our surcharge comparison for all apps.

Driver Obligations for Street Hails

Taxi drivers in Singapore are required by the LTA to accept street hails from passengers who are not in a prohibited zone. However, drivers have some discretion. The LTA Code of Conduct for Taxi Drivers states that a driver must not refuse a passenger without a valid reason. Valid reasons include:

• The passenger is in a prohibited hail zone.
• The passenger is carrying an animal (unless in an approved carrier).
• The passenger has excessive luggage that cannot fit in the boot.
• The driver is on a booking and has a sign indicating so.
• The driver is off-duty (the roof sign must be off).

If a driver refuses a street hail without a valid reason, the passenger can report the driver to the LTA. The driver may face a fine or suspension. However, in practice, drivers may refuse short trips (e.g., from a shopping centre to a nearby MRT station) during peak hours because they prefer longer fares. This is technically a violation, but enforcement is limited.

Drivers are also required to use the meter for all street hails. They cannot negotiate a fixed price. If a driver tries to offer a flat fare for a street hail, that is illegal. You should insist on the meter or flag down another taxi.

Street Hail vs. Ride-Hailing Apps: Key Differences

Street hailing and using a ride-hailing app like Grab, Gojek, Tada, or Zig are both legal, but they differ in several important ways. Here is a comparison based on concrete factors:

For a more detailed comparison, read our article street hail taxi vs app.

Practical Tips for Street Hailing in Singapore

Street hailing can be efficient if you know where and when to do it. Here are concrete tips based on local knowledge:

• Stand at a visible spot: Choose a location where the driver can see you from 50 metres away. Avoid standing behind a bus shelter or under a tree. Stand at the edge of the kerb, but not on the road.
• Raise your arm clearly: Extend your arm fully and wave. Do not just raise your hand. A clear, steady wave is more visible to drivers.
• Use taxi stands during peak hours: At busy locations like Orchard Road, Marina Bay, and Raffles Place, taxi stands are often the only legal and reliable option. The queue may be long, but taxis are required to stop there.
• Avoid street hailing near MRT stations: Many passengers try to hail near MRT exits, but drivers often avoid these areas because of traffic congestion and enforcement cameras. Walk 100 metres away from the station.
• Check the taxi's roof sign: A green or white sign means the taxi is available. An orange or red sign means it is booked or off-duty. Do not attempt to hail a taxi with a red sign.
• Be ready with your destination: When the driver stops, tell them your destination immediately. If the driver hesitates, be prepared to insist on the meter. If they refuse, do not argue; just flag down another taxi.
• Have cash ready: While most taxis accept cards, some older taxis may have card machines that are not working. Carrying SGD 10 to SGD 50 in small notes is wise.

Common Myths About Street Hailing

There are several misconceptions about street hailing in Singapore. Here are the facts:

• Myth: Street hailing is illegal. Fact: It is legal except in prohibited zones.
• Myth: You must use an app to get a taxi. Fact: You can still flag down a taxi on the street.
• Myth: Street hails are always cheaper than apps. Fact: Street hails have no booking fee, but apps often have promo codes that make them cheaper. For example, Tada often charges no booking fee, making it comparable to a street hail. See our Tada vs Zig review for pricing details.
• Myth: Taxi drivers prefer street hails. Fact: Many drivers prefer app bookings because they can see the destination and avoid short trips. However, some drivers still cruise for street hails, especially in the city.

Street Hailing at Changi Airport and Seletar Airport

At Changi Airport, street hailing is not permitted. All taxi pickups must be from the designated taxi stands at each terminal. The stands are located at the arrival level. Queues are managed by airport staff, and taxis are dispatched from a holding area. The fare includes an airport surcharge of SGD 6.00 (standard) or SGD 8.00 (premium). For full details, see our Changi Airport taxi guide.

At Seletar Airport, there is no taxi stand. Passengers must use a ride-hailing app or call for a taxi. Street hailing is not practical because there is very little taxi traffic. See our Seletar Airport transfers article for options.

How to Save Money When Street Hailing

While street hailing does not allow promo codes, you can still reduce your fare by following these strategies:

• Avoid peak hours: The peak period surcharge of SGD 1.00 applies from 6:00 AM to 9:29 AM and 6:00 PM to 11:59 PM. If you can travel outside these windows, you save the surcharge.
• Avoid the CBD during evening peak: The city area surcharge of SGD 3.00 applies from 5:00 PM to 11:59 PM on weekdays. If you can walk 500 metres outside the CBD boundary before hailing, you avoid this surcharge.
• Use taxi stands in the CBD: During evening peak, taxis at stands are more likely to accept your trip because they cannot refuse a queue passenger. This can save you time and frustration.
• Share the ride: If you are with friends or colleagues, split the fare. Street hails allow up to 4 passengers in a standard taxi. If you have 4 people, the per-person cost is much lower than taking an app ride separately.
• Consider a premium taxi only if you need space: Premium taxis have higher flagdown fares (SGD 5.90 to SGD 8.90). They are not worth it for short trips. Only flag down a premium taxi if you have a lot of luggage or need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

For more money-saving tips, read our save money on taxis in Singapore guide.

The Future of Street Hailing in Singapore

Street hailing is unlikely to disappear in Singapore, but its role is diminishing. The LTA has not announced any plans to ban it. However, the number of taxis on the road has decreased from about 28,000 in 2014 to around 15,000 in 2025, according to LTA statistics. This means there are fewer taxis available for street hails. Meanwhile, private-hire cars (PHCs) have increased to over 100,000. The convenience of apps means that most passengers now book via phone.

Nevertheless, street hailing remains a useful backup, especially when your phone battery dies, you have no data, or you are in an area with poor app coverage (e.g., underground or in some buildings). It is also the only way to get a taxi immediately if one is passing by.

For a comprehensive overview of all taxi and ride-hailing options, see our complete guide to taxis and ride-hailing in Singapore.

Related Articles

• The Complete Guide to Taxis and Ride-Hailing in Singapore
• Street Hail Taxi vs App: Which Is Better?
• Flagdown Fare Breakdown for All Taxi Companies
• Surcharge Comparison for All Apps and Taxis
• Changi Airport Taxi Guide: Queues, Surcharges, and Tips
• Save Money on Taxis in Singapore: Practical Strategies