Taxi Fares in Toronto: What You'll Pay in 2026

Planning a taxi in Toronto? Fares start at CA$4.25 with a 10 km ride costing around CA$22. Here's everything you need to budget your trip.

Toronto is a big, spread-out city — and whether you're heading from Pearson Airport to downtown or hopping between neighbourhoods, knowing what a taxi should cost keeps you in control. Licensed taxis in Toronto run on a regulated meter, so fares are predictable once you understand the system. Here's exactly what to expect.

Taxi Fare Overview

How Fares Are Calculated

All licensed Toronto taxis use a city-regulated meter that starts at CA$4.25 the moment you get in. From there, the meter ticks over at CA$1.75 per kilometre. There are no surge pricing surprises with licensed cabs — the rate is fixed by the City of Toronto regardless of the time of day or weather. That said, you may pay a small additional fee for luggage assistance or for trips that require waiting time in traffic, which is charged at a per-minute idle rate. Always confirm the meter is running when the car pulls away — that's your guarantee the fare is official.

Airport Transfer

Getting from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to downtown Toronto by licensed taxi typically costs between CA$55 and CA$65, depending on your exact destination and traffic. It's a roughly 30 km journey and one of the most common rides visitors take. Before you commit to a taxi, though, consider your alternatives — the savings can be significant.

• •Licensed taxi: CA$55–65 from Pearson to downtown — convenient if you have heavy luggage or are travelling in a group
• •UP Express train: CA$12.35 from Pearson Airport directly to Union Station in under 25 minutes — by far the cheapest and fastest option
• •Airport bus (Route 900 or 192 TTC): Even cheaper but slower, best for budget travellers with flexible timing
• •Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Lyft): Often CA$45–60 depending on demand — check the app for an upfront price before booking
• •Tip: If you're splitting a taxi with fellow travellers, the CA$55–65 fare becomes much more competitive against the train

Scams to Watch Out For

Toronto is generally a safe city for taxi travel, but a few scam patterns do occur — mostly targeting visitors unfamiliar with the city. Knowing what to watch for means you won't get caught out.

Ride-Hailing Apps

• •Uber: The dominant ride-hailing app in Toronto — widely available across the city and at the airport, with upfront pricing
• •Lyft: A strong alternative to Uber with similar coverage and competitive pricing across the Greater Toronto Area
• •Beck Taxi app: Toronto's largest licensed taxi fleet has its own app — a good option if you specifically want a metered, licensed cab
• •DiDi: Available in Toronto but with a smaller driver pool than Uber or Lyft — worth checking for pricing on airport runs
• •Bolt and Grab: Not currently operating in Toronto — don't rely on these
• •Recommendation: Uber or Lyft for most trips; Beck Taxi app if you want a licensed metered cab with a local fleet

Is It Safe to Take Taxis in Toronto?

Yes — licensed taxis in Toronto are safe, regulated, and reliable. The City of Toronto licenses all taxi drivers and vehicles, meaning drivers have passed background checks and vehicles are inspected. Lone travellers, including women travelling solo at night, generally report feeling comfortable in licensed cabs. Your safest bet is always to use an official taxi rank, hail a clearly marked licensed cab on the street, or book through a reputable app. Avoid accepting rides from anyone who approaches you in arrivals halls or outside venues — stick to official channels and you'll have no issues.