Taxi Prices in Switzerland – What to Expect & How to Save

Taxis in Switzerland are convenient – and famously expensive. The biggest surprise for many travelers is how much the final price can change between cities, and how strongly traffic and waiting time affect the meter. Once you know the basic pricing formula and the most common surcharges, costs become far more predictable.

Here are clear planning ranges, airport examples, and proven ways to pay less without sacrificing comfort.

• A typical nationwide start fee is about 7-13 $, then distance and/or time are added.
• Per-km pricing is often 3-6 $, with higher rates at night and on holidays in many cities.
• Waiting time matters – an hour of waiting is commonly about 57-101 $.
• Airport rides add up fast: Zurich Airport to central Zurich is often 63-88 $.
• The easiest way to save is to compare with trains/trams via the Switzerland transport page or Omio.
• Watch the extras: luggage, night tariff, out-of-zone trips, and larger vehicles.

Most Swiss taxis run on a meter, and the fare typically includes:

• a start fee (initial charge)
• a distance component (per km)
• a time component (per minute or per hour) when waiting or moving slowly

On top of that, many operators add surcharges for night hours, Sundays/public holidays, extra luggage help, leaving the core city zone, or requesting a van / higher category vehicle.

If you just need a realistic baseline for budgeting across Switzerland, these ranges are a solid starting point:

• Start fee: 7-13 $
• Per km: 3-6 $
• Waiting 1 hour: 57-101 $

Use them to estimate costs even before you check a specific city tariff.

These examples help you understand typical price levels and why one city can feel noticeably pricier than another.

• Start fee often around 8 $
• Per km often around 5 $
  Example: a short 3 km ride in daytime commonly starts around 22 $ and rises with traffic.

• Start fee often around 8 $
• Per km in daytime often around 4 $, with night/holiday rates closer to 5 $
  Geneva is a city where night and holiday pricing can noticeably change the bill.

• Start fee often around 8 $
• Per km in daytime often around 5 $, with higher night pricing in many cases

Airport rides can feel expensive because queues, traffic, night rates, and luggage add up.

• Zurich Airport → central Zurich: often 63-88 $ depending on destination and traffic
• Geneva Airport → central Geneva: often 44-57 $ depending on traffic and tariff conditions

If you land late and want to avoid night pricing, it can be cheaper to take a train/tram for part of the route and then use a short taxi hop.

• Night tariff, Sundays, and public holidays
• Traffic jams and “please wait” requests
• Trips beyond the city’s core zone and mountain routes
• Luggage handling and bulky items
• Booking a van or premium category car

Two rides with the same distance can cost very different amounts depending on time of day and congestion.

• Compare taxi vs public transport early using the Switzerland transport page or Omio.
• Avoid being picked up in heavy traffic – a 2-3 minute walk can reduce the time-based part of the meter.
• Share rides when possible – taxis can make more sense for 3-4 people than for solo travel.
• From airports, check trains and trams first – they’re fast and predictable.
• At night, confirm the applicable tariff and make sure the meter is running from the start.
• Don’t keep a taxi waiting – waiting time is expensive in Switzerland.

• Use official ranks at stations/airports or book via an app/dispatcher.
• Check driver identification and ensure the meter is on.
• Keep the receipt in case you need to report an issue.
• Be cautious with unofficial solicitors in arrivals areas.

Planning ranges in $ (actual payment may be in CHF and converted by your bank).

• Switzerland baseline: start 7-13 $, per km 3-6 $, waiting 1 hour 57-101 $
• Zurich: start around 8 $, per km around 5 $
• Geneva: start around 8 $, per km about 4 $ daytime, closer to 5 $ at night/holidays
• Zurich Airport → central Zurich: 63-88 $
• Geneva Airport → central Geneva: 44-57 $

Why are taxis so expensive in Switzerland?
High operating costs, strict licensing, and significant time-based charging in traffic.

How much is a 5 km taxi ride?
Often roughly start fee + (5 × per-km). In major cities, daytime totals commonly land around 25-45 $, and can be higher at night.

Are there fixed airport taxi prices?
Some services offer fixed zones or quotes, but many trips still rely on the meter and traffic conditions.

Can I pay by card?
Often yes, but it’s smart to confirm before you ride, especially late at night.

Is a taxi cheaper than public transport?
For solo travel, public transport is usually far cheaper. For groups of 3-4 with luggage, taxis can sometimes be competitive.

Taxis in Switzerland deliver comfort and speed, but budgeting matters. Use the simple rule (start fee + distance + waiting), avoid night and peak-traffic rides when possible, and compare alternatives via Omio and public transport. With that approach, even pricey routes stay predictable.

1. Zürich Tourism – Airport to city taxi guidance
2. Zurich Airport – Taxi and limousine info
3. Geneva Airport – Taxi fare FAQ
4. BaselTaxi – Basel taxi tariff overview
5. Taxi-Calculator – City taxi tariff references
6. Uber – Cities where Uber is available
7. Omio – Route and price comparison