Estimate Taxi Fares in Kyoto
Use our Kyoto taxi fare calculator to get quick price estimates for rides in Kyoto, Japan. Plan your trip with confidence and avoid surprises at the meter.
Fare Estimator
Kyoto Taxi Fares Explained
Taxi fares in Kyoto begin with a base fare around 620 yen covering the first 1.5 to 2 kilometers, depending on the company. For example, MK Taxi offers 610 yen for the initial 2 km. This base fare is standard across several companies.
After the base distance, fares increase by a set amount per additional kilometer traveled, typically around 300 to 410 yen per extra kilometer. There is also a waiting-time charge, about 80 to 120 yen per minute when the taxi is stopped or moving slowly.
Late-night rides between 10 PM and 5 AM incur a 20% surcharge on the fare, reflecting higher driver costs and less public transport availability. Highway tolls, if taken, are added separately to the fare. Consequently, a 3 to 5 km trip often costs roughly 1,600 to 3,000 yen based on traffic and tolls.
About Taxis in Kyoto 🚕
In Kyoto, you can get taxis easily by hailing them on the street or using popular apps like JapanTaxi or GO App that show available cars nearby. Taxis are common and serve many tourists and locals daily.
Most taxis in Kyoto are painted black, making them easy to recognize. Some taxis belong to large companies such as MK Taxi and show a green license plate that indicates they are licensed and safe for passengers.
You can pay for taxi rides using cash in Japanese yen, credit or debit cards if the taxi supports it, or transportation IC cards like Suica or ICOCA, which are tapped on a reader inside the taxi for quick payment.
Taxis in Kyoto are very safe and the drivers are trained to be polite and helpful. Always wear your seatbelt, confirm your destination before starting your ride, and use official taxis to avoid any problems.
Taxis are generally available throughout Kyoto day and night, though availability might be somewhat lower at odd hours. It's smart to use a taxi app to book one quickly when it's busy or late.
Major Kyoto taxi companies include MK Taxi and the Kyoto Taxi Association, known for reliable services. You can identify official taxis by green license plates and company logos on the vehicles.
Tips for Taxi Riders
- Always check if the meter is running before your ride starts.
- Carry small change in the local currency for convenience.
- Be aware of possible surcharges like night rides or airport fees.
- If traveling with friends, split the cost to save money.