Taxi fares in Richmond VA are calculated with the following formula. Total Fare = (Base Fare) + (Distance Cost) + (Wait Time Cost) + (Any Applicable Surcharges) OR Minimum Fare (rare case scenario when a passenger enters a vehicle → driver starts meter → passenger changes mind & stops the ride with no miles traveled → passenger pays minimum base fare of $2.50). All applicable taxi fares and surcharges are set by and adhere to the regulations established in the City of Richmond Code, § 29-34 (Rates of Fares). Below, we break down the individual Richmond VA Taxi rate components.
To quickly estimate your fare for a given distance, add one mile to your trip distance and multiply the total by the $2.50 per mile rate.
For example: If you are traveling 9 miles, add an extra mile (10 miles total) and multiply by $2.50. So, 10 miles x $2.50 = $25 fare.
Taxi Rates and regulations in the city of Richmond VA & the counties of Henrico, Chesterfield & Hanover are the same but with different county ordinances set by the board of supervisors. All 3 counties follow the same rate structure as Richmond VA. See citations Henrico (Chapter 21) Sec. 21-139, Chesterfield (Code 1978, § 19.1-7) Sec. 15-196, Hanover (ORDINANCE NO. 16-11) Sec. 22.1-33.
Your fare may vary slightly due to factors such as heavy traffic, unexpected detours, road construction, accidents, inclement weather, or specific stops requested during your trip. Our adherence to official regulations ensures transparency and trust, so you’ll never face unexpected charges.
In Richmond, VA, the taximeter calculates fares based on combined factors such as the base fare, distance traveled, and time. In addition certain surcharges may also apply, for example - airport access fees, night surcharge & the number of additional passengers. Expect a typical ride to include a $2.50 base fare for the first 1/5th mile, $0.50 for each succeeding 1/5th mile & $0.50 for every 80 seconds of stopped time or when the vehicle is moving at a speed less than 15 mph. Tolls are not included in the metered fare and are billed as per actuals at the end of the ride.
All fares listed below assume a single passenger and no surcharges. Your fares will increase with the addition of surcharges such as additional passengers, night travel (9 PM to 6 AM), waiting time, airport access fees & minimum fares from RIC airport.
1 mile taxi ride in Richmond will cost $5
2 mile taxi ride in Richmond will cost $7.50
3 mile taxi ride in Richmond will cost $10
4 mile taxi ride in Richmond will cost $12.50
5 mile taxi ride in Richmond will cost $15
All fares listed below assume a single passenger and no night surcharge (9 PM – 6 AM). The higher fare range includes a $2.50 cushion to cover unexpected traffic delays or minor detours. Your final metered fare may fall anywhere within this estimated range, as the final fare is always based on the official, regulated meter reading.
The standard initial charge (also called base fare or flag drop) in Richmond VA is $2.50. This amount covers the cost of the first 1/5th of a mile traveled.
The meter increments by $0.50 for every successive 1/5th of a mile. This adds up to a rate of $2.50 per mile.
You are charged waiting time for all time consumed in these situations:
Yes. In Richmond, a $1.00 night surcharge fee is added to the fare for trips taken between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. the following morning.
The meter switches to "waiting time" rates whenever the vehicle is either: Idling or stopped (e.g., at traffic lights or during a stopover). OR Moving at a speed less than 15 miles per hour. The charge for waiting time is $0.50 for every 80 seconds of delay, which is approximately $22.50 per hour.
In this scenario, the wait time rate is triggered as the car is stationary and not moving. Wait time rates are $0.50 per 80 seconds of waiting time (or approximately $22.50 per hour). Since the taximeter only registers completed 80-second increments, here are the estimated charges that would show on the meter:
Yes. There is a $1.00 surcharge for each additional passenger accompanying the first primary fare paying passenger. This charge applies to any passenger above seven years of age. Children six years old and under ride free. Here's an example, John (primary fare paying rider) has a group of 4 other friends on his taxi trip. The driver will charge $4 as axtras on his meter for these additional passengers. But, let's say John is accompanied by 4 persons under the age of 7, John would incur 0 extra cost for these 4 passengers and they would ride free as long as John pays the full fare.
Trips starting at RIC are subject to two additional charges: A minimum fare of $10.00. A separate Airport Access Fee ($5.00, which is added to the total fare). So, all rides starting from Richmond International Airport will have a minimum metered rate of $15.
Tolls are not included in the metered fare and are the responsibility of the fare paying passenger. Tolls, if incurred, will be added to your final taximeter total at the end of your ride. Please note: Your driver will use the most efficient route as suggested by Google Maps. If the most efficient route requires the payment of a toll, the driver has to inform the passenger of the anticipated toll cost before the ride begins and the passenger has to agree to paying such toll fees. If you wish to avoid a toll road, you must inform your driver before they start your trip. To help you anticipate potential toll charges, here are the most common toll facilities in the Richmond Metropolitan Area (RMTA):
The taxi rates in the Richmond, VA area are set and regulated by the local governing bodies (city and county officials) through local ordinances and not by a single statewide commission. Specifically, the rates are approved by the Richmond City Council (for the City of Richmond), the board of Supervisors for the surrounding counties of Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover, as these four jurisdictions regulate most taxi operations in the metro region on a reciprocity basis.
Service animals ride free with the paying rider. However, taxi companies may, at their discretion deny non service animals to be accomodated in the car. Always call in advance to inform us that you are traveling with a pet (and specify its size/type) to ensure the driver is willing to accommodate you. We may require the pet to be in a carrier.
No. Richmond VA taxi companies do not charge any extra fees for standard luggage that can fit in the vehicle's trunk or cabin.
Yes, the minimum taximeter fare for any standard taxi trip in Richmond VA is the initial flag drop charge of $2.50. This amount covers the cost of the first $0.2 miles (or 1,056 feet) traveled.
The standard metered rate is officially applicable for rides originating and ending within the City of Richmond and the counties of Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover. These four jurisdictions operate under reciprocal agreements to honor the same metered rates. For travel outside of this zone: If your trip goes significantly beyond these four city/county limits (e.g., to destinations like Petersburg, Charlottesville, or farther), your cab company/driver may quote you a flat rate which must be agreed to, by you, before your ride begins.
Please refer to The City of Richmond VA taxi rate ordinance and regulations
Yes. Cash or credit/debit cards are acceptable forms of payment. However, we strictly do not accept checks/airline vouchers/gift cards.
Yes. A taxi can seat a maximum of 6 passengers for a ride.
Sure! To print or view please see Richmond VA Taxi Rate Card
