Although public transport in Germany is very convenient, comfortable, inexpensive, and runs strictly on schedule, taxi services are also very popular. They are used by tourists, newly arrived immigrants, and anyone unfamiliar with the city who doesn’t want to get lost and needs to arrive on time. However, taxis in this country have their own specific features.
Features of German taxis
The rules for German taxis are quite different from those in Ukraine:
- There are no private taxis at all. Therefore, it is impossible to “hail” a taxi on the street. Cars must be ordered through a special mobile app or by calling a dispatch service. The only exceptions are stands near airports, train stations, or hotels.
- Only German-made cars in beige color are used as taxis. Very rarely, you may see silver, yellow, black, or white vehicles. All are designed in a uniform style.
- All taxi drivers have licenses, but only for one district. They can drive you anywhere, but they are allowed to pick up passengers only in “their” district.
- All taxis in Germany are very comfortable. That’s why the service is quite expensive. If the driver fails to meet quality standards, they may be fined heavily.
- No more than four people, including the driver, may be in the car at the same time.
- For pensioners and other vulnerable groups, there is a social taxi service, which costs about three times less than regular taxis.
- Some companies, to attract clients, offer monthly subscriptions for their services.
- Smoking and drinking alcohol in taxis are prohibited. The driver has the right to refuse service to an intoxicated passenger. The only exception is Oktoberfest, when some customers have to be literally loaded into the car.
- The driver is obliged to load or unload luggage into the car but is not required to carry it “to the door.”
- Wheelchairs are transported free of charge.
- If a passenger forgets an item in the car, the driver must hand it over to the lost and found office located at the operator’s main office.
- The car must display information about the driver and their photo in a visible place so passengers know who is serving them.
This is general information. As for the cost of a taxi, there is no unified fare. Prices vary from region to region.
How much does a taxi cost in Germany
The cost of a ride in Germany is calculated as follows:
- A base fare is set for each region. It depends on competition levels, infrastructure availability, and tourism development.
- The cost of the first kilometer is fixed everywhere.
- After the 5th and 10th kilometers, the price decreases. The longer the ride, the cheaper each subsequent kilometer becomes.
- Rides under 2 kilometers are charged at a special rate.
- Boarding is charged separately.
- Extra fees apply for transporting animals and luggage.
- There are daytime and nighttime fares, as well as waiting-time charges.
- Taxi prices vary by region. The highest are in Bavarian towns, while the lowest are found in remote villages.
- Some services offer discounted night fares for women and pensioners.
All information about taxi services in Germany can be found in the “Grand Taxi” catalog. It only lists reliable companies with impeccable reputations. Ordering a car through this catalog means ensuring safety and comfort on the road at a fair price.