These Countries Have the Most Expensive Taxis

Traveling opens the door to many modes of transportation. Whether you’re renting a car to cruise the countryside or navigating an urban train network, each choice comes with pros and cons. In particular, taxis offer privacy, comfort, and door-to-door convenience, but they often come at a steep price. According to the online cost-of-living database Numbeo, New York City cabs have the most expensive fares in North America, averaging $2.17 per kilometer ($1.35 per mile). Yet, this rate pales in comparison to the highest rates around the globe. Check out which countries hold the top 10 spots for most expensive taxi fares.

10. El Salvador (tie)

Cost per kilometer: $3

With volcanic hikes, surf-friendly beaches, and ancient Maya ruins, El Salvador is one of Central America’s top tourist destinations. While accommodations and food are relatively affordable here, taxi fares are surprisingly steep, averaging $3 per kilometer.

In busy cities such as San Salvador, where public transportation can be confusing for tourists, the convenience of taking a cab may be worth the added cost. Plus, certain remote tourist destinations are not easily accessed by public transportation. So, whether you’re chasing a volcanic sunrise or heading to a downtown museum, prepare to pay a little extra for taxis in El Salvador.

10. Venezuela (tie)

Cost per kilometer: $3

In a tie for 10th place, Venezuela has some of South America’s most expensive taxi rates. Many factors play into these sky-high prices, including limited or unreliable public transportation in certain areas. Taxis often offer the most direct and flexible form of transportation for travelers looking to explore the country’s diverse terrain, from the Andes Mountains and the Amazon Basin to Isla de Margarita and the historic streets of Caracas. 

9. The Netherlands

Cost per kilometer: $3.07

In Dutch urban centers such as Amsterdam, visitors can expect to pay over $3 per kilometer in cab fare. You can cut down on taxi costs, however, by renting a bicycle in this cycling-friendly country, which has more bikes than citizens. But for visitors unfamiliar with local geography, a cab may be the most efficient way to see several popular tourist sites in one day, such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum. 

8. Jamaica

Cost per kilometer: $3.09

This Caribbean island nation is known for its sprawling beaches, lush rainforests, and unique cultural landmarks, including the former home of legendary reggae artist Bob Marley in Kingston.

However, navigating the public transportation system to see these sites can be tricky for tourists, and there are some safety concerns in certain regions. Aside from traveling with a tour group, taxis are the typically best way to get around. Though cab fares are among the most expensive in the world, these prices come with added comfort and local knowledge from drivers, who can point you in the direction of the best waterfall views or quietest tourist beaches.

7. Japan

Cost per kilometer: $3.25

Japan’s public transportation system ranks among the world’s best, so taxis aren’t usually necessary. However, a hired ride can be helpful where trains are lacking or when train times don’t align with your itinerary. 

For instance, you might call a cab to decrease your travel time to historic temples in Kyoto or hiking trails with views of the majestic Mount Fuji. One place you might avoid taking a taxi, though, is near Shibuya Crossing. Tokyo’s most famous intersection, filled with neon lights, bustling traffic, and hundreds of pedestrians crossing in all directions, is a tourist destination in itself. 

6. Kuwait 

Cost per kilometer: $3.26

Kuwait, a small country on the Persian Gulf, is known for its architectural wonders. Towering above Kuwait City is Al Hamra, the world’s tallest curved skyscraper; nearby, the Grand Mosque, the largest in the country, is popular for tours and education on Islamic culture. Shopping is a major draw, too, especially at the Avenues, one of the largest malls in the world. 

To see these sights, the best mode of transportation for most tourists is a taxi, as there are no metro systems in Kuwait. While there are public buses available, they might be a little more complicated to navigate or not as direct as a cab. 

5. Mauritius 

Cost per kilometer: $3.30

The tropical island country of Mauritius is situated in the Indian Ocean, just east of Madagascar. While taxis aren’t the cheapest way to explore, they can be more efficient for reaching remote or scenic areas, such as hopping between beaches and hiking trails with ease.

There are many sights to see in Mauritius, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Le Morne Brabant, a 1,824-foot seaside monolith, and the nearby Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark, home to naturally rainbow-colored sand. On the north side of the island, the 300-year-old National Botanical Garden is among the oldest in the world. 

4. Bahrain 

Cost per kilometer: $3.45

Located on the Persian Gulf, Bahrain boasts a unique blend of modern and ancient culture. This island country has limited public transportation options, so tourists often opt for taxis. They’re especially convenient for getting around the capital city of Manama, which does not yet have a train system. Here, visitors frequent the impressive Al-Fateh Grand Mosque, one of the world’s largest mosques, while sports fans flock to the Bahrain International Circuit, home of the annual Formula One Grand Prix.

3. Albania 

Cost per kilometer: $3.59

Albania, frequently cited as one of Europe’s most underrated travel destinations, boasts sun-soaked beaches along the Mediterranean Sea and stunning views in the Albanian Alps. For history buffs, the UNESCO-listed towns of Berat, known for its Ottoman architecture, and Gjirokastër, famous for its hilltop castle, are must-sees.

However, public transportation is sparse and slow in Albania. As a result, many tourists rely on taxis to get around, though they pay some of the most expensive cab fares in the world. Fortunately, other travel costs in Albania are much more affordable compared with busier European desitnations.

2. Luxembourg

Cost per kilometer: $4.11

Tiny Luxembourg draws visitors with its unique blend of cultures and natural beauty. Its capital, Luxembourg City, features a UNESCO-listed fortified old town where visitors are transported into the Middle Ages while exploring the cobbled streets.

Although the country has a robust — and most importantly, free — public transit system, taxis are occasionally more convenient for quick airport transfers or late-night travel. The price is high, but in this compact country, you won’t have to travel too far to reach your destination.

1. Switzerland

Cost per kilometer: $4.72

Switzerland tops the list with the world’s most expensive taxi fares. These high cab prices may come as little surprise, as Switzerland is often cited as the most expensive European country for tourists. But Switzerland is packed with worthwhile experiences, from the snow-covered Alps to postcard-perfect lakeside cities such as Lucerne. To reach these top destinations, taxis are helpful where the Swiss rail system falls short, especially for late-night arrivals, ski resort transfers, or more remote hiking trails.

Note: Costs listed above are accurate as of the publish date but are updated frequently on Numbeo’s website.