Taxicabs in Washington, D.C.

More than 10,000 licensed taxis serve the city of Washington. While taxis in Virginia and Maryland are metered, fares in the District operate on a zone system. By law, basic rates must be posted in each cab ($1.50 for each additional passenger). Costs range from the base fare of $4 for a subzone ride to maximum fare of $14.50 for an eight-zone ride (crossing a zone border incurs an additional charge of approximately $1.50 for each additional border). Drivers have the right to pick up other fares while transporting a passenger. Fares are doubled during periods of snow emergency. During rush-hours (7:00–9:30 a.m. and 4:00–6:30 p.m.), there is a $1 per trip surcharge. Hand baggage, excluding briefcases and parcels of comparable size, is charged for at the rate of 50 cents for each piece. Trunks or similar large articles are charged for at the rate of $2.

The D.C. city government has provided an online taxi fare calculator to help with make this less confusing.