San Francisco (US)
Get recent taxi and ride-sharing fare estimates in San Francisco, based on official regulated taxi fare information (when available) and aggregated recent ride-sharing trip data.
All prices shown are estimates, intended for trip planning and comparison. Actual fares may vary depending on traffic, waiting time, time of day, applicable surcharges, tolls, and local regulations.
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Last updated:
Key takeaways
- Taxi fare for a typical in-city taxi trip in San Francisco is $59.31 – $82.38 (~14.0 miles, ~25 min).
- Typical ride-sharing fare in San Francisco is $50 (~14.0 miles, ~25 min).
Want a route-specific estimate? Use our - Taxi Fare Calculator.
Average Taxi Fare in San Francisco
What this estimate represents
- Typical in-city trip distance: ~14.0 miles
- Typical travel time: ~25 minutes
- Normal traffic conditions (no extreme congestion or special events)
Example taxi fare breakdown (illustrative)
- Base fare $4.15
- Distance $45.50
- Time $16.25
Taxi estimates in San Francisco are based on regulated fare components published by the local taxi authority and shown as ranges. Because tariffs are standardized across licensed taxis, pricing is generally predictable, though final fares may still vary with traffic, waiting time, tolls, and airport fees.
- Trips to or from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) are metered and do not use flat fares - Airport pickup fees may apply - Bridge tolls can apply depending on travel direction - Airport queue times can increase waiting-time charges
Ride-Sharing in San Francisco
Ride-sharing prices in San Francisco are demand-based and can change depending on traffic, rider demand, weather, and time of day.
- Off-peak (×1.00) ~$50 – ~$53
- Peak (×1.15 – ×1.35) ~$57 – ~$71
Example ride-sharing fare breakdown (illustrative)
- Base fee: $5.04
- Distance: 14.0 miles × $2.23/miles = $31.22
- Time: 25 minutes × $0.54/minute = $13.50
- Estimated total: $49.76
Ride-sharing uses dynamic pricing. During peak hours or special events, prices may increase significantly compared to typical conditions.
Taxi vs Ride-Sharing in San Francisco
| Trip type | Taxi (estimate) | Ride-sharing (estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical city trip | $59.31 – $82.38 | ~$50 |
| Peak hours | Moderately higher | Often significantly higher |
| Airport trips | Often regulated | Demand-dependent |
| Price predictability | Higher | Lower |
In practice: Taxis are often more predictable during busy periods, while ride-sharing can be cheaper off-peak but more volatile during rush hours.
Popular rides
Popular airport routes
Major airports serving San Francisco
These airports serve the San Francisco area and are common starting or ending points for taxi and ride-sharing trips. Travel times and fares may vary depending on traffic, tolls, and demand.
How fares are estimated in San Francisco
Fare estimates for San Francisco are calculated using a consistent estimation framework designed to provide realistic and comparable results across cities.
Methodology overview
- Official taxi fare components (base fare, distance-based, time-based charges) when available
- Typical urban trip distances and travel times
- Aggregated city-level trip characteristics
- Results displayed as ranges to reflect real-world variability
Factors that can affect the final fare
- Traffic congestion and waiting time
- Time of day and weekday vs weekend travel
- Route choice and road conditions
- Applicable local surcharges and tolls
Data sources & verification
Taxi fare sources (official)
We review official taxi tariff pages at least quarterly and also when agencies publish updates.
Ride-sharing data sources
- Aggregated recent route samples from ride-sharing platforms
- Observed pricing behavior under normal demand conditions
- Public pricing information and fare calculators
Public pricing reference:
Uber — San Francisco
Ride-sharing estimates are based on observed recent trips and reflect typical pricing under normal demand. Actual fares may vary due to real-time demand, traffic conditions, driver availability, weather, or special events.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the official San Francisco taxi fare?
No. This page provides estimated fares based on official pricing rules and typical trip conditions. The final meter fare may differ.
Why are taxi fares shown as a range?
Taxi fares depend on traffic, waiting time, and applicable surcharges. Showing a range provides a more realistic expectation of what a trip may cost.
Why do ride-sharing prices vary so much?
Ride-sharing uses demand-based pricing, which can change fares quickly during busy periods, bad weather, transit disruptions, or special events.
Editorial responsibility & transparency
Who maintains this page, how estimates are reviewed, and what the limitations are.
Alexander oversees the fare estimation methodology, validation rules, and editorial accuracy across city and airport pages.
Editorial responsibilities
- Defining and maintaining the estimation methodology
- Verifying official taxi tariff sources where available
- Reviewing ride-sharing sample quality and update cadence
- Disclosing assumptions and limitations clearly
About these estimates
Local context: Taxi fares in San Francisco operate under regulated fare rules published by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), which makes meter pricing generally predictable compared with cities where taxi tariffs are not standardized. Final fares can still vary with traffic, waiting time, tolls, and airport-related fees.
Fare estimates help travelers understand typical transportation costs. We show ranges because real-world prices vary.
- Not a guaranteed final price: actual fares vary with traffic, demand, surcharges, tolls, and time of day
- Taxi estimates appear only when tariff data is reliable (regulated components, published rules)
- Ride-sharing is demand-based and can spike during peak hours and special events
This page is generated using Taxifare’s standardized estimation framework and reviewed for consistency with official sources, observed ride-sharing samples, and current editorial standards.