The DC Traveler

Like many large cities, taxis are pretty easy to find in the more populated and business areas of the District. But that’s where similarity ends. DC-based cabs determine fares on a zone system, while Virginia and Maryland cabs use the traditional metered system.

In Washington DC, there are 8 fare zones. If you stay one zone, your cost will be a flat $6.50. Crossing into a second zone adds $2.30 ($8.80 total), and then crossing additional zones add from $1.10 to $2.30 per zone, with the maximum standard rate for an 8-zone ride being $18.90.

Here’s a tip: Ask your driver how far your destination is from the last zone change. If it’s a short walk, you may want to get out at the zone boarder and save a bit of money. Sometimes just crossing a street can add a couple dollars to your fare so feel free to ask. If in doubt, you should ask how much a fare would be before starting your trip.

Hailing a cab on the street will also save you money as radio-dispatched cabs charge an additional $2.00 fee. Additionally, during rush hour, a surcharge of $1.00 is also applied. Each additional passenger adds another $1.50 and during official snow emergencies, fares double.

DC cabs are not required to leave the city, and since many DC cabbies are not very familiar with the Northern Virginia or Maryland suburbs. It may be best to call for a suburban cab to pick you up. The cost of taking a cab from DC to the suburbs or visa-versa depends on the driver and fare system. I have negotiated flat fares when traveling from DC to the suburbs, so it pays to ask. You can find many choices for Virginia or Maryland cab companies in the Yellow Pages.

Washington reportedly has some the lower taxi costs of a major city in the U.S., and I’ve noticed that drivers are generally very honest and I’ve never experienced a driver attempting to inflate the fare or take me on a longer route. However, if you feel you are being gouged, simply request the driver’s ID number and cab company’s phone number. In most cases, any attempt to inflate the fare will instantly end.

Cabs can usually be found outside of hotels and near points of interest, and at night, near restaurants and nightclubs. DC law requires you to buckle up but drivers will rarely ask you to do so.

In Washington DC, cab drivers can pick up another passenger going in the same direction while driving you to your destination. Most drivers will ask for your okay to pick up a second passenger. You can request that you be the only fare and most will comply. I always tell allow them to stop for the second passenger. I feel it’s polite, lets the cabbie earn a bit more and you never know who might get to share a ride and conversation with. Perhaps a Congressmen, a CIA agent following a suspect, or perhaps just another tourist with a great recommendation for dinner. When sharing a cab, fares do not change in most cases, as both passengers pay the full fare as if each were traveling alone, but some drivers may discount the fare a by a dollar or two.

During the hot summer months, it seems many drivers claim their air conditioning is broken or not working properly (I assume to attempt to save gas). I tend to tell them my ability to tip is also broken as long as their air conditioning doesn’t work. In most cases, the air conditioners mysteriously and immediately start working again!! If it’s too hot simply exit the cab before your ride starts and hail another one with working A/C. Just look for a cab with the windows up.

Many DC cabbies are great resources for local information, fun restaurants, the latest nightspot and always a good story, so feel free to chat.

Tipping your driver is optional.

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