Estimate your NYC taxi fare based on distance and time.
Estimated Fare: $0.00
Understanding NYC Cab Fares
Calculating a taxi fare in New York City involves several components: a base rate, a per-mile charge, a per-minute charge for time spent in traffic, potential surcharges, and tolls. This calculator aims to provide a close estimate of your total trip cost, including a tip.
Fare Components Explained:
Base Rate: There's a standard starting charge for every trip.
Per Mile Rate: A charge applied for each mile traveled. This is the primary cost for longer, faster journeys.
Per Minute Rate: A charge applied for each minute the taxi is in motion, particularly relevant during heavy traffic where distance covered is minimal. This accounts for the time the meter is running.
Surcharges: Additional flat fees that may apply, such as the New York State tax, night surcharge (between 8 PM and 6 AM), or peak hours surcharge. For simplicity, this calculator includes a general 'Surcharge' field.
Tolls: Any bridge or tunnel tolls incurred during the trip are passed on to the passenger.
Tip: A gratuity for the driver, typically calculated as a percentage of the subtotal (fare before tolls and surcharges).
How the Calculator Works:
The calculation uses the standard rates set by the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). Please note that these rates are subject to change.
Base Fare: $2.50 (This is the initial charge when the meter starts.)
Per Mile Rate: $0.70 per 1/5 mile ($3.50 per mile)
Per Minute Rate: $0.20 per 60 seconds ($0.20 per minute for time stopped or moving slowly)
Night Surcharge: $1.00 (8 PM – 6 AM). This calculator uses a general "Surcharge" field to encompass this and other potential fees.
NY State Tax: $0.50 (Applied to trips originating in certain areas, often included in the base calculation). For simplicity, this calculator assumes it's covered within the base fare calculation or a general surcharge.
The formula implemented is:
Meter Rate = (Base Fare) + (Distance in Miles * Per Mile Rate) + (Travel Time in Minutes * Per Minute Rate)
Subtotal Fare = Meter Rate + Surcharge + Tolls
Tip Amount = Subtotal Fare * (Tip Percentage / 100)
Total Estimated Fare = Subtotal Fare + Tip Amount
This tool is for estimation purposes only. Actual fares may vary due to traffic conditions, specific route chosen, and official rate changes.
When to Use This Calculator:
Planning your budget for transportation in NYC.
Comparing the cost of a taxi ride versus other options like ride-sharing services or public transport.
Estimating the cost of a specific route you frequently take.
Understanding the factors that contribute to your final taxi fare.
function calculateFare() {
var distance = parseFloat(document.getElementById("distance").value);
var time = parseFloat(document.getElementById("time").value);
var tolls = parseFloat(document.getElementById("tolls").value);
var surcharge = parseFloat(document.getElementById("surcharge").value);
var tipPercentage = parseFloat(document.getElementById("tipPercentage").value);
var baseFare = 2.50;
var perMileRate = 3.50; // $0.70 per 1/5 mile = $3.50 per mile
var perMinuteRate = 0.20; // $0.20 per minute
var meterRate = 0;
var subtotalFare = 0;
var tipAmount = 0;
var totalFare = 0;
// Validate inputs
if (isNaN(distance) || distance < 0) {
distance = 0;
}
if (isNaN(time) || time < 0) {
time = 0;
}
if (isNaN(tolls) || tolls < 0) {
tolls = 0;
}
if (isNaN(surcharge) || surcharge < 0) {
surcharge = 0;
}
if (isNaN(tipPercentage) || tipPercentage < 0) {
tipPercentage = 0;
}
// Calculate meter rate based on distance and time
meterRate = baseFare + (distance * perMileRate) + (time * perMinuteRate);
// Calculate subtotal fare
subtotalFare = meterRate + tolls + surcharge;
// Calculate tip amount
tipAmount = subtotalFare * (tipPercentage / 100);
// Calculate total estimated fare
totalFare = subtotalFare + tipAmount;
// Display the result, formatted to two decimal places
var resultElement = document.getElementById("result");
if (resultElement) {
resultElement.innerHTML = 'Estimated Fare: $' + totalFare.toFixed(2) + '';
}
}