NSW to trial $60 taxi fare from the airport. But how safe are Sydney taxis? Here’s how to avoid being scammed

• Recent news reports have suggested Sydney taxis at the airport are a risk to tourists.
• Now the NSW Government has a 12-month trial of a flat taxi fare $60 from the airport to the CBD.
• And Sydney Travel Guide, the official publication of the NSW Taxi Council’s ambassador program, asked their leader Nick Abrahim to give us his best tips on how to avoid being taken for a ride!

For many tourists, their first experience of Sydney is stepping into a taxi at the airport. But over the years, there have been reports of visitors being stung by unexpected charges, drivers not using meters, or confusion over fees — leaving some travellers feeling frustrated and short-changed.

Now the NSW Government is trialling $60 flat fares from the airport to Sydney’s CBD from November 3, 2025 – making cabs potentially cheaper than Uber.

Minister for Transport John Graham said the 12-month trial came after complaints Sydney were being “ripped off” for a fare to the city. 

“It will mean that people travelling from the airport and into the CBD will have certainty,” he said. “They’ll know they’re going to be charged $60 for that fare, there won’t be unwelcome additions.

Point to Point Transport Commissioner Anthony Wing said: “We know that the vast majority of the state’s 15,000 taxi drivers do a great job, but unfortunately, we also know there are some who are out there ripping people off.”

Taxis charging over $150 for fares

Rogue cabbies have become such a scourge the Taxi Council is calling for the power to ban repeat fare offenders from the gateway.

With a star rating of just 1.1 on TripAdvisor, airport taxi drivers are potentially the worst in the country with numerous stories of overcharging and being taken to the wrong destination.

The Australian newspaper reported a passenger was charged $65 for the 3.2km drive from the airport to Meriton Suites Mascot, and another was stung $52 for a 1.5km trip to the Ibis Airport hotel.

Trips into Sydney’s CBD have resulted in fares of $150 for unsuspecting passengers with drivers blaming toll roads for the exorbitant cost of the 13 km trip.

To rebuild trust and ensure passengers know exactly what to expect, the NSW Taxi Council has issued a set of practical tips exclusively to Sydney Travel Guide readers.

CEO Nick Abrahim says the advice is designed to give travellers confidence and peace of mind, while also highlighting the responsibilities drivers must follow.

10 Tips for Taxi Passengers in Sydney

1. Meters are compulsory
   If you hail a taxi on the street or take one from a rank, the driver must always switch on the meter.
2. Keep the meter in sight
   The meter must remain visible to passengers at all times during the trip.
3. Understand how fares are calculated
   Check the fare label sticker displayed on the front windscreen for a breakdown of how your fare is worked out.
4. Tolls are automatically added
   Any tolls incurred during your journey will be included on the meter, so you don’t need to calculate them yourself.
5. Airport access fee
   Trips from Sydney Airport include a $6.14 airport access fee. This should automatically appear on your metered fare.
6. Prepayment may be requested
   Drivers can ask for a prepayment before starting the journey. They should provide an estimated fare, and any difference is adjusted at the end — with refunds for overpayments and balance payments if the fare is higher.
7. You choose the route
   Passengers have the right to request their preferred route if they wish.
8. Payment rights
   You can choose how to pay, whether cash or card, and you’re entitled to ask for a receipt at the end of your trip.
9. Card security
   Always ensure your credit card remains visible to you when paying. Double-check the amount displayed on the payment terminal before confirming.
10. Check your belongings
    Before leaving the taxi, take a moment to check the seats for personal items.
11. Equal service for all
    It is against the law for drivers to refuse service based on race, gender, beliefs, disability, or for passengers travelling with an assistance animal.
12. Reporting issues
    For fare-related concerns, including overcharging or refusals, contact the Point to Point Transport Commissioner’s hotline on 1800 500 410. Note the taxi plate number and brand to help with your report.