A maxi taxi in Hobart isn’t priced by guesswork, it’s calculated using official Tasmanian Government tariffs, based on a flagfall plus a per-kilometre rate. If you’ve ever wondered why one trip costs more than another, or whether booking a maxi taxi Hobart service is worth it for your group, this guide breaks down exactly how the numbers work.

How Maxi Taxi Fares Are Calculated

Every taxi and maxi taxi operating in Hobart runs on the same regulated fare structure set by the Tasmanian Department of State Growth. There’s no hidden formula just three components added together.

1. Flagfall

This is the starting charge that appears on the meter the moment your trip begins. In Hobart, the flagfall is currently $5.40, regardless of how far you’re travelling.

2. Distance Rate

Once the taxi starts moving, the fare climbs based on distance travelled:

• Tariff 1 (daytime): $2.47 per km, applied from 6:00am to 8:00pm on weekdays (excluding public holidays)
• Tariff 2 (night, weekends & holidays): $2.96 per km, applied from 8:00pm to 6:00am, plus all day on weekends and public holidays

So a late-night airport run or a Sunday afternoon trip will naturally cost a little more per kilometre than a Tuesday lunchtime booking.

3. Waiting Time

If your maxi taxi is stopped or crawling in traffic, the meter switches to a waiting time charge of roughly 74.7 cents per minute instead of the distance rate. This is standard across the industry and keeps fares fair for both passenger and driver.

Maxi Taxi Fares for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

Wheelchair accessible taxis (WATs) follow a slightly different tariff when a passenger travelling in a wheelchair is on board:

• Tariff 3 (daytime): $2.83 per km
• Tariff 4 (night, weekends, holidays): $3.35 per km

Tariff 4 also applies at any time of day once a wheelchair accessible vehicle is carrying five or more passengers, whether or not someone is in a wheelchair. This reflects the larger vehicle size used for group and accessible transport.

Extra Fees You Might See on a Fare

Beyond flagfall, distance and waiting time, a small number of additional charges are permitted under Tasmanian regulations:

• A card payment surcharge of up to 5%
• A $4 surcharge for trips starting between 10:00pm and 6:00am on Friday or Saturday nights
• A $7 surcharge for trips on New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day
• An airport surcharge for trips starting at Hobart or Launceston Airport
• A soiling fee (up to $100) if the vehicle needs cleaning after your trip

What drivers can’t charge you for is just as useful to know: booking fees, silver service surcharges, and extra fees for luggage are all prohibited. This is part of why transparent pricing matters a reputable maxi taxi Hobart operator will only ever charge what’s on the regulated tariff.

Example Fare Estimates

To put the numbers into context, here’s roughly what a daytime (Tariff 1) trip might look like once flagfall and distance are combined:

• 5 km local trip: around $18
• 12 km cross-town trip: around $35
• Hobart Airport to CBD (approx. 17 km): around $50, plus the airport surcharge

These are estimates only actual fares depend on traffic, exact route, and time of travel, but they give you a realistic starting point before you book.

Is a Maxi Taxi Cheaper Than Two Standard Taxis?

For groups of five or more, often yes. A single maxi taxi covers the whole group with one flagfall and one metered fare, rather than splitting the trip across two separate standard taxis each charging its own flagfall. For families, sporting teams, or airport transfers with multiple passengers and luggage, one maxi taxi is usually the simpler and more cost-effective option.

How to Get an Accurate Maxi Taxi Quote

Because fares depend on time of day, distance, and vehicle type, the most reliable way to know your cost is to ask before you travel. When you book online with Hobart Maxi Taxi, you can get a fare estimate based on the official tariff before your trip even starts no surprises at the end of the ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are maxi taxi fares more expensive than standard taxis?
No, maxi taxis follow the same regulated tariff as standard taxis, unless the vehicle is wheelchair accessible and carrying a passenger in a wheelchair, or carrying five or more passengers, in which case the WAT tariff applies.

Does the fare change at night or on weekends?
Yes. The per-kilometre rate increases from $2.47 to $2.96 outside of 6:00am–8:00pm on weekdays, and on public holidays.

Can I get a fare estimate before booking?
Yes. Hobart Maxi Taxi provides fare estimates based on the official Tasmanian tariff when you book online or by phone.