A taxi in Victoria, BC starts at a flag drop of $4.00, then adds $2.33 per kilometre, with waiting time charged at $50.23 per hour. Those are the Passenger Transportation Board rates for the Capital Regional District, including GST, effective August 1, 2026.
How the meter works
Taxi operators in the Capital Regional District may only charge rates approved by the Passenger Transportation Board. The meter charges $4.00 for the first 42.88 metres and $0.10 for each additional 42.88 metres. When the car is stopped or moving slowly, the meter adds $0.10 for each 7.17 seconds of waiting time. Traffic, red lights and waiting at a pickup therefore add to the total on top of distance.
A tip is separate from the metered fare. Many riders add something for good service, and it is worth checking whether the card machine lets you add it before you pay.
Extras to ask about
The regulated rate covers the meter. Other charges depend on the company and the trip, so confirm them before you set off.
- Airport pickups: ask the dispatcher whether any airport fee applies on top of the meter.
- Late night and holidays: ask whether any extra charge applies, since the meter formula itself does not change by time of day.
- Luggage and extra passengers: ask if oversized bags or a larger vehicle change the price.
- Card payments: some apps or third party services add a fee, so check before you book.
Flat rates sometimes apply to popular trips such as ferry terminals or hotels, so ask the driver or dispatcher beforehand.
Tips for estimating and saving
Ask for an estimate at the start of each ride. Many companies give quotes by phone or in their apps, and you can run your own numbers with the taxi fare estimator. Use a mapping app to see the most direct route and confirm it with the driver, because detours add to the fare.
Sharing a taxi with others going the same way cuts each person’s cost. Travelling when roads are quiet keeps waiting charges down, since the meter keeps running in traffic. Compare estimates from different providers, and remember that Uber and Lyft show a fare estimate in the app before you confirm.
Book ahead in busy seasons or during events to secure a car. A BC Ferries fare from Vancouver is a separate cost, so check it with BC Ferries. For local companies and booking options, see the Victoria taxi page.