Taxi Fare Table 2026 | How are Red, Green, and Blue Taxis Charged? A Clear Guide to Calculation and Differences

In Hong Kong, taxis are an indispensable mode of transport, especially when time is tight or late at night. However, many passengers are still confused about complex taxi fare methods, tunnel toll calculations, and when surcharges apply. With the full普及 of electronic payments, understanding the latest taxi fare standards is crucial for smart spending. This article compiles the latest taxi fare information to clarify taxi fare methods.

Hong Kong Taxi Fares 2026: An Overview

Hong Kong taxis are primarily categorized by color, each serving different areas and having distinct fare structures.

Urban Taxis (Red Taxis) Fare Highlights

Urban taxis (red) operate across most areas of Hong Kong (excluding Tung Chung Road and roads in South Lantau), offering the widest coverage and the highest fares among the three types.

• Flag-down fare: $29 (for the first 2 km)
• Metered fare:

Initial stage (below $102.5): $2.1 per 200 meters or per 1 minute waiting time

Subsequent stage (at or above $102.5): $1.4 per 200 meters or per 1 minute waiting time

• Suitable for: Passengers traveling on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and those needing to cross between New Territories and urban areas.

New Territories Taxis (Green Taxis) Fare Highlights

New Territories taxis (green) primarily serve the northeastern (e.g., Tai Po, Fanling) and northwestern (e.g., Tuen Mun, Yuen Long) parts of the New Territories. Their fares are lower than urban taxis.

• Flag-down fare: $25.5 (for the first 2 km)
• Metered fare:

Initial stage (below $82.5): $1.9 per 200 meters or per 1 minute waiting time

Subsequent stage (at or above $82.5): $1.4 per 200 meters or per 1 minute waiting time

• Suitable for: Short to medium distance trips within the New Territories; note that green taxis do not enter core urban areas (e.g., Tsim Sha Tsui, Central).

Lantau Taxis (Blue Taxis) Fare Highlights

Lantau taxis (blue) are restricted to operating within Lantau Island and Chek Lap Kok Airport. Due to their specific service area, their flag-down fare is the lowest among the three taxi types.

• Flag-down fare: $24 (for the first 2 km)
• Metered fare:

Initial stage (below $195): $1.9 per 200 meters or per 1 minute waiting time

Subsequent stage (at or above $195): $1.6 per 200 meters or per 1 minute waiting time

• Suitable for: Economical travel to and from various Lantau attractions (e.g., Ngong Ping, Tai O) and the airport.

How do Hong Kong taxi meters calculate fares?

Hong Kong taxi fares primarily consist of two parts: the “flag-down fare” and the “metered fare.”

Flag-down Fare and Initial Journey Explanation

Once a passenger boards, the driver activates the “occupied” flag, and the meter displays the flag-down fare, which includes the first 2 kilometers of the journey. This flag-down fare is fixed, regardless of whether you travel the full 2 kilometers.

How Distance Traveled and Waiting Time Affect Fares

After the first 2 kilometers, the fare enters the “metered” stage, where the meter increases the fare for every 200 meters traveled. Additionally, when the vehicle stops (e.g., at traffic lights) or moves slowly, if the speed falls below a certain standard, the meter will also calculate based on time (usually per minute). Therefore, taking a taxi during peak hours can be more expensive.

How the Meter Jumps in Traffic Jams and Slow Traffic

Taxi fare methods include a “waiting time” mechanism. Even if the vehicle is completely stationary, the meter will continue to accumulate charges based on time, compensating drivers for their time spent in traffic.

Tunnel Tolls, Surcharges: Why Are They Often a Point of Contention?

Beyond the amount displayed on the meter, additional charges incurred during a journey are often a source of dispute between drivers and passengers.

Changes in Tunnel Toll System and Current Practices

Taxi tunnel tolls are a mandatory item that passengers must pay on an actual cost basis. When boarding a taxi at a cross-harbour taxi stand or under certain specific circumstances, passengers may only need to pay a single-trip tunnel toll; however, when hailing a cross-harbour taxi at a non-designated stand, passengers typically need to pay for both the outbound and return tunnel tolls (unless there are specific exemptions for return tolls during certain periods or under specific terms).

Baggage, Pets, and Other Common Surcharges Explained

• • Baggage Fee: Luggage placed in the boot, or luggage placed inside the compartment with total dimensions (length, width, height) exceeding 140 cm, is subject to a charge per item.
• • Pet Surcharge: Carrying birds, cats, dogs, or other pets in the taxi also incurs an additional charge per animal.
• • Telephone Booking Fee: An extra charge applies for taxis booked via telephone.

Common Taxi Fare Questions and Misconceptions from Passengers

Does a fast-ticking meter always mean I'm being overcharged?

Hong Kong taxis have a "short-haul increase, long-haul decrease" mechanism. This means that after the fare reaches a certain amount (e.g., $102.5 or the current stipulated amount), each subsequent meter jump amount will be reduced. Therefore, the meter jumps later in a long journey are actually lower than during short trips.

Can I negotiate the fare directly instead of using the meter?

According to Hong Kong law, taxis must charge according to the meter. In the event of an accident or insurance claim, not charging by the meter could invalidate insurance. Therefore, insisting on metered fares is the best practice to protect the rights of both parties.

Why is 'Clear Pricing' So Important for Both Drivers and Passengers?

Clear pricing gives passengers peace of mind

For tourists or occasional taxi users, clearly itemized surcharges prevent feeling cheated if the fare exceeds their budget upon alighting.

Transparent and open pricing means fewer explanations, fewer complaints for drivers

Utilizing technology to clearly display all detailed charges not only reduces arguments but also enhances service professionalism.

Wonder Terminal: Connecting Fares, Records, and Trust

In the digital age, the taxi industry's payment models are evolving. Flexibly adopting advanced payment tools can effectively resolve the fare disputes mentioned above.

From meter to backend, all fare data is fully recorded

With the Wonder Terminal smart payment device, drivers can input accurate fares and surcharges. The system also supports over 34 electronic payment methods, allowing passengers to choose cashless payments and eliminating the hassle of exact change.

Smart system supports daily fleet operations and management

For fleet operators or owners with multiple vehicles, managing driver shifts and accounts is a major challenge. With Wonder Dashboard, owners can oversee the revenue status of all vehicles through a cloud-based backend. The system automatically integrates various fare data, analyzes earnings during peak hours, and helps fleets optimize their operational strategies, making management simpler than ever before.

Instant settlements, one-click refunds, hassle-free finances

Using Wonder's solution, fares are settled instantly, eliminating the need for drivers to carry large amounts of cash and reducing safety risks. In case of erroneous charges, the system also supports a quick refund process, offering better protection for both drivers and passengers compared to traditional cash transactions, ensuring every journey is smoother and more secure.