Taxis, Autos, and Apps in Mumbai
Mumbai's for-hire transport spans iconic black-and-yellow (kaali-peeli) metered taxis, CNG auto-rickshaws (suburbs only), and app-based cabs (Uber, Ola, Rapido). All operate 24/7. Fares are government-regulated; apps now follow the same base rate as metered taxis. Knowing the zone rules and surcharges saves money and hassle.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 00:00–23:59 |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Any suburban railway station (Western, Central, or Harbour Line) has auto and taxi stands immediately outside; CSMIA airport (T1 & T2) has dedicated prepaid taxi booths and Ola/Uber pickup zones |
| Time needed | N/A — point-to-point service; typical city ride 15–45 min depending on traffic |
| Best time to go | Avoid 8–10 AM and 6–9 PM peak hours; off-peak rides are faster and less likely to attract surge pricing on apps |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Frequently asked questions
- How do I avoid being overcharged in a Mumbai taxi or auto?
- Always insist the driver start the meter; if the meter hasn't been recalibrated, the driver must show the RTO-approved fare card. For autos, the official Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Department tariff card is available via QR code on the vehicle. Using an app cab gives you an upfront or metered price with a digital receipt.
- Do app-based cabs operate 24/7 in Mumbai?
- Yes. Uber, Ola, and Rapido operate around the clock in Mumbai. However, late-night surge pricing (especially midnight to 5 AM) can push fares significantly higher. Maharashtra's draft aggregator rules cap surge at 1.5× the base fare once finalised.
- Is tipping expected in Mumbai taxis and autos?
- Tipping is not customary in Mumbai for metered taxis or autos. A small round-up to the nearest convenient rupee amount is appreciated for good service but is never obligatory. App-based rides include an optional in-app tip feature.
- What are the current metered taxi fares in Mumbai?
- As of September 2026, the black-and-yellow (kaali-peeli) CNG taxi minimum fare is ₹33 for the first 1.5 km, with a per-km rate of ₹21.90. A 25% surcharge applies for journeys between midnight and 5 AM. AC taxis are 10% higher than standard rates.
- What are the current auto-rickshaw fares in Mumbai?
- The auto-rickshaw minimum fare is ₹27 for the first 1.5 km, then ₹18.22 per km. A 25% night surcharge applies between midnight and 5 AM, and a ₹6 luggage fee applies per oversized package. Waiting time is charged at 10% of the per-km rate per minute.
- What is the best option for getting from Mumbai airport into the city?
- Both T1 and T2 have MIAL government prepaid taxi booths (fixed fare, no negotiation needed) and designated Ola/Uber pickup zones. The prepaid booth charges a fixed 25% night surcharge, which is far more predictable than app surge pricing that can run 2–3× at midnight. Book an app ride on airport Wi-Fi before exiting if you prefer.
- How do Uber, Ola, and Rapido fares compare to metered taxis?
- Since September 2025, MMRTA directed Uber, Ola, and Rapido to use the black-and-yellow taxi base fare (₹20.66/km non-AC, ₹22.72/km AC) as their floor rate. Apps may discount up to 25% in low demand and surge up to 1.5× at peak — metered taxis have no surge.
- Can I take an auto-rickshaw anywhere in Mumbai?
- No. Auto-rickshaws are banned south of Bandra Fire Station (Western line) and Sion Bus Depot (Central line) — meaning all of South Mumbai (Colaba, Fort, Churchgate, etc.) is off-limits to autos. For South Mumbai, use a kaali-peeli taxi or an app cab.
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