Published on
November 3, 2025
According to the Deutsche Bank report, Mapping the World’s Prices 2025, travelling by taxi across the world varies widely depending on the destination. The study compares the cost of a 5 km local cab ride in major cities worldwide, revealing that some of the most picturesque and economically advanced regions are also home to the steepest taxi fares. The findings highlight that cities like Zurich, Paris, and Luxembourg top the list, while Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru in India remain among the most affordable.
For travellers exploring international destinations, these insights serve as a useful reference when budgeting local transport expenses. While public transport often provides a cheaper alternative, taxis continue to offer unmatched convenience—especially for visitors unfamiliar with local routes or those travelling late at night. The study not only showcases how local regulations, living costs, and infrastructure shape taxi pricing but also provides a glimpse into how transportation reflects a city’s broader economic landscape.
The Global Landscape of Taxi Fares
Hailing a cab remains one of the easiest ways to travel around a city, but depending on where one is, the fare could either be a small expense or a significant splurge. The Deutsche Bank’s Mapping the World’s Prices 2025 report outlines this stark difference, illustrating how global pricing structures fluctuate due to factors such as local wages, fuel rates, vehicle maintenance costs, and stringent regulatory frameworks.
While some travellers consider taxis a luxury, in many destinations they are an essential service—particularly for business visitors or tourists seeking quick, direct travel. However, the report reveals that in several European cities, the high cost of living translates directly into expensive cab rides, pushing transportation budgets higher than ever.
India’s Affordable Cab Scene
Before delving into the world’s costliest cities, it’s important to recognize how budget-friendly India remains in comparison. Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru have been ranked among the world’s cheapest places to book a cab. A 5 km ride in Delhi costs around Rs 176, in Mumbai approximately Rs 185, and in Bengaluru Rs 256. These rates make them the second, third, and sixth cheapest cities globally for short-distance rides.
For international travellers visiting India, these figures underscore how affordable urban commuting can be. The presence of multiple app-based taxi platforms, competitive fare regulations, and a large network of local drivers contribute to maintaining low costs, offering an efficient and reliable experience.
The Costliest City: Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich stands as the most expensive city in the world for a 5 km taxi ride, costing about Rs 2409 ($27.3). The high expense aligns with Zurich’s status as one of the world’s most expensive cities overall. Here, everyday living costs are elevated due to premium wages, high maintenance fees, and strict transportation regulations.
Taxi fares reflect these broader economic realities—factors like driver salaries, vehicle upkeep, parking fees, insurance, and fuel costs combine to make a short journey feel extravagant. Travellers visiting Zurich often prefer public transport such as trams and trains, which are more cost-effective and equally efficient.
Paris, France: The City of Lights with Premium Rides
Coming in second is Paris, where a 5 km taxi ride costs around Rs 2339 ($26.5). The French capital, known for its timeless charm and architectural beauty, also carries one of Europe’s highest living costs. Taxi operations in Paris are heavily regulated, with strict licensing requirements, mandatory driver training, and numerous city-imposed fees.
The city’s dense traffic and limited parking space further contribute to the fare. For travellers, taxis remain a convenient way to navigate the labyrinth of Parisian streets, though using the Metro or shared ride services may be more economical during peak hours.
Luxembourg: A Compact City with Expensive Fares
The third most expensive city is Luxembourg, where a 5 km cab ride amounts to Rs 2295 ($26). Despite its small size, Luxembourg’s economic status as a financial hub contributes to higher local costs. The fare structure includes regulatory charges, fixed base rates, and added costs for idle time in traffic.
Visitors often note that taxi fares in Luxembourg reflect not only operational costs but also the high quality of life enjoyed by residents. To cut costs, many tourists opt for buses and trams, which are efficient and cover most parts of the city.
Geneva, Switzerland: A Pricey Convenience
Geneva, another Swiss city on the list, ranks fourth with an average fare of Rs 2215 ($25.1) for a 5 km journey. Known for its role in international diplomacy, Geneva is characterized by a high cost of living, and its taxi fares mirror that status. Public transportation options are widespread and punctual, making taxis a choice reserved mostly for emergencies or late-night travel.
Travellers visiting Geneva often rely on pre-booked shuttle services or hotel transfers, which can provide better value than street-hailed taxis.
London, United Kingdom: Iconic Yet Expensive
Rounding out the top five is London, where the classic black cab remains a symbol of the city’s identity. A 5 km taxi ride costs around Rs 2039 ($23.1). Despite the cultural charm associated with London’s taxis, the operational costs—such as licensing, insurance, and congestion fees—drive prices higher.
For tourists exploring London, alternatives like licensed minicabs, app-based services, or public transport passes offer cost-effective options. However, for short trips or late-night commutes, black cabs remain a trusted and efficient mode of transport.
The Remaining Cities with High Taxi Fares
Beyond the top five, other cities also feature in Deutsche Bank’s ranking for expensive cab rides:
Milan, Italy – $22.4 (Rs 1977)Brussels, Belgium – $22.1 (Rs 1950)Amsterdam, Netherlands – $21.7 (Rs 1915)Munich, Germany – $20.9 (Rs 1844)Copenhagen, Denmark – $20.9 (Rs 1844)Tokyo, Japan – $19.8 (Rs 1747)Stockholm, Sweden – $19.2 (Rs 1694)Berlin, Germany – $19.1 (Rs 1685)Sydney, Australia – $18.6 (Rs 1641)Edinburgh, United Kingdom – $18.4 (Rs 1624)Barcelona, Spain – $17.9 (Rs 1580)Oslo, Norway – $17 (Rs 1500)Dublin, Ireland – $16.9 (Rs 1491)Frankfurt, Germany – $16.5 (Rs 1465)New York, United States – $15.8 (Rs 1394)
These figures highlight how European cities dominate the list, reflecting their high regulatory and operational expenses.
A Global Perspective on Travel Costs
The comparison of taxi fares across these cities paints a vivid picture of how transportation costs align with broader economic trends. For travellers, understanding these differences helps in planning better budgets and choosing the right mode of transport. In regions like Switzerland or France, where taxi rides are a luxury, public transport systems offer reliable and affordable alternatives. In contrast, countries like India demonstrate how efficient and accessible taxi services can enhance travel experiences without burdening the wallet.
Ultimately, this data serves as a reminder that while taxis may symbolize comfort and ease, their affordability depends largely on where one chooses to travel.
