What Uber Taxi and Chauffeur Services Are
Uber Taxi connects you with licensed taxi drivers who use the Uber app to pick up passengers. The driver operates a traditional taxi — usually a marked vehicle with a meter — but you book and pay through Uber instead of hailing on the street. Uber Chauffeur (called Uber Black in some markets) is a premium service where a professional driver arrives in a higher-end vehicle, typically a luxury sedan or SUV.
The main difference is the vehicle type and driver training. Taxi drivers are licensed by your city or county and operate under local taxi regulations. Chauffeur drivers meet Uber's additional standards: a clean driving record, professional appearance requirements, and often higher insurance coverage. Both services show you the driver's photo, rating, and vehicle details before you confirm the ride.
Pricing differs too. Taxi rides use the meter rate set by your local taxi commission, while Chauffeur rides are priced by Uber's algorithm based on demand and distance. Chauffeur is typically more expensive but offers amenities like bottled water, phone chargers, and a quieter cabin.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Taxi uses licensed city taxis booked through the app, while Uber Chauffeur uses professional drivers in luxury vehicles.
- Taxi fares follow your city's meter rates; Chauffeur fares are set by Uber's pricing model and are usually higher.
- Both services require you to have the Uber app, a valid payment method on file, and a destination address entered before the ride.
- Chauffeur drivers have stricter background checks and vehicle standards than Taxi drivers, who are regulated by local authorities.
- Availability varies by city — Taxi service exists in most major metros, but Chauffeur may not be offered in smaller areas.
How to Book a Taxi or Chauffeur Ride
Open the Uber app and tap the service type at the top of the screen. You will see options like "Taxi" or "Chauffeur" depending on what is available in your location. Select the service you want, enter your pickup location (the app usually defaults to your current location), and enter your destination address.
The app shows you an upfront fare estimate before you confirm. For Taxi, this is based on the meter rate in your area. For Chauffeur, it is Uber's estimate of the ride cost. Tap "Confirm" and the app sends your request to nearby drivers. Once a driver accepts, you see their photo, vehicle details, and real-time location as they approach.
You can add stops, change your destination, or cancel before the driver arrives. Once the driver is en route, cancellation fees may apply depending on how close they are. When the ride ends, the fare is charged to your payment method automatically, and you can rate the driver and leave comments.
Pricing and Payment
Taxi fares are determined by your city's taxi commission meter rate, not by Uber. The meter starts when the driver begins the ride and increases based on time and distance. Uber takes a commission from the driver but does not change the meter fare itself. You see the estimated fare before you book, but the final charge depends on the actual route and time taken.
Chauffeur pricing is set by Uber's algorithm and varies based on demand, time of day, and distance. Surge pricing can apply during peak hours — the app will show you the multiplier (for example, 1.5x) before you confirm. Chauffeur fares are typically 2 to 4 times higher than a standard Uber ride in the same area.
Payment is automatic through your linked credit card, debit card, or Uber Cash balance. You can add a tip after the ride through the app. Some cities allow cash payment for Taxi rides, but this must be set up in your app settings beforehand, and you will not receive a digital receipt.
When Taxi or Chauffeur Service Is Not Available
Uber Taxi is only offered in cities with active taxi partnerships. Many smaller cities and rural areas do not have Taxi service through Uber. Chauffeur (Uber Black) has even more limited availability — it operates mainly in major metropolitan areas and is often unavailable during off-peak hours or in less dense neighborhoods.
If neither service shows in your app, it means Uber has not launched those services in your area yet, or they are temporarily unavailable. You can check the Uber website or contact Uber support to learn whether these services will come to your city. In the meantime, you may see other Uber service options like UberX or Uber Comfort.
Seasonal or temporary closures can also occur. During extreme weather, driver shortages, or local regulatory changes, Taxi or Chauffeur service may go offline for hours or days. The app will show a message explaining why the service is unavailable and when it may return.
Driver Requirements and Safety Standards
Taxi drivers must hold a valid taxi license issued by your city or county. They pass a background check, vehicle inspection, and often a knowledge test about local streets and regulations. Uber verifies these licenses before allowing drivers to use the Taxi service on the app.
Chauffeur drivers meet stricter Uber standards: a clean driving record with no major violations in the past 7 years, proof of commercial insurance, and a vehicle that meets age and condition requirements (usually 10 years old or newer). Drivers must also pass a more thorough background check and complete Uber's professional driver training.
Both services require drivers to maintain a minimum rating (usually 4.6 stars or higher) to stay active. You can report unsafe driving, harassment, or other issues through the app immediately after a ride. Uber investigates reports and can deactivate drivers who violate safety policies.
Differences Between Taxi, Chauffeur, and Other Uber Services
| Service | Vehicle Type | Driver License | Pricing Model | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | Licensed taxi (marked, often yellow) | City taxi license required | Meter rate (city-set) | Lower |
| Chauffeur | Luxury sedan or SUV | Commercial driver license + Uber approval | Uber algorithm (surge pricing) | Higher |
| UberX | Personal car (sedan or compact) | Regular driver license | Uber algorithm (surge pricing) | Mid-range |
| Uber Comfort | Newer personal car (sedan or SUV) | Regular driver license | Uber algorithm (surge pricing) | Mid-range to higher |
Taxi is the most regulated option because drivers operate under city taxi rules. Chauffeur offers a premium experience but costs more and is less widely available. UberX is the standard Uber service with the most driver availability and lower fares. Uber Comfort sits between UberX and Chauffeur in price and vehicle quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request a specific driver for a Taxi or Chauffeur ride?
No. Uber assigns the nearest available driver to your request. You cannot choose a specific driver in advance, but you can see the driver's details and rating before they arrive and cancel if you prefer not to ride with them (though cancellation fees may apply if they are close).
What if I need a ride at a time when Taxi or Chauffeur is not available?
Check the app to see which services are currently active in your area. If Taxi or Chauffeur is offline, you can book UberX or another available service instead. Some cities offer Taxi or Chauffeur only during certain hours — the app will show you the service hours for your location.
Do I need a different account to use Taxi versus Chauffeur?
No. You use the same Uber account for all services. The app simply shows you which services are available in your area, and you select the one you want when you book a ride.
Are Taxi drivers and Chauffeur drivers employees of Uber?
No. Both are independent contractors or self-employed. Taxi drivers are licensed by your city and operate their own vehicles or work for a taxi company. Chauffeur drivers are also independent and own or lease their vehicles. Uber provides the app platform but does not employ the drivers.
What happens if I have a problem during a Taxi or Chauffeur ride?
Report the issue through the Uber app immediately after the ride ends. You can describe what happened, attach photos or video if relevant, and request a refund or credit. Uber reviews reports and may contact the driver or take action if the complaint is substantiated. For emergencies, call 911 directly.