How much to tip a taxi driver in the United States (2026 Guide)
15–20% of fare, $2 minimum
15–20% of the bill is the typical range.
Tipping calculator
Cultural notes
Traditional metered taxi tipping mirrors restaurant norms: 15–20% of the fare, with a $2 minimum on short rides. Add $1–$2 per bag if the driver helps with luggage, especially at airports. Card payment in the back-seat terminal often deducts a 3–4% processing fee from the driver’s share, so cash tips put slightly more in their pocket. In NYC the screen presets typically offer 20%, 25%, and 30% — picking 20% is normal and not stingy. Airport taxi rides often have a flat surcharge already on the meter; tip on the metered fare, not on tolls.
Common mistakes
Tipping on tolls and surcharges (you do not have to — the meter total minus tolls is the right base). Not rounding up to a clean dollar amount — drivers vastly prefer no-coin tips.
Frequently asked questions
How much do I tip a NYC yellow cab driver?
15–20% of the metered fare, with a $2 minimum on short rides. The in-cab screen will pre-fill 20%, 25%, or 30%; 20% is the standard. Add $1–$2 per bag if they handled luggage.
Do I tip on the toll charges as well?
No. Tip on the metered fare only, not on tolls or airport surcharges, which are pass-through costs.
Is cash or card better for the driver?
Cash, slightly. Card tips usually pass through a 3–4% processing fee before reaching the driver, so a $5 cash tip is worth about $5.20 versus the same on card. Either is acceptable, though.
Tipping other services in the United States
- Sit-down restaurant18–20% of the pre-tax bill (15% is the floor)
- Counter / takeawayOptional — $1–$2 or up to 10% if you tip
- Café$0.50–$1 per drink, or skip the prompt
- Bar$1–$2 per drink, or 18–20% on a tab
- Housekeeping$1–$5 per night, left daily
- Porter$2 per bag ($4–$5 heavy or oversized)
- Concierge$5–$20 for reservations; $50+ for hard-to-get bookings
- Rideshare15–20% of fare, $2–$3 minimum
- Food delivery15–20% of subtotal, $5 minimum
- Grocery delivery15–20% of subtotal, $5 minimum
- Hairdresser18–20% of service cost
- Spa18–20% of service cost
- Tour guide$5–$20 per person for group tours; 15–20% for private tours
- Tattoo artist20–25% of the total price
- Valet$3–$5 at retrieval; $5–$10 at luxury hotels
- Airport baggage$2 per bag standard, $3–$5 for heavy/oversized
- Busker$1–$5 if you stopped to listen
- Movers$20–$60 per mover, or 15–20% of total bill
- TradespersonNot expected; $20–$50 cash for exceptional or emergency work
Tipping a taxi driver in nearby countries
Last verified: · Sources: emilypost.com, cluballiance.aaa.com, money.usnews.com