Taxis · United States
Do you tip taxi drivers in United States?
Short answer
10–20%
10–20% of the fare. Fifteen is the safe answer.
Expected
Sources put this differently: Lonely Planet gives 10–15%, while Rough Guides and most US-facing guidance say about 15%. Fifteen percent sits inside both and will never be read as mean. Go higher for help with luggage or a difficult route. Uber and Lyft both prompt in-app after the ride and drivers rely on it.
In practice
- A $28 fare → tip $4–6
- A $75 airport run → tip $12–15
Tip calculator
- 10%
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- 20%
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Travelling in United States?
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Common questions
- How much should you tip taxi drivers in United States?
- 10–20% of the fare. Fifteen is the safe answer.
- Can you tip by card in United States?
- Card tipping is universal, receipts have a tip line and terminals prompt with preset percentages. Cash is still welcomed but never required.
More on tipping in United States
Tipping taxi drivers elsewhere
Full tipping guide for United States
Reviewed by Greg Kockott on 3 September 2026.
Figures checked against the sources below on 4 September 2026.
Sources
- Rough Guides, “USA travel tips: tipping” (consulted 2026-09-04)
- Lonely Planet, “Everything You Need to Know About Tipping in North and South America” (consulted 2026-09-04)
- US Department of Labor, Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (consulted 2026-09-03)