A new 2025 global taxi fare report by Compare the Market has revealed the world’s most expensive cities to catch a taxi. And you’ll not at all be surprised with the name of the topper city! Yes, Zurich in Switzerland is the most expensive of all where a 5-kilometre ride costs over INR 2,400! Too much, right? It’s more than double what one pays in several metro cities in Asia. Let’s have a look at 10 cities where catching a taxi is almost equal to catching a flight! Zurich, Switzerland — $27.30 (₹2,423.38)Paris, France — $26.50 (₹2,352.37)Luxembourg, Luxembourg — $26.00 (₹2,307.98)Geneva, Switzerland — $25.10 (₹2,228.09)London, United Kingdom — $23.10 (₹2,050.55)Milan, Italy — $22.40 (₹1,988.41)Brussels, Belgium — $22.10 (₹1,961.78)Amsterdam, Netherlands — $21.70 (₹1,926.28)Munich, Germany — $20.90 (₹1,855.26) Copenhagen, Denmark — $20.90 (₹1,855.26)Why are these cities so expensive

High taxi fares show a mix of several factors: Strong local wagesCongested city centre pricingExpensive licensing and insurance for driversMunicipal tariff rules (some cities include high flagfall or waiting charges).Planning from a traveller’s perspective

Zurich: Zurich’s Switzerland tops the chart of highest taxi fare. The largest city might be efficient but is extremely heavy on pockets.

If you’re a traveller arriving at the airport, the train to the city centre is frequent, fast and far cheaper than a taxi. Keep taxis for emergency purposes only such late-night or while carrying heavy luggage.Paris: Paris is another city with not-so-budget-friendly-taxi-fares! Here a short ride can add up quickly. But the good thing about Paris is that it has a great metro and RER network. Trains or the metro are easy on the pocket so reserve taxis when carrying heavy or many bags or for late-night travels. Luxembourg: Luxembourg might be small in area and population but scores high on taxi prices. The taxi trips are short but quite expensive. But the best thing about the city is that public transport is free across the country. So travellers, avoid taxis and hop on those free-ride buses or trains and enjoy the beauty of the city!

Geneva: Another Swiss city to make it to the list is Geneva! Trains and buses are punctual; but taxi fares can eat up all your savings. So only call for one when in an emergency. Geneva’s taxi fares reflect the city’s high cost of living. London: London’s black cabs are iconic but who thought they would be so expensive! The Tube here is budget-friendly and takes people to almost all tourist attractions; use licensed minicabs or apps only via official providers and prebook airport transfers to avoid surprise fares. Milan & Brussels: Both the European cities have reliable public transport with higher taxi fares in central zones. In Milan, the metro is the best value for tourist areas; in Brussels, trams and metro cover top sights. Keep taxis for early mornings and late nights. Amsterdam: People generally prefer bikes and trams in the city as taxis are unnecessarily expensive, especially inside the Canal Ring. Use taxis in case of emergencies like early/late hours or moving with heavy luggage; else, hop on a tram or rent a bike like a local.

Munich & Copenhagen: Both these cities have excellent public transport networks. But taxis are very expensive. So travellers, Copenhagen is cycle-friendly and in Munich the U-Bahn and S-Bahn make airport and city transfers much cheaper than a taxi.Taxis in many European cities are not convenience but luxury. But those who value speed, and at the door drop service, keep a taxi budget in the INR 2,000–2,500 range for short trips in the priciest cities.