Maxi taxi calculator · official 2026 rates

Estimate a maxi taxi fare (also called a maxi cab, large taxi, van taxi, or 7-seater taxi) anywhere in Australia. The calculator below applies the official 2026 regulated meter plus the state-specific maxi rule — NSW 150% multiplier, Victorian A$17.80 high-occupancy fee, Sydney Airport A$80 fixed maxi — automatically based on your route, passenger count and time of day.

5 to 11 passengers
Official 2026 maxi rates
All 8 states & territories
Verified weekly

Maxi taxi pricing by state

Maxi taxi pricing is not uniform across Australia. Every state applies its own rule on top of the regulated meter:

State

Maxi rule

NSW

Maxi taxis (5+ passengers, or wheelchair-accessible) are billed at 150% of the standard meter — applied to flagfall, per-km and waiting time. Sydney Airport → Sydney CBD maxi fixed fare is A$80.

VIC

A high-occupancy fee of A$17.80 is added to the metered fare when a maxi is used or when 5+ passengers are carried. The per-km meter itself does not change.

QLD

Maxi taxis (5+ passengers) attract a high-occupancy surcharge in addition to the metered fare. The exact amount is published by the Department of Transport and Main Roads in the current schedule.

Multi-purpose maxi taxis charge the standard metropolitan meter; a high-occupancy surcharge applies once 5+ passengers are carried.

Access cabs and maxi taxis charge the regulated metropolitan meter with a small high-occupancy fee added for 5+ passengers.

ACT

Maxi taxis (5+ passengers) attract a high-occupancy surcharge added to the metered fare.

NT maxi taxis run the territory metered rate; surcharges for high occupancy are minimal.

TAS

Tasmanian maxi taxis charge the regulated meter; a high-occupancy charge applies for 5+ passengers.

Maxi cab vs sedan vs WAT · which one do you need?

Sedan (1–4 pax): The default rank-or-hail taxi. Standard regulated meter. Use for 1–4 passengers with normal luggage.

Maxi taxi / maxi cab (5–11 pax): Larger van with extra seats and boot space. Same meter, plus a state-specific surcharge. Best for groups of 5+, oversize luggage, or anyone who would otherwise need two sedans.

Wheelchair-accessible taxi (WAT): Often the same vehicle as a maxi taxi, fitted with a ramp or lift. Same regulated meter as a regular taxi. Eligible passengers can claim a 50% state subsidy on the metered fare.

Premium / executive (booked only): Higher-end fleet, operator-set surcharge above the meter. Not available at a rank.

Frequently asked about maxi taxis & maxi cabs

Short, sourced answers to the most common questions about maxi taxi pricing, vehicle size, the 150% NSW rule and Sydney Airport fixed maxi fare.

What is a maxi taxi?

A maxi taxi (also called a maxi cab, large taxi, van taxi, or 7-seater/11-seater taxi) is a licensed taxi vehicle that seats between 5 and 11 passengers. It is the right choice for any group of 5 or more, airport runs with a lot of luggage, or anyone using a wheelchair (most maxi taxis are wheelchair-accessible).

How is a maxi taxi fare calculated?

A maxi taxi runs on the same regulated meter as a sedan taxi — the same flagfall, per-kilometre rate and per-minute waiting rate — but with a high-occupancy surcharge once 5+ passengers are carried. In NSW the entire meter is uplifted by 150%; in Victoria a flat high-occupancy fee of A$17.80 is added; other states publish their own variation. The calculator above selects the right surcharge based on the state, passenger count and vehicle type.

When should I book a maxi taxi?

Book a maxi taxi when: (1) you are travelling with 5 or more passengers; (2) you have oversize luggage like surfboards, bicycles or a sound rig that won't fit in a sedan boot; (3) you need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle; or (4) you are running a city-to-airport transfer with a family and several suitcases. For 1–4 passengers and standard luggage, a sedan taxi is the cheaper choice.

How much more does a maxi taxi cost than a regular taxi?

It depends on the state. In NSW the maxi rate is 150% of the standard meter — a A$30 sedan run becomes a A$45 maxi run. In Victoria the difference is fixed at A$17.80 regardless of distance. In other states the surcharge is small (typically A$5–A$15). The calculator returns the exact maxi total once you switch the vehicle to "Maxi (5+ pax)" in advanced options.

How many passengers can a maxi taxi take?

Australian maxi taxis are licensed for 5 to 11 seated passengers depending on the vehicle. The most common configurations are 5-seater (driver + 5), 7-seater (driver + 7) and 11-seater minivan layouts. Children under 7 must use an approved child restraint regardless of vehicle type.

Is a maxi cab the same as a maxi taxi?

Yes — "maxi cab" and "maxi taxi" are the same vehicle and the same regulated fare. Operators use both names. "Maxi cab" is more common in Sydney and Perth; "maxi taxi" is more common in Melbourne and Brisbane. The price ceiling does not change either way.

Is the Sydney Airport maxi taxi fare also fixed?

Yes. Transport for NSW sets a fixed maxi taxi fare of A$80 for the Sydney Airport → Sydney CBD route (compared to A$60 for a sedan). The fixed maxi fare applies in the same direction (airport to CBD) and on the same regulated maxi rules. The reverse direction (CBD → airport) still runs on the regulated 150% maxi meter.

Can I get a wheelchair-accessible maxi taxi?

Yes — most maxi taxis are also wheelchair-accessible taxis (WATs), and the fare is identical to a regular maxi run. Most states also run a passenger subsidy scheme that pays 50% of the metered fare for eligible passengers, capped at a per-trip amount. Check your state's transport department for eligibility and the current cap.

How do I book a maxi taxi?

Maxi taxis are pre-booked through the same networks as regular taxis (13cabs, Silver Service, Yellow Cabs, Black & White, GoCatch, DiDi). Walk-up at a rank is unreliable — there are far fewer maxis than sedans. Booking 30–60 minutes ahead is recommended; airport pickups should be booked the day before.

Is a maxi taxi cheaper than two regular taxis for 6+ people?

Usually yes. A maxi taxi at 150% of the meter is cheaper than two sedans at 100% each (because two sedans = 200%). The exact saving depends on the route and surcharges, but for any group of 5+ a single maxi is the lower per-head cost in every Australian state.