There are 1550 licenced taxis in Zurich and in general they are clean, safe, reliable - and expensive. It‘s usually easy to get one, even in rush hours like Friday or Saturday nights. The city sets the following maximum prices for taxis: initial fee 8Sfr, 5Sfr per kilometre, 80Sfr per hour. The actual fees have to be displayed on the door of the car. The big taxi companies have the following prices: initial fee 6Sfr, 3.80Sfr per kilometre, 69Sfr per hour. When taking a taxi from a stand, check the prices on their door and take the cheapest one available (you don't have to take the first one in the row). Especially at the stands around the main train station you'll often find only expensive ones. For a longer ride it's worth calling a cheaper one for pick up.
Taxi drivers have to and usually do use their metres, but for longer distances you can try to arrange a price in advance (the metre still has to be used as a control). Cheating is rare. Luggage does not cost extra. Not all taxi drivers speak English. You'll find taxis at official taxi stands at the main railway station, at Central, Bellevue and other places. You can hail them on the street as well. Note that only taxis with the front or back of their taxi signs coloured white and blue are allowed to pick up passengers in the city. The ridesharing service Uber also operates in Zurich. You can order your ride over an app on your smartphone. Fares usually are significantly cheaper than standard taxi fares (initial fee 3-6Sfr, 1.80 - 3.60Sfr per kilometre, 0.30 - 0.60Sfr per minute). Find more information at www.uber.com.
There have been stories lately of taxi drivers refusing to transport passengers for short distances, despite their obligation. You have the right to insist that they transport you, but we recommend you take it easy and just wave over the next taxi who most probably will be more than happy to drive you. If in doubt stick with the following big companies (they both have smartphone apps for ordering too):
