Alberta does not have one province-wide taxi meter rate. Taxi fares are generally set through local vehicle-for-hire rules, so Calgary and Edmonton use different fare structures. This guide explains the main published rates and charges passengers are most likely to need.
Taxi pricing varies by municipality rather than using one fare table across Alberta.
Published maximum regulated taxi meter rate for the first 120 metres.
Published street-hail minimum fare for the first 135 metres.
Airport access charges or airport fare rules can affect some Calgary and Edmonton trips.
Taxi fare rules in Alberta depend on the city where the service operates. Calgary publishes a maximum regulated taxi meter rate, while Edmonton sets taxi and accessible taxi fares under its local Vehicle for Hire Bylaw.
| City | Starting fare | Distance charge | Waiting / time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calgary | CA$4.50 for first 120 m | CA$0.23 per additional 120 m | Time is included in the regulated meter calculation when applicable. |
| Edmonton | CA$4.10 street hail or CA$3.50 eligible pre-arranged fare for first 135 m | CA$0.25 per additional 135 m | CA$0.20 per additional 24 seconds |
The way a ride is arranged can affect how its fare is calculated. Passengers should check whether the trip uses a regulated taxi meter or an approved pre-arranged price.
A regulated taxi fare normally starts with the local initial charge and then adds distance and applicable time or waiting components.
Some booked services can use a different permitted pricing method. The price shown or quoted by the provider may therefore differ from a basic meter estimate.
Calgary publishes maximum regulated taxi meter rates. Taxi companies may charge less than the published maximum.
| Fare item | Published rate | Passenger note |
|---|---|---|
| Initial meter rate | CA$4.50 for first 120 metres | Maximum regulated rate. |
| Additional distance | CA$0.23 per additional 120 metres | Distance rate applies above the published meter speed threshold. |
| App / upfront pricing | Can vary | Approved booking methods may use different pricing. |
Edmonton regulates taxi and accessible taxi fares under Vehicle for Hire Bylaw 17400, with different starting amounts for street-hail and eligible pre-arranged trips.
| Fare item | Street hail | Eligible pre-arranged |
|---|---|---|
| First 135 metres | CA$4.10 | CA$3.50 |
| Additional 135 metres | CA$0.25 | CA$0.25 |
| Waiting time | CA$0.20 / 24 sec | CA$0.20 / 24 sec |
Edmonton accessible taxis use the same regulated fare as non-accessible taxis. An extra fare should not be charged simply because accessible service is required.
For applicable taxi trips to Edmonton International Airport, the regular taxi rate or the applicable airport flat-rate amount can apply according to Edmonton's current rules.
Rates were reviewed using City of Calgary taxi fare information, City of Edmonton Vehicle for Hire passenger information and relevant airport fare guidance. For Calgary's published meter tariff, see the City of Calgary taxi rates .
Last updated: . Taxi Fare Calculators is an independent informational website. It does not operate taxis, provide transportation, accept bookings or payments, or act as a government authority. Actual fares may vary because of traffic, route, waiting time, airport charges, local rules and the pricing method used.
