Do Maxi Taxis Cost More?
Yes, but only by a flat $17.80. A maxi taxi uses the same fare formula as a standard taxi, then adds a set $17.80 high occupancy surcharge, whatever the distance. For a group of five or more, that makes it cheaper than booking two or three sedans, because you pay the fare once. At Taxi to Melbourne Airport, a maxi cab seats up to 11 passengers and carries 8 large bags.
Maxi Taxi Price at a Glance
The fare is worked out on the real driving distance. By day, a sedan has a $5.40 flag fall plus $2.10 per kilometre. Tolls and the airport fee are already in your estimate. Here is what that looks like from the CBD to Melbourne Airport:
| Vehicle | Seats | Large bags | Extra charge | Estimated fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard taxi | 4 | 2 (plus 2 small) | None | $59 to $73 |
| Premium taxi | 4 | 2 (plus 2 small) | $11 | $70 to $84 |
| SUV or wagon | 4 | 4 (plus 3 small) | $17.80 | $76.80 to $90.80 |
| Maxi cab | 11 | 8 | $17.80 | $76.80 to $90.80 |
The totals for the premium, SUV and maxi rows are the standard fare plus the surcharge. Evening, overnight and weekend night rates are higher than the day rate.
Is a Maxi Taxi Cheaper Than Two or Three Taxis?
For a group, almost always. A sedan carries 4 people, so 8 people need two cars and 11 people need three. Here is the same CBD to airport trip for each option:
| Group size | Sedans needed | Sedan total | One maxi cab |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 to 8 people | 2 | $118 to $146 | $76.80 to $90.80 |
| 9 to 11 people | 3 | $177 to $219 | $76.80 to $90.80 |
For 11 people, that works out at around $7 to $8 each in a maxi cab. You save money, you arrive together, and there is only one pickup to organise.
When Is a Maxi Cab Worth the Extra $17.80?
A maxi cab is the right choice when:
- You have five or more passengers. A sedan seats four, so one extra person means a second car.
- You have a lot of luggage. A sedan fits 2 large and 2 small bags, but a maxi takes 8 large ones.
- You are travelling as a family. Children, prams and suitcases fit more easily in a bigger car.
- You are going to the airport together. Everyone arrives at the same time for check in.
For four people or fewer with normal luggage, a standard taxi is cheaper. If you only need more luggage room, the SUV or wagon has the same $17.80 charge and fits 4 passengers with 4 large and 3 small bags. You can compare every car on the fleet page.
What Else Can Change the Price?
The vehicle is only one part of your fare. These things can also change it:
- Time of day: evening, overnight and weekend night rates cost more than the day rate.
- Distance and route: the fare is worked out on the real driving distance, with tolls included.
- Airport pickup fee: $5.26, set by the airport, charged by every operator, and only when your trip starts at a terminal.
- Baby seats: $40 per seat, per trip. See our baby seat taxi page.
- Meet and greet: $35, with your driver waiting inside the terminal with a name sign for up to one hour.
Is the Online Maxi Taxi Price a Fixed Price?
No. The online figure is an estimate based on distance and time of travel, with tolls and the airport fee worked in. To lock in a price, call 0460 306 061 or email info@taxitomelbourneairport.com.au with your pickup, drop off, date and number of passengers. We confirm a fixed fare before you travel, with no surge, no meter and no surprises. You can also use the fixed price quote page or the fare estimator.
How to Book a Maxi Cab
Choose the maxi cab on the online booking form, then add your passengers and bags. Nothing is charged when you book, and you pay the driver at the end by cash, card or Cabcharge. If you are flying, add your flight number. We track your flight for free, so your driver works to the real landing time, even if the plane is early or late.
We run maxi cab transfers to Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine), Avalon and Essendon Fields, from suburbs and regional towns, 24 hours a day. A person answers the phone at any hour, including 3am. If you pay by Cabcharge, read what Cabcharge is and how it works.
Conclusion
A maxi taxi costs $17.80 more than a standard taxi, but for a group of five or more, it costs far less than two or three separate cars. It seats up to 11 people with room for 8 large bags, so everyone travels together. For a fixed price, call 0460 306 061, or book a maxi cab online in a few minutes.