What Is Cabcharge and How Does It Work?
Cabcharge is a way to pay for a taxi without cash. A business or organisation sets up a Cabcharge account, then gives the traveller a card or pass, and the traveller taps it on the taxi’s payment terminal at the end of the trip. The cost goes onto the organisation’s account, so the traveller does not pay on the spot. It is widely used for work trips, airport transfers and approved programs in Melbourne. At Taxi to Melbourne Airport, you can book a taxi with Cabcharge on every trip.
Who Runs Cabcharge?
The Cabcharge payment system started in 1976 as a cashless way to pay taxi fares. It is run by A2B Australia, which used to be called Cabcharge Australia and is now part of ComfortDelGro. A2B also runs the 13cabs booking network. Cabcharge says it is accepted by about 98% of Australian taxis and used by many large companies. Every account also comes with Cabcharge+, a free online portal that records each trip and receipt.
Types of Cabcharge Cards and Passes
There are three main products, and they are all paid the same way, by tapping at the end of the trip.
| Product | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| FASTCARD | A reusable card, or a digital version in Apple Pay or Google Pay | Staff who travel often |
| Digital Pass | A pass sent to your phone by SMS or email, with a limit per trip and an expiry date | Guests, contractors and one off trips |
| eTicket | A single use card you hand over in person | People without a smartphone |
A Digital Pass only works on the Cabcharge terminal built into the taxi, and it stops working after midnight on its expiry date. If the fare is more than the pass limit, the traveller pays the difference by cash or card.
How Does Cabcharge Work in a Taxi?
It is simple, and the steps are almost always the same:
- Book your trip. Choose Cabcharge as your payment method when you book. You can add an account or cost centre reference if your workplace uses one.
- Travel as normal. Nothing is charged when you book, and nothing is taken before the ride.
- Tap at the end. Hold your card, phone or eTicket to the Cabcharge terminal in the car until it beeps. A FASTCARD can also be inserted. For fares under $100, a tap is usually enough, with no signature.
- Keep the receipt. The terminal prints a receipt, and the trip appears on the organisation’s Cabcharge account.
Which Taxis Accept Cabcharge in Melbourne?
Most do, but not every driver, so it is smart to check before you travel. A taxi accepts Cabcharge only if it has a working Cabcharge terminal. This is why a taxi hailed on the street can go either way. The safest option is to book ahead and confirm the payment method. Every booking with us accepts Cabcharge, in standard taxis, Silver Service cars, SUVs and maxi cabs. Passengers can use a Cabcharge taxi at the airport, in the city, and on regional trips.
Who Uses Cabcharge?
- Businesses: staff get to the airport without paying out of their own pockets or filing an expense claim for each trip. See our corporate taxi bookings.
- Government and public sector: every trip is recorded and easy to trace.
- NDIS participants: travel that is part of an approved plan. See our NDIS transport.
- TAC clients: travel to treatment on an approved claim. See our TAC approved taxi service.
Does Cabcharge Cost Extra?
It can, depending on the operator. Some taxi companies add a card fee when a trip is paid by Cabcharge instead of cash, so the receipt can show more than the quote. With us, there is no card fee on top. The fare goes on your card, pass or eTicket with tolls included, and the price is the same whichever way you pay.
How Much Is a Cabcharge Taxi to Melbourne Airport?
The fare is the same as for any other payment method. These are daytime estimates (9am to 5pm) for a standard taxi, with tolls included:
| From | Distance | Estimated fare |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne CBD | 22.7 km | $57 to $71 |
| Docklands | 22 km | $56 to $68 |
| Clayton | 47.2 km | $112 to $136 |
| Dandenong | 58.6 km | $135 to $165 |
Pickups from the airport add a $5.26 airport fee, which applies to every operator. Evening and weekend night rates are higher. The online price is an estimate, so for a fixed fare, call 0460 306 061 or email us, and we agree the price before you travel. You can check your own trip with the fare estimator, or read about fixed price taxis to Melbourne Airport.
Tips for Using Cabcharge
- Check the taxi accepts Cabcharge when you book, not when you get in.
- Ask for a fixed price quote if you need the amount before you travel.
- Keep your receipt, because your workplace may need it.
- Check your pass limit and expiry date before you travel.
- If you book often, ask about a monthly account.
Book a Taxi With Cabcharge
Ready to travel? Book a taxi with Cabcharge online in a few minutes, or call 0460 306 061 at any hour. Choose Cabcharge on the last step, and nothing is charged when you book. We cover Melbourne Airport, Avalon Airport, the city and the suburbs across our service areas.
Conclusion
Cabcharge is a cashless way to pay for taxis through an account. You use a FASTCARD, a Digital Pass or an eTicket, tap it on the taxi’s terminal and get a receipt. It suits work trips, airport transfers and approved programs. Not every taxi accepts it, so booking ahead is the safest choice. For a Cabcharge taxi in Melbourne with a fixed price and no card fee, book with us.