Taxis in Helsinki
Taxis in Helsinki are reliable but sometimes, expensive ways to get around the city. They are readily available, safe, and regulated by the government. Taxis can be hailed on the street or ordered through any of the many existing taxi mobile apps in Helsinki. Taxis accept cash and major credit card payments, and the great news, the majority of taxi drivers can speak English.
Every taxi company in Finland needs a license and driver a permit in order to legally operate. When the latest taxi regulation in Finland got implemented, the taxi fare prices in the Helsinki region went down but unfortunately, there is now more variance in the quality. A savvy traveller may order a budget taxi, like a taxi ride from Uber, and those who wish for better quality service may opt for taxi premium brands which are operated by local taxi companies.
It is necessary to understand that the maximum prices for taxi rides are not anymore regulated so some of the taxis can be surprisingly expensive. Every taxi must have a price sticker on the window and you can always ask for a price estimate from the driver. Be informed that taxi meters typically charge both for the time and distance at the same time.
Read about Airport Taxis at Helsinki Airport on the Finnoy Travel website.
Regular Taxis
By regular taxis, we mean taxis that you can hail on the street. They have a yellow taxi sign on the roof and a meter inside. Hailing a regular taxi is simple but often the most expensive way to get a ride.
We recommend comparing taxis at taxi stations. Check the price stickers on the windows and evaluate the quality of the cars. You can choose any taxi from the line so there is no need to take the first one. Drivers may insist you take the first from the row but that is not mandatory.
Below we list the most reputable taxi brand in Helsinki.
Kovanen
Kovanen is a premium taxi brand in Helsinki. They have high-quality cars and well-trained drivers. It is possible to hail a Kovanen taxi on the street but if you want to be sure to get one, we recommend checking ordering instructions from Kovanen’s website. Kovanen is an excellent choice for business rides.
Taksi Helsinki
Taksi Helsinki is a traditional taxi company in Helsinki. They have good cars and professional drivers. It is easy to spot Taksi Helsinki cars in the city but unfortunately, some low-quality companies use similar colours and a small variation of this taxi company’s name. In that sense, it can easily confuse customers thinking they are also Taksi Helsinki cars. As the rule applies, quality always comes with a price so prepare to pay a little more while taking a taxi ride with Taksi Helsinki.
You can read more about Taksi Helsinki on their own website. The company has also a mobile app. Taksi Helsinki is a good option for business travellers and for those holiday-makers who appreciate quality.
Lähitaksi
Lähitaksi is another respected taxi brand in Helsinki. You can expect to get good-quality cars and well-mannered drivers. The price is not the cheapest as with other premium brands.
On the company’s website, you can read more about Lähitaksi and install their application. Also, Lähitaksi is a good choice for business travellers and quality-conscious holiday-makers.
Fixutaxi
Fixutaxi is a low-cost brand of Kovanen therefore the fares are lower. Still, you can expect good cars and stable quality despite a low-cost brand of a premium taxi company. Fixutaxi’s logo is easily distinguishable from either their white or black cars.
Fixutaxi does not have an English website but they have a mobile application.
Other Taxis
There are many private taxi companies in the Helsinki region. The majority of them are operating only one or two taxis. These companies can be affordable but some of them may have surprisingly high fares.
If you board a taxi which does not belong to the previously listed premium brands, we advise checking carefully the price sticker on the window and evaluating the car’s quality and the driver’s behaviour.
Taxi Apps
Installing different taxi apps onto your phone is perhaps a wise decision when you are travelling in Helsinki. If you book for a ride with any taxi app, you will know what the journey costs. You can also be sure to get a taxi in your preferred quality class. The apps are free to use. Adding payment options like payment cards is advisable for ease. Surely, you can also pay directly to the driver at the end of the journey.
Below, we list our taxi app recommendations. Almost every big taxi company has its own app but we recommend installing only a few major ride-sharing apps.
Uber
Uber is familiar to everyone and this taxi app works in Helsinki, too. All of Uber’s taxi companies and drivers are licensed. Uber is a safe choice in Helsinki.
Quite often, Uber offers also the lowest rate. Hence, Uber is an excellent choice for budget travellers.
Bolt
Bolt is similar to Uber but the company comes from Estonia. Also, Bolt taxis are reliable and quality is at the same level as with Uber.
Bolt has sometimes great offers and based on our experience, their taxi cars are usually more expensive than that of Uber’s. We recommend comparing the prices on Uber and Bolt before placing your taxi order.
Yango
Yango is a Russian taxi company whose drivers have received quite bad complaints and reviews as seen in Google reviews.
Tips for Taxi Riders
Hailing a taxi is a simple way to move around Helsinki. We list the most important tips for people riding a taxi for the first time in Helsinki.
- Use only licensed taxis. It is totally okay to ask to see driver’s permits.
- Prefer ordering a taxi through an app for safety. Then, there will be a record of who your driver was in case you’ll have issues during your journey.
- With taxi apps, also paying is simple and there are fewer surprises.
- If you hail a taxi on the street, make sure to check first on the price sticker on the window. The prices are not regulated.
- If you face an unfriendly driver, choose another taxi.