Which Taxis Accept Cabcharge in Melbourne?
Quick answer: If you are wondering which taxis accept Cabcharge in Melbourne, the answer is almost all of them. Cabcharge says its eTicket works with about 98% of Australian taxi networks, including 13cabs and Silver Service. Most licensed Melbourne taxis with an in-car payment terminal take Cabcharge cards, eTickets and the Digital Pass. Airport Taxi Booking Melbourne accepts Cabcharge on every booked trip.
Cabcharge is one of the most popular ways to pay for a business taxi in Australia. Companies, government agencies and NDIS providers use it to manage travel costs. However, many travellers still ask the same thing before a trip. Will my taxi actually take it? In this guide, we explain which taxis accept Cabcharge in Melbourne, which services usually do not, and how to avoid problems at the end of your ride.
What Is Cabcharge?
Cabcharge is an Australian payment system built for taxis. Instead of paying with cash or a personal card, you pay with a Cabcharge product. The fare then goes to the account holder, usually your employer or agency. For a full overview, read our complete guide to Cabcharge.
Today, there are three main Cabcharge payment options:
- Cabcharge card (Fastcard): a reusable card, often given to staff who travel a lot.
- Cabcharge eTicket: a single-use card for one trip, with a set fare limit.
- Cabcharge Digital Pass: a pass stored in Apple Wallet or Google Pay on your phone.
Which Taxis Accept Cabcharge in Melbourne?
In short, most licensed taxis do. According to Cabcharge, its eTicket is accepted by about 98% of Australian taxi networks. Similarly, the Digital Pass works across major networks and hundreds of regional operators.
In Melbourne, that includes:
- Major taxi networks, such as 13cabs and Silver Top.
- Silver Service and premium taxis, including our own silver taxi service.
- Pre-booked airport taxis, such as our Melbourne Airport transfer service.
- Maxi taxis, including our maxi cabs for up to 11 passengers.
- Most independent taxis that have a Cabcharge-enabled payment terminal.
Taxi Ranks at Melbourne Airport
Most taxis at the Melbourne Airport rank also accept Cabcharge. However, a small number of drivers may have a terminal fault or a different payment set-up. Therefore, always confirm before the trip starts. Cabcharge itself gives the same advice.
Which Services Usually Do Not Accept Cabcharge?
Cabcharge was built for taxis. As a result, some other transport services do not take it. These include:
- Most rideshare apps: Rideshare drivers usually do not have a Cabcharge terminal. Check the app before you travel.
- Some private hire cars: Many chauffeur and hire car operators use their own invoicing instead.
- Public transport: You cannot use Cabcharge on SkyBus, trains or trams.
So, if your employer pays with Cabcharge, a licensed taxi is the safest choice. For a wider comparison, read why a taxi beats rideshare at Melbourne Airport.
How to Check a Taxi Accepts Cabcharge
Checking takes only a few seconds. Follow these simple steps:
- Ask when you book. Tell the booking team you will pay by Cabcharge.
- Look for the logo. Many taxis display the Cabcharge logo on the window or terminal.
- Ask the driver. Confirm before the trip begins, not at the end.
- Check your limit. eTickets and Digital Passes have fare limits. If the fare is higher, you pay the difference another way.
Not sure how to pay with each product? Our step-by-step guide on how to use a Cabcharge eTicket, voucher or Digital Pass, on our blog, explains each one.
Cabcharge Card vs eTicket vs Digital Pass
Each Cabcharge product works a little differently. However, all three are accepted by the same taxis. Here is a quick comparison.
| Product | How you pay | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Cabcharge card | Tap or insert the card at the terminal | Staff who travel often |
| eTicket | Tap the single-use card, then keep the stub | One-off trips and guests |
| Digital Pass | Hold your phone to the terminal | Travellers who prefer a phone wallet |
For example, a company might give a visiting client an eTicket for one airport trip. In contrast, a sales manager who travels weekly might carry a Cabcharge card. Meanwhile, the Digital Pass suits people who never want to carry a card at all. Because the Digital Pass needs mobile data, make sure your phone is charged and connected before you travel.
Tips for Business Travellers Using Cabcharge
A little planning makes Cabcharge trips smooth. First, save your Cabcharge details before you leave home. Next, check the fare limit on your eTicket or pass. If your trip is long, such as Geelong to Tullamarine, the fare may be higher than a short city trip. Also, ask for a receipt at the end of every ride. Finally, keep your eTicket stub until your expense claim is approved.
Why Pre-Book a Cabcharge Taxi?
When you pre-book, you remove the guesswork. We note your payment method on the booking, so your driver arrives ready to accept Cabcharge. This is especially helpful in a few situations:
- Business trips: Get a confirmed pickup and a receipt for your expense claim. See our corporate taxi service.
- NDIS travel: Our NDIS taxi service helps participants travel with support.
- Early flights: Avoid searching for a taxi at 4am.
- Group travel: Book one maxi cab and pay once.
Are There Extra Fees When Paying by Cabcharge?
A service fee or non-cash payment surcharge may apply when you pay by card, including Cabcharge. The amount can vary by product and operator. Therefore, ask about any fees when you book. Your receipt will always show the full fare and any charges.
For a full breakdown of trip costs, read our guide to the taxi cost to Melbourne Airport.
Book a Taxi That Accepts Cabcharge
Now you know which taxis accept Cabcharge, booking is easy. Airport Taxi Booking Melbourne accepts Cabcharge cards, eTickets and Digital Passes on every booked trip. We run 24/7 across Melbourne, Geelong, Tullamarine and Avalon.
Book through our Cabcharge taxi page, use the online booking form or call 0480 160 825.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which taxis accept Cabcharge in Melbourne?
Most licensed Melbourne taxis accept Cabcharge, including 13cabs, Silver Top and Silver Service taxis. Cabcharge says its eTicket works with about 98% of Australian taxi networks.
Do all taxis accept Cabcharge?
Not every single one. Almost all licensed taxis do, but a few may not have a working terminal. Always confirm with the driver before your trip starts.
Does Uber accept Cabcharge?
Most rideshare drivers do not have a Cabcharge terminal. If you need to pay by Cabcharge, book a licensed taxi instead.
Can I use Cabcharge for a Melbourne Airport taxi?
Yes. Most taxis at the airport rank accept Cabcharge, and all our pre-booked airport taxis do. Tell us when you book so your driver is ready.
What happens if my fare is more than my Cabcharge limit?
If the fare is higher than your eTicket or Digital Pass limit, you pay the difference with another payment method, such as a bank card.
