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As someone who’s called NYC home for years, I’ve had the joy of discovering green taxis in New York City from every angle. There’s a magic to exploring this city that never fades, no matter how many times you walk its streets. In this guide, I’m sharing my honest, tried-and-true favorites along with the insider details that will make your experience unforgettable. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a fellow local looking for fresh ideas, you’re in the right place.
Green Taxis in New York City
History of the Green Cabs in NYC
As you know, New York City is a very popular place. More than 65 million per year visit New York and most of those visitors tend to explore (and stay in) Manhattan.
As such, the city’s other four boroughs often get neglected. Services, such as cabs, become less available to people that work and play outside of Manhattan (and the popular areas in Brooklyn). Hailing a random taxis way harder in the heart of Queens compared to Midtown.
The lack of taxis in the less-visited areas seemed unfair to residents (imaging needing an emergency ride to the hospital!)
In the summer of 2013, the City of New York created a program to mitigate a discrepancy in taxi service for the less visited parts of NYC. Harlem, Queens, the Bronx and Brooklyn. The new program rolled out green cabs in NYC that officially became known as Boro Taxis.
Per NYC’s Transportation & Limousine Commission (TLC). The goal of the Boro Taxi program is to improve access to street-hail transportation throughout the five boroughs – especially for persons with disabilities and people who live or spend time in areas of New York City historically under-served by the yellow taxi industry.
Westside Market · Upper West Side
What’s the Difference Between Yellow and Green Taxis in NYC?
The biggest difference between yellow and green cabs in New York City is the starting point of the ride. Think of it this way. Yellow cabs have no restrictions, they can pick-up and drop-off wherever the passenger wants (as long as it’s a safe location, of course). Green cabs, on the other had, have some rules.
Green cabs can only pick up passengers in Harlem (south of West 110th St and East 96th St), Queens, the Bronx and Brooklyn. They can drop off the passengers wherever needed, The green taxis can drop passengers off anywhere in New York City (all five boroughs).
How Does the Green Taxi Program Work?
There’s a version of New York that most visitors never see, the one that exists beyond the yellow cabs and neon lights, in the neighborhoods where the green taxis roam.
A green taxi can pick up passengers outside of Manhattan but it can’t pick up passengers within Manhattan. Boro Taxis can be street-hailed or scheduled in advance, as long as the pick-up point is outside of the Manhattan exclusion zone.
Apart from the pickup location and color, all other features of the green NYC taxi are identical to the yellow taxis. Boro Taxis are equipped with credit/debit card readers, meters, roof lights and cameras.
Map of the green Cab program (Manhattan Exclusionary Zone)
Here’s a map from the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC). The green region denotes permitted pick-up locations and the yellow and gray sections denote where green cabs cannot pick up passengers.
I’d recommend setting aside at least an hour here, more if you’re the type to linger. There’s no admission fee, which makes it one of the best free things to do in the city.
The atmosphere here is something you really have to experience in person. I’d recommend visiting in the morning when the crowds are thinner and the light is at its best. Give yourself at least an hour to soak everything in without feeling rushed. It’s one of those places that rewards patience and curiosity in equal measure.
Are NYC Green Cabs Cheaper Than Yellow Cabs?
Local tip. Most visitors don’t realize green cabs use the exact same meters and rates as yellow taxis, the only real difference is where they can pick you up. If you’re above 96th Street or in the outer boroughs, flagging a green cab is almost always faster than waiting for an app car.
No, the metered fare for a green taxi in NYC is the same as the metered fare for a yellow taxi.
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +3 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
And there you have it! I hope you found this quick guide to the green cab in New York City helpful. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions!
Cheers!
If You Liked This. You might also enjoy my guide to How to Get to New York City From the Airport (Local’s Guide). it’s one of my most popular posts and pairs perfectly with this one.
Have you been? Have you ever flagged down a green taxi in NYC? Most visitors don’t even realize they exist until they see one roll by. Share your green cab stories below!
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That wraps up our guide to What’s With the Green Taxis in NYC?. We’ll keep this list updated as we find new adventures and experiences, so bookmark this page and check back. Have a favorite spot we missed? Drop a comment below and share your recommendations!
More NYC Transportation Tips from a Local
Since we’re on the topic of getting around NYC, let me share a few more things I’ve learned from years of living here. Green taxis are just the beginning, this city has a whole ecosystem of transportation options that most visitors (and even some newer residents) don’t fully understand.
As a local, here’s my transportation hierarchy, subway for anything more than 20 blocks, walking for anything under 20 blocks, Citi Bike when the weather is nice and you’re not in a rush, taxi or rideshare for late nights or when you’re dressed up. And the ferry for when you want to actually enjoy the commute. Each has its moment.
The Unwritten Rules of NYC Taxis
Trust me when I say there are rules that no one tells you about. To hail a yellow cab, stand at the curb, extend your arm, and look for the lit-up roof number (lit means available, off means occupied, side lights only means off duty). Stand in a visible spot, not behind a parked truck, and step slightly into the street if needed. Never whistle or yell; it won’t help and you’ll look like a tourist.
Here’s what most people don’t know, you can ask your driver to take a specific route if you have a preference. You’re the customer. If you know that the FDR is jammed, say so. Also, all NYC taxis accept credit cards, if a driver tells you the machine is broken, that’s technically a violation and you can report it. Just insist politely and it usually works.
One more tip. During shift change (roughly 4–5 PM for yellow cabs), it becomes nearly impossible to hail a taxi in Manhattan. Drivers are heading back to their garages, usually in Long Island City or the outer boroughs, and they won’t pick up fares going the wrong direction. Plan around this by using the subway or ordering a rideshare during that window.