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How to spot a licensed taxi in Kraków and avoid scams

A licensed Kraków taxi has the city crest and a side number on its doors and a sticker with the maximum fares on the right rear door window. The driver may not charge more than those fares and must always give you a receipt.

Data checked on: 20/10/2026

How to recognise a licensed taxi

The city’s passenger leaflet “Kraków by taxi” lists three markings every licensed taxi must have:

  • the Kraków crest and a side number on the doors,
  • the driver’s ID on display inside the car,
  • a double-sided sticker with the maximum fares on the right rear door window.

Only taxis with these markings are bound by the maximum fares set by the City Council. If a car does not have them, do not get in - you have no guarantee of the price or a receipt.

How much the driver may charge

Within Kraków a taxi may charge at most PLN 9 flag fall and PLN 4 per km by day in zone I (PLN 6 at night, on Sundays and holidays). In zone II on the city outskirts it is PLN 8 and 12 per km. Most companies charge less - we compare current company fares on the taxi fares page.

The maximum fares do not apply outside Kraków. Balice airport is in Zabierzów municipality, so on that stretch the company’s own price list applies.

Taximeter or app

Rides are charged in two ways:

  • taximeter - you pay the amount shown on the meter after the ride,
  • app - you see the price before the ride and pay what the app showed.

With a taximeter, glance at the display after setting off: on a weekday in zone I it should show tariff 1. If the tariff changes during the ride (e.g. at 22:00 or when leaving zone I), the driver must tell you. If the ride starts and ends in the same zone, one tariff applies even if the route partly crosses the other zone.

Always take a receipt

A driver with a taximeter must give you a receipt - you do not have to ask for it. The receipt is your proof if the fare turns out to be too high. App rides send an electronic receipt by e-mail.

Overcharged - what to do

  1. Keep the receipt or a screenshot from the app.
  2. If a driver with a taximeter refuses a receipt or demands an inflated amount, you can call the police - emergency number 112.
  3. Report it to Kraków City Hall with your proof. The reporting address is on our fares page, in the overcharging section.

For app rides, also rate the driver - it is a quick signal to the operator.

How to avoid trouble

  • Book by phone or with a taxi company app rather than taking a random car from the street.
  • For long rides and trips out of town, agree the price before setting off - the driver may then ask for payment in advance, but you decide whether to accept.
  • Check the estimated fare in the calculator before you get in.

Frequently asked questions

What should a Kraków taxi receipt show?

The company details, the car's side number and registration, the flag fall, the kilometres driven split by tariff, and the date and time of the ride. For app rides the electronic receipt arrives by e-mail.

Can the driver use the night tariff during the day?

No. The night tariff (2 in zone I, 4 in zone II) applies from 22:00 to 6:00 and all day on Sundays and public holidays. On weekdays from 6:00 to 22:00 in zone I the taximeter should show tariff 1.

How can I check that a taxi is licensed?

A licensed Kraków taxi has the city crest and side number on its doors, the driver's ID on display and a sticker with the maximum fares on the right rear door window. If these are missing, do not get in.

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