Yellow Cabs
Yellow Taxis can accept street hails throughout all five boroughs of New York City. They are particularly familiar in Manhattan and are authorized for eligible JFK-to-Manhattan flat-fare trips.
Manhattan Taxi Guide →
New York City has two official street-hail taxi systems: Yellow Cabs and Green Cabs, also known as Boro Taxis. Both operate under the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), but their street-hail pickup areas are different.
This guide explains where each taxi can pick up passengers, how their fares compare and which option may suit your location and journey.
Compare Yellow & Green Cabs →Yellow Taxis can accept street hails throughout all five boroughs of New York City. They are particularly familiar in Manhattan and are authorized for eligible JFK-to-Manhattan flat-fare trips.
Manhattan Taxi Guide →Green Taxis were introduced to improve street-hail service in the outer boroughs and Upper Manhattan. Their street-hail pickup rights are geographically restricted.
Yellow Cabs are New York City's best-known taxis. Their distinctive color makes them easy to recognize, and their citywide street-hail rights give passengers flexibility when traveling around the five boroughs.
Green Cabs, officially known as Street Hail Liveries or Boro Taxis, were introduced to improve access to street-hail taxi service in neighborhoods that had historically been underserved by Yellow Cabs.
Exact boundaries and exceptions are determined by current TLC regulations.
The table summarizes the general distinction between the two taxi systems. Consult the current TLC rules for precise pickup boundaries, trip eligibility and fare conditions.
Not necessarily. Both taxi systems operate under TLC regulations, and their applicable metered fare structures are generally comparable. The total price depends on the journey and the charges permitted under the applicable rules.
Eligible Yellow Taxi trips between JFK Airport and Manhattan use a specific regulated flat-fare arrangement. Green Cabs are not eligible for that Yellow Taxi flat fare.
JFK Airport Taxi Guide →Always check that your pickup location is within the Green Cab street-hail service area.
Yellow Cabs and Green Cabs operate under the NYC TLC regulatory framework. Licensing, driver requirements, vehicle standards and other operating rules apply according to the relevant taxi category.
Use an authorized taxi and check its identifying information if you have any doubts.
Know whether your journey uses a meter or a specific fare arrangement, and ask questions about permitted additional charges.
If you experience a problem, keep the taxi identification details and consult the relevant complaint procedures.
Read Passenger Rights & Regulations →The two-system approach was developed to improve access to street-hail service in different parts of New York City. Yellow Cabs retain citywide street-hail rights, while Green Cabs were introduced to expand service in designated areas outside Manhattan's central business districts.
Yellow Cabs can accept street hails throughout the five boroughs, subject to applicable regulations.
Green Cabs provide another street-hail option in designated neighborhoods.
Both systems form part of NYC's regulated taxi network, serving passengers with different pickup requirements.
Best suited to passengers who want citywide street-hail flexibility, especially in Manhattan, and for eligible JFK–Manhattan flat-fare journeys.
A useful street-hail option in designated outer-borough areas and Upper Manhattan, where their pickup rights apply.
Explore our passenger guides for practical information about hailing a taxi, understanding fares and traveling to and from New York City's airports.
How to Ride Yellow Cabs →Passenger Rights & Regulations | Airport Taxi Guides | Client Services