New York City operates two official street-hail taxi systems: Yellow Cabs and Green Cabs (Boro Taxis).
Both are licensed, regulated, and safe—but they serve different purposes and pickup areas.
This guide explains the difference between Yellow Cabs and Green Cabs, helping passengers choose the right taxi for their location, destination, and travel needs.
NYC’s taxi system was designed to balance demand across the city:
Yellow Cabs serve Manhattan and citywide demand
Green Cabs improve availability in outer boroughs and Upper Manhattan
Both are regulated by the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) and must follow the same safety, licensing, and fare rules.
Yellow Cabs are the traditional and most recognized taxis in New York City.
Citywide street-hail pickup rights
Dominant presence in Manhattan
Official taxi stands at airports, hotels, and major landmarks
Only taxis authorized for JFK–Manhattan flat fares
Midtown and Downtown Manhattan
Business districts and hotels
Tourists and first-time visitors
Airport trips, especially JFK
Yellow Cabs are the most flexible option for passengers anywhere in NYC.
Green Cabs—also called Boro Taxis—were introduced to serve neighborhoods where Yellow Cabs were historically scarce.
Street-hail pickup only in:
Brooklyn
Queens
The Bronx
Staten Island
Upper Manhattan (above E 96th St / W 110th St)
May drop off passengers anywhere in NYC
Same TLC licensing, meters, and safety standards
Residential areas in outer boroughs
Neighborhood trips outside Manhattan’s core
Local travel where Yellow Cabs are less available
| Feature | Yellow Cabs | Green Cabs |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Yellow | Green |
| Street-Hail Pickup | Anywhere in NYC | Boroughs & Upper Manhattan only |
| Midtown / Downtown Manhattan Pickup | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Outer Borough Pickup | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Drop-Off Anywhere | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Metered Fares | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Credit Cards Accepted | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| JFK Flat Fare | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
No. Yellow Cabs and Green Cabs use the same TLC-regulated metered fare system, including:
Base fare
Distance and time charges
Night and peak-hour surcharges
Tolls where applicable
The only major difference:
Yellow Cabs offer a flat fare between JFK Airport and Manhattan
Green Cabs do not
You are in Midtown or Downtown Manhattan
You are near a hotel, business district, or tourist attraction
You want guaranteed citywide pickup
You are traveling to or from JFK Airport
You are in Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, or Staten Island
You are in Upper Manhattan
You need a quick local street-hail outside Manhattan’s core
Yes. Both Yellow Cabs and Green Cabs are:
Licensed by the NYC TLC
Driven by professionally licensed drivers
Fully insured
Regularly inspected
Required to use official taximeters
Both are equally legal and safe.
Before Green Cabs existed, Yellow Cabs concentrated heavily in Manhattan, leaving outer boroughs underserved.
The dual system:
Improves citywide taxi availability
Reduces illegal street hails
Supports transportation equity
Maintains strong Manhattan service
Yellow Cabs and Green Cabs are complementary, not competitors.
Yellow Cabs → Best for Manhattan, airports, tourists, and citywide flexibility
Green Cabs → Best for outer boroughs and local neighborhood travel
Understanding the difference helps you save time, avoid confusion, and ride legally.
If you want to understand Yellow Cab service in detail, including pickup tips and payment rules, continue here: and click the buttons: