10 Popular Taxi Booking Apps in Australia You Should Try

Getting around Australia has become more convenient with the growth of taxi booking and ride-hailing apps. Instead of standing on the roadside or calling a taxi company, passengers can now use a smartphone to request a ride, track the driver, estimate fares, make payments and, in many cases, schedule trips in advance.

Australia has a diverse transportation market. International ride-hailing platforms operate alongside established taxi networks and specialised services. Apps such as Uber and DiDi are popular for on-demand rides, while services such as 13cabs, Silver Service, Black & White Cabs and Silver Top provide access to licensed taxi fleets. Specialised platforms such as Shebah focus on particular passenger needs, while Rydo offers nationwide taxi booking through one app.

The best app for you depends on your location, budget, vehicle requirements, preferred payment method and whether you want a traditional taxi or rideshare service.

1. Uber

Uber is one of the most recognised ride-hailing platforms in Australia. It allows passengers to request rides through its mobile app, check prices, follow the driver's location and manage payments digitally.

Uber operates in Australian cities and towns where its service is available and provides several ride options depending on location. Users can also make scheduled bookings through the platform.

One useful feature for Australians who prefer not to use smartphone apps is Uber's 13-UBER phone booking service. Uber says the service is available in Australian locations where Uber operates and allows customers to book rides by phone.

Key features:

• On-demand ride booking
• Upfront price information
• Driver and vehicle details
• Live trip tracking
• Cashless payments
• Scheduled rides
• Group ride options
• Phone-based booking through 13-UBER

Uber can be a convenient choice for travellers, commuters, students and business users who want a familiar ride-hailing experience.

2. DiDi

DiDi is another major taxi booking platform available in Australia. The service focuses on affordable and convenient rides and provides passengers with app-based booking and digital payment options.

DiDi promotes safety features such as pre-screened drivers and in-app safety functions. Its Australian platform also highlights everyday fares and promotional offers.

DiDi can be particularly useful for passengers who compare prices between multiple ride-hailing services before booking.

Key features:

• Quick ride booking
• Fare information
• Cashless payments
• Driver information
• Ride tracking
• Safety features
• Promotional offers

The availability of vehicle types and services can vary between Australian cities, so passengers should check the app for their specific location.

3. 13cabs

13cabs is one of Australia's major taxi booking services and is a strong alternative to rideshare platforms. Its app provides access to a large taxi network and supports different vehicle types, including sedans, SUVs, Maxi Taxis and wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

A major difference is its no-surge approach. 13cabs states that customers can lock in a fixed price when available rather than dealing with rideshare-style surge pricing. The app also supports live tracking, digital payments and preferred-driver bookings.

Key features:

• Fixed-price booking options
• Live GPS tracking
• Multiple vehicle choices
• Maxi Taxi availability
• Wheelchair-accessible taxis
• Digital payments
• Favourite driver feature
• Airport and business travel options

For passengers who specifically want a traditional taxi rather than a rideshare vehicle, 13cabs is one of the most useful apps to consider.

4. Silver Service

Silver Service is a premium taxi and chauffeur option operated by 13cabs. It is designed for passengers who want a more comfortable and professional travel experience.

The Silver Service app supports bookings, vehicle tracking and secure payments. It offers premium vehicles for executive travel, airport transfers and other occasions where passengers may prefer a higher-end taxi experience. The service also promotes price guarantees and no surge pricing.

Key features:

• Luxury vehicles
• Professional drivers
• Airport transfers
• Executive transportation
• App-based booking
• Live tracking
• Secure payments
• Price guarantee

Silver Service can be a suitable option for corporate travellers, airport passengers, special occasions and customers looking for premium transportation.

5. Black & White Cabs

Black & White Cabs is an established Australian taxi company offering app-based taxi bookings. Its app allows customers to book a cab, track its location and receive fare estimates.

The company supports different vehicle types, including sedans, Maxi Taxis, luxury business-class vehicles and wheelchair-accessible options in relevant locations. It also offers fixed-price fares and future bookings through its app.

The app was updated in August 2026, showing that the service continues to maintain its digital booking platform.

Key features:

• Taxi booking through the app
• Live tracking
• Fare estimates
• Fixed-price fares
• Future bookings
• In-app payments
• Maxi Taxi options
• Wheelchair-accessible vehicles

Black & White Cabs can be particularly useful for people who prefer an established taxi operator with app-based convenience.

6. Silver Top Taxi

Silver Top Taxi provides app-based taxi booking services, particularly in Melbourne and Sydney. The company has operated in the Australian taxi market for decades and offers several taxi categories.

Its passenger app supports quick bookings, live GPS tracking, fare estimates and payments through credit cards or PayPal. Customers can also select vehicle types such as standard taxis, Maxi Taxis, SUVs, luxury Silver Service vehicles and wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

Key features:

• One-touch booking
• Live GPS tracking
• Fare estimates
• Credit card and PayPal payments
• Maxi Taxis
• Luxury vehicles
• Wheelchair-accessible vehicles
• No surge pricing

Silver Top may be a practical choice for passengers in its supported service areas who prefer regulated taxi services over rideshare platforms.

7. Rydo

Rydo is a taxi booking app designed to connect passengers with licensed taxi networks across Australia. Its app listing promotes nationwide taxi coverage, fixed pricing and the ability to book rides instantly or schedule them in advance.

The platform also supports airport transportation, business travel and parcel delivery services.

Key features:

• Taxi booking across Australia
• Fixed-price options
• Advance bookings
• Airport transfers
• Corporate travel
• Parcel delivery
• Licensed taxi drivers
• 24/7 booking availability

Rydo can be useful for people who want a taxi-focused platform while travelling between different Australian locations.

8. Shebah

Shebah is different from traditional taxi booking platforms because it focuses on women and families. It operates as an all-women rideshare service and is particularly designed around transportation for women and children.

Shebah says its drivers are women who undergo background checks. The service also supports child transportation, baby seats and booster seats, preferred drivers and advance bookings.

Key features:

• Women drivers
• Child transportation
• Baby and booster seats
• Advance bookings
• Preferred driver bookings
• Pet transportation
• No unexpected surge pricing
• Driver background checks

For families and passengers who value a specialised transportation service, Shebah offers a different model from conventional rideshare and taxi apps.

9. Swan Taxis

Swan Taxis is another taxi service associated with the Australian taxi market, particularly in Western Australia. Local taxi operators can be valuable for passengers who need airport transportation, regular commuting, accessible vehicles or city-specific taxi services.

Unlike national rideshare platforms, regional taxi companies often have strong knowledge of local routes, airports and transportation requirements.

When considering a local taxi app such as Swan Taxis, passengers should check current service availability, vehicle options and booking functionality in their specific area.

Potential benefits include:

• Local taxi availability
• Airport transportation
• Local driver networks
• Traditional taxi services
• App or digital booking options where supported
• Local knowledge

For travellers visiting Western Australia, checking local taxi options alongside national ride-hailing apps can help improve availability and choice.

10. Snap Ride

Snap Ride represents the growing Australian rideshare segment focused on local alternatives and predictable pricing. Current Australian rideshare comparisons identify Snap Ride as an Australian-owned option, with fixed-fare positioning and coverage across Australian markets, including regional Western Australia.

The emergence of services like Snap Ride shows that Australia's mobility market is becoming more competitive. Instead of relying on only one major rideshare provider, passengers increasingly have choices based on price, availability, local coverage and service model.

Key considerations:

• Australian-focused rideshare option
• Predictable pricing positioning
• Availability across selected markets
• Alternative to major international platforms
• Useful for passengers comparing multiple apps

As with any regional transportation app, customers should check current coverage in their city before depending on the service.

How to Choose the Best Taxi Booking App in Australia

Choosing a taxi app is not only about finding the lowest fare. The right platform depends on your travel requirements.

1. Check Local Availability

Not every taxi or rideshare app provides identical coverage across Australia. An app that works well in Melbourne may have different availability in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney or regional areas.

Always enter your pickup location before deciding which app to use.

2. Compare Prices

Fare structures can differ between taxi and rideshare services. Rideshare platforms may use dynamic pricing during periods of high demand, while many traditional taxi services operate under regulated fare structures.

For example, 13cabs and Black & White Cabs promote fixed-price options, while Silver Top highlights regulated rates and no surge pricing.

Comparing prices before booking can help passengers make a better decision.

3. Consider Vehicle Requirements

If you are travelling with several passengers or a lot of luggage, a standard car may not be enough.

Look for apps offering:

• SUVs
• Maxi Taxis
• Wheelchair-accessible vehicles
• Luxury cars
• Child seats
• Larger vehicles for groups

4. Look at Payment Options

Most modern taxi apps support digital payments, but the available options differ.

Depending on the platform, you may find:

• Credit and debit cards
• Apple Pay
• PayPal
• Google Pay
• Cash
• In-car EFTPOS

Checking payment options before booking can avoid problems at the end of your trip.

5. Check Safety Features

Safety should be one of the most important factors when choosing a taxi app.

Useful features include:

• Driver identification
• Vehicle information
• Live GPS tracking
• Trip sharing
• Emergency assistance
• Driver background checks
• Customer support
• Digital trip records

Passengers should also verify the vehicle registration and driver information before entering the vehicle.

Taxi Apps vs Rideshare Apps in Australia

Taxi apps and rideshare apps provide similar digital booking experiences, but the underlying services can be different.

Traditional taxi apps generally connect customers with licensed taxi fleets. Many taxis use regulated fare structures and may offer accessible vehicles, Maxi Taxis and airport services.

Rideshare apps typically connect passengers with rideshare drivers through a digital platform. They may provide upfront pricing and different vehicle categories depending on location.

Neither model is automatically better for every passenger.

A taxi may be preferable when you need a regulated taxi, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, airport service or a no-surge pricing model. A rideshare service may be attractive when you want broad app-based availability, price comparison or a particular rideshare category.

Why Taxi Booking Apps Are Growing in Australia

Smartphone-based transportation has changed the way Australians book everyday travel. Customers increasingly expect convenience, digital payments and real-time information.

Modern taxi booking apps provide several advantages:

Faster Booking

Instead of calling a taxi company, passengers can request a vehicle from their phone.

Real-Time Tracking

GPS tracking allows customers to see the driver's location and estimated arrival.

Digital Payments

Customers can often store payment details and complete transactions without cash.

Advance Booking

Many platforms allow customers to schedule rides for later, which is particularly useful for airport trips and business appointments.

Better Vehicle Selection

Passengers can choose from standard cars, SUVs, Maxi Taxis, luxury vehicles and accessible transportation where available.

Greater Transparency

Upfront or fixed-price information can help passengers understand the expected cost before travelling.

What Should Businesses Learn From These Taxi Apps?

The Australian taxi and rideshare market also presents opportunities for entrepreneurs and transportation companies.

Businesses looking to launch their own taxi booking platform can study the features users already expect from leading apps.

A modern taxi app may include:

• Passenger app
• Driver app
• Admin dashboard
• Real-time GPS tracking
• Automated driver matching
• Fare calculation
• Online payments
• Multiple vehicle categories
• Advance booking
• Ride scheduling
• Driver verification
• Ratings and reviews
• Push notifications
• Promo codes
• Corporate accounts
• Trip history
• Analytics and reporting

A business does not necessarily need to reproduce every feature available in a large international platform. Instead, it can identify a specific market opportunity and build a taxi app around local customer requirements.

For example, a startup could focus on airport transfers, corporate transportation, wheelchair-accessible taxis, regional transportation, women-focused mobility or scheduled rides.

Final Thoughts

Australia's taxi and ride-hailing market offers passengers a wide range of transportation choices. Uber and DiDi are well-known ride-hailing options, while 13cabs, Silver Service, Black & White Cabs, Silver Top Taxi and Rydo provide taxi-focused booking services. Specialised services such as Shebah and emerging local rideshare platforms add further choice.

There is no single taxi app that is perfect for everyone. The best option depends on your location, fare preferences, vehicle requirements, booking flexibility and preferred service model.

Before booking, compare availability, estimated pricing, vehicle options, payment methods and safety features. Using two or three apps can also help you find the most suitable ride for a particular journey.

For entrepreneurs, these platforms demonstrate how technology is transforming Australia's transportation industry. Features such as real-time tracking, digital payments, fixed pricing, advance booking and specialised vehicle options have become important parts of the modern mobility experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the most popular taxi app in Australia?

There is no single best app for every Australian city. Uber is one of the country's major ride-hailing platforms, while 13cabs is a major taxi-focused network. DiDi is also an important ride-hailing option.

2. Which taxi app is best for Australia?

The best taxi app depends on your location and requirements. Uber and DiDi are useful for rideshare bookings, while 13cabs, Black & White Cabs, Silver Top and Rydo are useful options for taxi-focused bookings.

3. Is Uber available across Australia?

Uber operates in many Australian cities and towns. Coverage varies by location, so passengers should check the Uber app for availability at their pickup point.

4. Does 13cabs have an app?

Yes. The 13cabs app allows passengers to book taxis, track rides, make payments and select different vehicle types.

5. Does 13cabs have surge pricing?

13cabs promotes a no-surge pricing model and offers fixed-price booking in supported areas.

6. Is DiDi available in Australia?

Yes. DiDi currently operates in Australia and offers app-based rides, cashless payments and safety features.

7. Which taxi apps offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles?

Some services offer wheelchair-accessible transportation, including 13cabs and Silver Top in supported locations. Vehicle availability can vary, so passengers should request an accessible vehicle through the relevant app.

8. Can I book a taxi in advance in Australia?

Yes. Several taxi and rideshare platforms support advance bookings. The exact booking window and availability depend on the provider and location.

9. Which taxi app is good for airport transfers?

13cabs, Silver Service, Silver Top and other taxi providers offer airport transportation in supported areas. Uber also supports airport rides in locations where it operates. Always check airport pickup instructions before travelling.

10. Can I build my own taxi booking app in Australia?

Yes. Businesses can develop a taxi booking platform with passenger, driver and admin applications. Important features can include GPS tracking, automated dispatch, online payments, fare management, driver verification, scheduled rides and business accounts.

11. Are taxi apps cheaper than traditional taxi bookings?

Not necessarily. Prices depend on the distance, time, location, vehicle type and pricing model. Comparing several apps before booking is the best way to identify a suitable option.

12. What features should a modern taxi booking app have?

A modern taxi app should ideally provide easy booking, live tracking, fare information, secure payments, driver details, ratings, notifications, advance bookings and customer support.