GTA Taxi: How the Taxi System Works in the Grand Theft Auto Series
- Damian Brzeski
- 16 hours ago
- 11 min read
You get into a taxi, honk the horn and… a completely new adventure begins. The taxi system in the GTA series is not only fast transport, but also a way to earn money, emotions and unpredictable stories of passengers.
Did you know that in some parts of the game, 100 courses give you access to a spiked vehicle or a boost jump? And that's just the beginning.
And with the upcoming release of GTA VI, the question arises: will the taxi driver mode return in an even more extensive form? Rockstar may surprise us – because if one mission can change the game, what about a whole series of trips around the neon Vice City of the future?
GTA Taxi System: Basics and Features
Taxis in GTA are more than just a quick way to get around town. They’re an entire system that lets you earn money, explore new places, and—with a little practice—do some spectacular rides with tip-worthy fares. But how does it all work?
How Taxi Works in Different Parts of GTA
The taxi system appears in almost every major installment of the series: from GTA III to GTA V. In most cases, it all starts with… getting into a taxi. As soon as you get behind the wheel, you can activate the taxi driver mode – and go pick up a passenger.
In older installments, like GTA III or Vice City, your goal is to transport as many passengers as possible – preferably 100 , as that's how many trips unlock special rewards (like the Borgnine taxi or the boost jump ability).
In newer installments, such as GTA V, you can not only transport people, but also buy your own transport company.
Using taxis as a passenger and driver
Not everyone likes driving. That's why in GTA you also have the option to call a taxi as a passenger - especially useful in GTA IV and V. In "four" it was enough to call a taxi by phone (if you're looking for a number - it's just Roman, your cousin), and in "five" click the left stick (L3) after getting into the car.
How to Call a Taxi in GTA V? – Simply use the “Call Taxi” option on your iFruit phone or hail a passing taxi and get in as a passenger. Does it work? Does it work!
If you want to be a driver, just get in a taxi and start the work mode (for example, by honking in GTA V). The system will automatically assign you a job, indicate a passenger on the map, and you just drive and... try not to wreck the car on the way ;)
Tips, Jobs and End of Taxi Driver Job
The money for a ride in GTA depends on several factors. In older parts, it's mainly the number of rides and the length of the route. In GTA V - and GTA Online - there's also a tip , which decreases with each crash or delay. The smoother and faster you get the passenger - the more you get.
End of taxi driver's work? Just leave the vehicle , destroy it (hopefully not!) or... simply do not take another trip. In Online, the system often automatically turns off the mode after a longer break.
And of course – if you’re looking for some extra fun – there are also private orders , which we’ll tell you about later. Some of them can be really unusual!
Downtown Cab Co. and the company's role in GTA V and Online
If you've ever dreamed of running your own taxi company in the GTA world, Franklin from GTA V is the perfect way to do just that . Downtown Cab Co. isn't just a place to catch a ride. It's a company you can buy and run like a true Los Santos businessman.
Purchasing a company and accessing orders from the headquarters
After unlocking the appropriate missions, Franklin gets the opportunity to purchase Downtown Cab Co. – a taxi depot located in East Vinewood. Cost? $200,000 – but worth it! Why? Because after purchasing it, you get access to special, better-paid rides from the headquarters .
What's more, these jobs are a bit different than regular taxi jobs. They often involve specific characters, have unique dialogues, and sometimes lead to interesting situations (e.g. you're driving a movie star or an angry gangster). And - the money is better.
Private courses and special missions
After buying the company, Franklin starts getting private taxi fares . Kind of like Uber VIP – only more unpredictable.
You have special passengers, individual stories, sometimes even moral choices. You can decide, for example, whether to really take the guy where he wants to go, or turn somewhere else and… well, GTA-style ;)
Many players ask: how to get your own taxi in GTA V? - It's simple: buy Downtown Cab Co., then find a company taxi in the parking lot. You can use it whenever you want.
Skip to Destination and iFruit Phone
If you don't feel like sitting behind the wheel for 5 minutes, GTA gives you something extra: the "Skip to Destination" function - simply jump to your destination. If you're a passenger and don't want to watch the traffic in Los Santos, just click and you're there. Of course - for a small fee.
The iFruit phone also comes in handy here. You can use it to order a taxi or receive messages from the headquarters. It's also the answer to questions like "How to call a taxi in GTA V?" or "Where to find a taxi in GTA 5?" - don't look, just call on the phone.
Downtown Cab Co. is more than just a place. It's a tool for earning money, learning about NPC backstories, and a way for Franklin to feel like he's the boss of a shipping powerhouse in southern San Andreas.
Taxi Work in GTA Online: How to Get Started and Make Money
GTA Online isn't just about heists and races. It's also... a regular job . Or rather, not so regular - because when you become a cab driver in Los Santos, things happen, from funny dialogues to tense chases. Want to try it? Here's how to get started.
How to start Taxi Work assignments
In January 2023, Rockstar Games added a new activity to GTA Online: Taxi Work . To start, you need to go to Downtown Cab Co. , the same company that Franklin can buy in the story mode. You can find it in East Vinewood. There, you get into a marked taxi and... done! You can start driving passengers.
You don't need any level or special requirements. All you need is the desire to work and a bit of patience, because the orders can sometimes be surprising (i.e. totally crazy).
Taxi Star Award and Sponsorship Level
Nothing happens without rewards in GTA Online. For taxi jobs well done you earn the Taxi Star Award , an achievement that grows with the number of customers you transport.
As you progress, you unlock different levels of sponsorship and prestige – while these aren't great material rewards, prestige counts in Los Santos ;)
And of course: money. For each ride you get paid, which depends on the length of the route and a tip. The better you drive - the more you get. Simple rules, but they give satisfaction.
Autopilot, taxi destruction and end of course
Taxi Work is also a system with mechanics that can help… or hinder. You have an autopilot – which lets you hand over the controls to the AI if you’d rather have a coffee than maneuver the streets of Vinewood. But be careful – the AI doesn’t always drive like a master of the wheel.
If you destroy a taxi – the trip ends. If the passenger dies (yes, it's possible – GTA knows how to surprise), you also have to start over. The trip can also be ended manually, but then the payout disappears.
Many players ask: can you be a taxi driver in GTA Online? - Yes! Thanks to Taxi Work. You get in, you make trips, you earn money, and - as in Los Santos - you never know who you'll drive. Maybe a gangster. Maybe... a wannabe influencer. Or maybe someone who never pays tips? Taxi missions in individual GTA games
Taxi missions in individual GTA games
Each GTA game has its own atmosphere – from the dark Liberty City to the sunny streets of Vice City. But one thing unites them: you can become a taxi driver anywhere . And each game adds something to this mode. It's time to take a look at the details.
GTA V: taxi driver job and buying a taxi In the "five" you can jump behind the wheel as any of the characters - Michael, Trevor or Franklin. Just get into the taxi and use the horn (L3) to start the ride. The game selects a passenger and shows him on the map - you just drive and collect the money. Want something more? Buy Downtown Cab Co. as Franklin and gain access to private orders , which are better paid, have their own stories and can be... very unusual. This is the answer to questions like: "How to become a taxi driver in GTA V offline?" or "Where to buy a taxi in GTA 5?"
GTA Online: Career Development and New Features In GTA Online, the taxi system appeared in 2023 as a separate activity: Taxi Work . You get into a marked vehicle at Downtown Cab Co. and start your rides. You can also use the autopilot , earn the Taxi Star Award and earn money for each ride. This is a good option if you want to earn some money between a heist and the next contact mission. And - it's worth adding - the fast travel taxi function gives you quick access to places if you don't want to go alone.
GTA San Andreas: Taxi Driver mode and tips Here, all you have to do is get into a taxi and turn on the work mode. After 50 rides, all taxis in the game gain nitro and a boost jump - not bad, huh? Additionally, there is a tip system - the faster and safer you drive, the more you earn. The detail is also worth noting: different cities (Los Santos, San Fierro, Las Venturas), specific destinations, and even small details like the possibility of changing a passenger by accidentally killing the previous one. GTA logic.
GTA IV: Taxi Fare and work for Roman Bellic In the "four" taxis have a New York atmosphere. And you? You can work for your cousin - Roman Bellic . Just call him, pick up a taxi from the base and start the orders. The missions are short, but they have a nice atmosphere - direct conversations with passengers, NYC vibes and a slight foretaste of the life of an emigrant behind the wheel. Players also ask questions: "What is the number for a taxi in GTA 4?" - it's simply contact with Roman, via the phone in the game. Taxi phone number? Roman!
GTA Vice City: Buying a Company and Taxi Missions In Vice City, we're going back to the classics. You just get in a taxi and start driving. After 100 jobs - all taxis in the game gain the ability to jump boost . And if you're playing on Sony PS4 - you'll even unlock the "Point A to Point B" trophy. There are also glitches - for example, a passenger appearing in inaccessible places, which requires you to drive away and wait for a new customer. Old school, but it still works! Missions in Vice City are the essence of what the beginnings of taxi driving in GTA were - simple, but addictive. And with an 80s atmosphere that can't be faked.
Taxi-related vehicles and mechanics
Without the right car, you can't get anywhere - even the best driver won't make the trip if he doesn't have something to drive. In GTA, each taxi car has its own atmosphere, and some vehicles can really surprise you. And new features appear that change the game.
Classic Taxi Vehicle and Its Variants Each GTA installment has its classic taxi. In GTA III and IV, these are typical yellow sedans from New York, in Vice City – stylized in the 80s, and in GTA V – more modern, resembling models known from Los Angeles. There are also special versions, such as the Borgnine Taxi in GTA III, which appears after 100 trips and looks like a tuned version of the classic with spikes. In San Andreas, after unlocking rewards, you get taxis with nitro and the ability to jump – which may not be realistic, but how spectacular!
Buying a Taxi and the Pegasus Service In GTA V and Online, you can not only drive a taxi, but also buy one . In Story Mode, Franklin gets access to company vehicles after buying Downtown Cab Co. In Online, when you do Taxi Work, you also get an assigned taxi. In some cases, you can also use the Pegasus service to deliver a special vehicle (if you have one) to a selected location. However, this mainly applies to premium and collector cars - but who knows, maybe a taxi will catch up someday ;)
New vehicles and their use in GTA taxi mode are constantly developing, and with it - the choice of vehicles. New taxi models have appeared in GTA Online, sometimes inspired by real brands. Some have better performance, others are more suited to a specific style of play (e.g. classic vibe vs. futuristic car). If you are looking for taxi mods for GTA San Andreas - you will find plenty of them. From simple swaps to real gems modeled on London black cabs or the iconic NYC yellow taxi.
Either way, taxis in GTA are more than just a means of transportation. They are part of the city's identity, the player's style, and - let's be honest - sometimes quite a weapon in traffic.
Tips and Tricks for Gamers
Making money as a taxi driver in GTA isn’t just about driving from point A to point B. There are tricks, glitches, hidden mechanics, and different playstyles that are worth knowing. Below is a list of specific tips that can help you – whether you’re playing San Andreas, GTA V, or Online.
How to effectively complete taxi orders:
Try to drive smoothly and avoid collisions – tips decrease if you damage your car.
Shorten the route, but do not rush – if a passenger dies, the trip is lost.
Avoid traffic jams – sometimes it’s better to go sideways than through the center.
Use the minimap – it often shows the shortest route.
In Online: If you have autopilot on, keep your eyes on the road – the AI sometimes does stupid things.
Benefits of working as a taxi driver in GTA:
An easy way to make money early in the game.
You get to know the topography of the city – great for new players.
In GTA V: access to special missions as Franklin.
In GTA Online: additional achievements and prestige (Taxi Star Award).
The ability to play "relaxed" – without pressure, fighting or escaping.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them:
Driving too fast: it's easy to crash your car - and each collision means less money.
Not paying attention to the road: GPS in GTA can be unreliable, always check your route.
Interrupting the journey: accidental disembarkation, destruction of the vehicle, loss of a passenger – this ends the mission.
Unprofitable routes: if the route is too long – sometimes it is not worth taking it.
No repairs: You don't repair your car? Each subsequent passenger will get a worse rating.
GTA Cheats (for those hungry for fun):
GTA V (PS4): R2, L2, L1, Circle, Right, Right, L1, L1, R1, Triangle - classic taxi spawn.
GTA San Andreas (PC): KJKSZPJ – Taxi appears out of nowhere.
GTA IV (Xbox 360): You call 911 – option to request a public vehicle, including a taxi.
Additional lifehacks:
In San Andreas: remove the back doors of a taxi – passengers get in and out faster.
In Vice City: Visit Pay 'n' Spray between trips to get your car refinished without losing your tips.
Online: Do not accept a second course until you have been paid for the first one.
In GTA IV: if taxi missions disappear, it is due to story progression - do them earlier.
Taxi in GTA is not just an extra income - it's a style of play. You have a balance between action and chilled out exploring the world. And you never know who will get into your car... maybe someone with a mission. Or maybe with a bomb under their jacket.
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