Your next taxi ride to or from O’Hare could be more expensive—Chicago is implementing a fuel surcharge for cab rides in the wake of rising gas prices.
Here’s what it means for your wallet.
Local taxi surcharge now in effect
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) permits taxi drivers to exercise a fuel surcharge when the current and monthly average price of gas remains above $5.
According to the BACP, a surcharge is now in effect as of October 21, 2026.
The Taxi Fuel Surcharge Fee is based on the taxi meter fare before taxes, tolls, or additional expenses.
The fee structure is as follows:
- Taxi ride of $20.00 or less – $1.00 surcharge
- Taxi ride of $20.01 – $40.00 – $2.00 surcharge
- Taxi ride of $40.01 or more – $3.00 surcharge
The fuel surcharge is intended to offset surging gas prices, with the current average gas price in Chicago sitting at approximately $5.06 according to the AAA Fuel Prices tracker.
The last Chicago taxi fuel surcharge was in effect from June 1–June 23, 2026.
