Is this the correct trip?
Verify both addresses, the selected service, and your passenger or package needs. Compare quotes for the same trip.
THE HALEN GUIDE / 02
PRICING EXPLAINED
No surge.
Less guesswork.
A busy night should not require a pricing lesson. Here is what Halen’s planned no-surge model means—and what to check before you ride.
THE DISTINCTION
No surge is not
one price for every ride.
Halen’s planned pricing removes the demand-based surge multiplier. It does not mean every route has the same fare or that every possible charge disappears.
Compare the full trip total.
A fare headline does not tell you everything. Review the full amount for your specific journey, including applicable fees, tolls, taxes, and any optional tip.
Halen’s booking fee is $3.95 per ride, added to the fare even when the minimum fare applies. Scheduled rides also carry a reservation fee of $5 to $12, depending on the vehicle category; see Schedule a Ride. For cancellation charges, see Cancellations, Waiting & Trip Changes.
KNOW WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING AT
Four parts worth understanding.
| Item | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Ride fare | The amount for the ride itself. Halen’s driver model lets drivers keep 100% of this fare, minus third-party fees. |
| Booking or service fees | Separate platform charges may form part of the rider’s total. Check the breakdown, not just the fare. |
| Tolls, taxes & location charges | Depending on your trip and applicable rules, additional charges may apply. No surge does not mean toll-free or tax-free. |
| Tip | A voluntary thank-you. Review any tip you choose separately from the ride and mandatory charges. |
BEFORE YOU CONFIRM
Three questions to ask.
What is included?
Read the full breakdown and the conditions of any credit or promotion. Look for which charges it covers and when it expires.
What happens if plans change?
Read the cancellation, waiting, stop, and destination-change rules before confirming. These are separate from surge pricing.
TAXI FARES IN PHILADELPHIA
Taxi trips use the city’s official rates.
Taxi fares in Philadelphia are set by the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA). Fares are per cab, not per person, and tips are not included.
| Charge | PPA rate |
|---|---|
| Flag drop | $2.70 for the first 1/10 mile or part of it. |
| Distance | $0.30 for each additional 1/10 mile or part of it ($3.00 per mile). |
| Waiting time | $0.30 for each 37.6 seconds. |
| Center City to the airport | $32.00 flat rate per one-way trip, regardless of the number of passengers. |
| Airport to Center City | $32.00 flat rate for one passenger, plus $1.00 for each additional passenger over age 12. |
| Airport egress fee | $1.50, added to metered fares leaving the airport. Not added to the Center City flat rate. |
| Airport minimum fare | $13.00 for trips starting at an airport cabstand, including the egress fee. |
| Fuel surcharge | Set monthly by the PPA and added to each trip. |
| Tolls | Paid by the rider. One-way tolls, such as the bridges to New Jersey, apply in either direction. Tolls charged each way are doubled for the return trip. |
| Luggage | No extra charge for items that fit safely in the vehicle. |
The Center City flat-rate zone runs between the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers from Washington Avenue to Fairmount Avenue, plus part of University City west of the Schuylkill. Rates can change; see the current PPA taxicab tariff.
STRAIGHT ANSWERS
Pricing questions.
Will Halen always be cheaper than another app?
That is not a guarantee. Compare the total price for the same route and service when you are ready to travel. Halen’s distinction is its planned no-surge model and driver subscription approach.
Are rider subscriptions required?
The subscription model is for drivers: $199 per week for platform access plus $88 per week for commercial insurance, with no monthly option. Customers can pay using all major credit cards.
Where are the exact rates and cancellation fees?
See cancellation guidance and payments and ride credits. Review the price and applicable waiting information for your booking.
Waiting and payment basics.
The booking fee is $3.95 per ride, added separately to the fare, including any minimum fare. Customers can use all major credit cards. Drivers pay processing fees and keep 100% of tips, minus third-party fees. See Payments, Credits & Receipts.
Waiting is free for the first two minutes at pickup and final drop-off. At intermediate stops, charging starts on arrival. See waiting rates and examples.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore the new everyday guides: commuting, travel, family rides, business deliveries, and more ↗