Booking taxis for a group of five or more in Melbourne usually means splitting into multiple vehicles, coordinating arrival times and paying separate flag falls. A maxi taxi removes that problem. Silver Taxi operates maxi taxis across SE Melbourne for group airport runs, family transfers, sports teams and corporate travel. One vehicle, one booking, one metered fare.
What Is a Maxi Taxi?
A maxi taxi is a licensed taxi vehicle approved by Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria (CPVV) to carry more passengers than a standard taxi seating four. In Victoria, maxi taxis are typically large SUVs, people movers or wagons configured to seat between 7 and 11 passengers. They operate under the same metered tariff as standard taxis, with a $16 maxi surcharge applied to the total fare for every trip.
Both standard taxis and maxi taxis are regulated by CPVV. Drivers hold the same accreditation and vehicles pass the same inspection standards.
Silver Taxi’s Maxi Fleet
Silver Taxi’s maxi vehicles are large SUVs and people movers operating across SE Melbourne. They carry up to 11 passengers and are suited to groups with significant luggage, sports equipment or prams. All vehicles are licensed by CPVV.
Bookings can be made for immediate departure or scheduled in advance for airport runs, events and business travel. For large groups or trips that require a specific pickup time, advance booking is recommended.
Maxi Taxi Pricing in Melbourne
The meter runs on the standard Victorian taxi tariff: $9.90 flag fall plus $2.20 per kilometre. A $16 maxi surcharge is added to the metered total for every maxi taxi trip. The minimum fare is $39.90.
On Friday and Saturday nights between 10pm and 4am, Tariff 3 applies and the per kilometre rate increases to $2.34. The $16 maxi surcharge still applies on top of the Tariff 3 rate.
For a group sharing the fare, a maxi taxi is almost always cheaper per person than two standard cabs.
Example Fares: SE Melbourne to Melbourne Airport
These are approximate fares based on the metered rate plus the $16 maxi surcharge. Actual fares vary depending on the precise pickup address, traffic conditions and the route taken.
| Pickup Suburb | Approx. Base Fare | Maxi Surcharge | Approx. Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dandenong | ~$105 | $16 | ~$121 |
| Cranbourne | ~$120 | $16 | ~$136 |
| Frankston | ~$145 | $16 | ~$161 |
A $4.50 airport pickup surcharge applies to return trips collected from Melbourne Airport terminals. For maxi taxi Melbourne airport to city runs in the reverse direction, no airport surcharge applies.
When a Maxi Taxi Makes Sense
Maxi taxis are the right call for:
- Family airport trips with multiple suitcases, a pram and young children
- Group sports travel between SE Melbourne suburbs and venues in the CBD or city fringe
- Corporate groups moving between a hotel, office or conference centre and an airport
- Extended families attending an event who want to travel in one vehicle
- Late night groups on Tariff 3 nights where one maxi is cheaper than two standard cabs with separate surcharges
For a group of five or six, splitting the maxi fare means each person often pays less than a solo standard taxi would cost.
Maxi Taxi vs Booking Multiple Standard Cabs
A standard taxi carries four passengers and a limited amount of luggage. Booking two standard taxis for six passengers means two separate flag falls, two metered fares and the risk of one car arriving significantly before the other. A maxi taxi keeps the group together in one vehicle, arrives at the destination at the same time and in most cases costs less in total.
For groups with large amounts of luggage, prams or sports bags, confirm boot space at booking. Our team will match your group to the appropriate vehicle.
How to Book a Maxi Taxi in SE Melbourne
Call 0412 456 588 or email book@silver-taximelbourne.com.au to book. Tell us:
– Number of passengers
– Amount of luggage (bags, prams, equipment)
– Pickup suburb and address
– Destination (including terminal if airport)
– Preferred pickup time
We cover SE Melbourne including Dandenong, Frankston, Cranbourne, Springvale, Clayton, Carrum and surrounding suburbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many passengers can a maxi taxi take in Melbourne?
In Melbourne, a maxi taxi is licensed to carry between 7 and 11 passengers depending on the vehicle model and configuration. Standard taxis are limited to four passengers in the rear seat plus the front passenger seat. Maxi taxis use large people movers, SUVs or wagons with additional seating rows to accommodate larger groups.
Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria sets the licensing standards for maxi taxis and specifies the maximum passenger load for each approved vehicle. The actual capacity depends on the specific vehicle dispatched to your booking.
When booking a maxi taxi with Silver Taxi, tell us your exact passenger count so we can confirm the vehicle assigned to your trip has enough seats. For groups of more than 11 passengers, two vehicles are the better option. For groups travelling with significant luggage, strollers or sports equipment, mention this at booking so we can match you to the right vehicle configuration. Call 0412 456 588 to confirm.
Does a maxi taxi cost more than a regular taxi in Melbourne?
Yes. Maxi taxis in Melbourne carry a $16 surcharge that is added to the metered fare for every trip. The base meter rate is the same as a standard taxi: $9.90 flag fall plus $2.20 per kilometre, with a minimum fare of $39.90. The $16 surcharge is applied on top of the metered total.
As an example, a standard taxi trip from Dandenong to Melbourne Airport costs approximately $105. The same trip in a maxi taxi costs approximately $121 with the surcharge included.
For a group of five or more passengers, the maxi taxi is almost always the better value option. Two standard taxis for six passengers would incur two separate flag falls and two metered fares. One maxi taxi covers the same group for a single flag fall, one metered fare and one $16 surcharge. Call 0412 456 588 for a fare estimate specific to your trip.
How much is a maxi taxi from SE Melbourne to the airport?
Maxi taxi fares from SE Melbourne to Melbourne Airport are calculated on the standard taxi meter plus a $16 maxi surcharge. Approximate totals from common SE suburbs are as follows.
From Dandenong: approximately $121 ($105 base plus $16 surcharge). From Frankston: approximately $161 ($145 base plus $16 surcharge). From Cranbourne: approximately $136 ($120 base plus $16 surcharge).
These estimates are based on the metered rate of $9.90 flag fall plus $2.20 per kilometre. Actual fares may vary depending on the precise pickup address, traffic and the route taken. A $4.50 airport pickup surcharge applies to return trips collected from Melbourne Airport terminals.
On Friday and Saturday nights between 10pm and 4am, Tariff 3 applies and the per kilometre rate increases to $2.34. The $16 maxi surcharge still applies. For a precise estimate, call 0412 456 588 and give us your pickup suburb and travel time.
What is the difference between a maxi taxi and a regular taxi in Melbourne?
A regular taxi in Melbourne is licensed to carry up to four passengers in the rear plus the front seat. A maxi taxi is licensed to carry between 7 and 11 passengers depending on the vehicle model. Both types operate on the same metered fare structure: $9.90 flag fall plus $2.20 per kilometre. The maxi taxi carries an additional $16 surcharge applied on top of the metered total.
In terms of vehicle type, a standard taxi is typically a standard sedan. A maxi taxi is a larger vehicle, commonly a wagon, large SUV or people mover with multiple seating rows and significantly more boot space for luggage and prams.
Both types are licensed and regulated by Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria. Both run on the same tariff schedule, including Tariff 3 on Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm to 4am. To book a maxi taxi in SE Melbourne, call 0412 456 588.
