You know that moment when you’re about to book a taxi, but you pause and think, “Hmm, how much will this trip actually cost me?” It’s a common question for anyone travelling locally. That’s why today, we’re talking about “How Much Do Taxis Charge Per Mile in Dunfermline & Fife?”
In simple words, taxis in Dunfermline and across Fife usually cost around £5.14 per mile during the day and £6.43 per mile at night, based on the official Fife Council fare rates. But there’s more to know, like when prices go up, how waiting time is charged, and what happens during holidays.
Let’s go through everything together so you’ll know exactly how taxi fares work in Dunfermline and the rest of Fife before you book your next ride.
Who Sets the Taxi Fares in Dunfermline & Fife?
Taxi fares in Dunfermline are set by Fife Council under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. That means every licensed taxi or private hire car in the Fife area (including Dunfermline) must follow the same fare structure.
So, no matter if you’re taking a taxi from Dunfermline to Glenrothes, or from Kirkcaldy to St Andrews, the rates are the same if the car has a taximeter fitted.
These fares are carefully reviewed and updated by Fife Council to make sure they’re fair for both passengers and drivers.
How Much Do Taxis Charge Per Mile in Dunfermline & Fife?
The latest approved taxi fares came into effect on 3rd June 2024. They include two main fare stages:
- one for daytime travel
- And one for night or long-distance travel.
Let’s go through them step by step.
Stage 1 – Daytime Fares (6:00 am to 10:00 pm)
If you’re travelling in Dunfermline & Fife during the day, here’s how the meter works:
- The first 600 yards (around 0.34 miles) costs £3.60.
- After that, every 150 yards (around 0.085 miles) adds £0.20.
Now, if we convert that to miles, here’s the easy math:
- 1 mile = 1760 yards.
- After the first 600 yards, you have 1160 yards left.
- That means roughly 7.7 segments of 150 yards, and 7.7 × £0.20 = £1.54.
So the total cost for one mile travel during the day is £3.60 + £1.54 = £5.14 per mile (approximately).
This rate applies anywhere in Fife, including Dunfermline, for normal daytime trips.
Stage 2 – Night Fares (10:00 pm to 6:00 am or Outside Fife)
If you’re travelling late at night or your journey goes outside the Fife boundary, a slightly higher fare applies.
- The first 600 yards cost £4.50.
- Then, every 150 yards adds £0.25.
Using the same calculation:
- After the first 600 yards, you have 1160 yards left, or 7.7 segments again.
- 7.7 × £0.25 = £1.93.
So, the total cost for one mile at night or outside Fife is £4.50 + £1.93 = £6.43 per mile (approximately).
That’s the typical nighttime rate or out-of-town rate you can expect when travelling from Dunfermline to another area.
Waiting Time Charges
Sometimes, traffic or waiting is unavoidable. If the taxi has to wait (for example, at traffic lights or when you’re running late), the meter still counts time. The waiting time charge is £0.20 for every 48 seconds, which equals roughly £15 per hour. This ensures Fife, including Dunfermline cab drivers, are fairly paid for their time, even when the car isn’t moving.
Looking for ways to spend less on taxis? See our write-up on how to save money on taxis in Dunfermline for easy tips and tricks.
Extra Charges During Holidays
Taxi rates also increase slightly during busy holidays like Christmas and New Year, when demand is high. Between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm on 25th, 26th December and 1st, 2nd January, and also 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Christmas Eve (24th) and New Year’s Eve (31st), the fare goes up by 50% on Stage 1 rates.
Between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am on 24th, 25th, 31st December and 1st January, the fare increases by 50% on Stage 2 rates.
So if your trip normally costs £10, it would be £15 during these times.
Other Possible Extra Charges
A few additional charges may apply in special cases:
- Excess luggage or abnormal load: Maximum £5.00 extra.
- Soiling charge: If someone soils or damages the taxi interior, the driver can charge £60.00 to cover cleaning costs.
These are standard across Fife and follow the council’s approved list of charges.
Besides, if you want to know the ultimate local’s guide to getting around Dunfermline by taxi, check out our full guide for tips on routes, timing, and local hacks.
Quick Taxi Fare Summary in Dunfermline & Fife
Here’s a simple summary to help you remember:
| Time / Condition | Fare per Mile (Approx.) | Applies To |
| Daytime (6 am–10 pm) | £5.14 per mile | All areas in Fife, including Dunfermline |
| Night (10 pm–6 am) | £6.43 per mile | Also applies to trips outside Fife |
| Christmas / New Year | +50% | Based on Stage 1 or Stage 2 fare |
| Waiting Time | £15 per hour | £0.20 per 48 seconds |
Do These Fares Apply to Dunfermline Only or All of Fife?
This fare structure applies to the entire Fife Council area, not just Dunfermline. That means taxis licensed by Fife Council, whether operating in Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes, St Andrews, or any nearby town, must all follow these same rates when their taximeter is in use.
So, even though you might book a Dunfermline taxi, the price per mile is the same as anywhere else in Fife.
How Das Taxis Can Help You Travel Easily in Dunfermline & Fife
Now that you know how much taxis charge per mile in Dunfermline and Fife, let’s talk about how we can actually help you. At Das Taxis, we keep everything simple and clear, just the way you like it. No hidden costs, no confusion. You always know what you’re paying for before the journey starts.
Need a quick ride to town, the station, or the airport? Just call us. We’re open all day and night. Our drivers are local, friendly, and know every road in Dunfermline and around Fife. So even if you’re in a hurry, we’ll find the fastest and safest way to get you there.
You can also book in advance if you have a flight or an early meeting. We’ll be there on time, waiting for you. We believe travel should be easy and stress-free.
So, next time you need a taxi, just give us a call. We’ll handle the rest and make sure your ride is smooth from start to finish.
Wrapping Up
So, hopefully, you’ve got the right answer to the question, “How Much Do Taxis Charge Per Mile in Dunfermline & Fife?” If you’re planning a trip within Dunfermline or anywhere in Fife, the taxi cost per mile is about £5.14 during the day and £6.43 at night. These fares are fair, transparent, and approved by Fife Council to make sure both drivers and passengers get a fair deal.
Next time you hop into a taxi, you’ll know exactly how the meter works and what the numbers mean. Simple, clear, and easy. Just the way it should be. Also, want to see the top-rated providers? Check out our post on the 10 best taxi companies in Dunfermline & Fife for trusted rides.