How Much Does a Maxi Cab Cost in Melbourne?

An 11-seat maxi cab is not priced by a separate mystery formula. It runs on the same regulated Victorian meter as any taxi — flag fall, a per-kilometre rate above 21 km/h, a per-minute rate below it — with a higher rate applied for the larger vehicle. The useful question is not 'is a maxi more expensive than a sedan', it is 'what does it cost per person'.

One maxi versus two or three sedans

For a group of seven to eleven, the alternative to one maxi is two or three separate cars — meaning two or three flag falls, two or three sets of tolls, and two or three fares for the full distance. On a long run like Dandenong or Berwick to Melbourne Airport, one maxi is almost always the cheaper total, and it keeps the group together.

What adds to a maxi fare

• Tolls — CityLink and EastLink where the route uses them.
• Melbourne Airport pickup fee on terminal collections.
• Booking fee for pre-booked trips.
• Rate band — overnight and Friday/Saturday late-night bands are higher, same as any taxi.
• Waiting time if the vehicle is held at the kerb.

Capacity, honestly

Eleven seats does not mean eleven large suitcases. A maxi comfortably takes eleven passengers with hand luggage, or around nine large checked bags with fewer passengers. If your group is eleven people with a big case each, tell us when booking and we will send a maxi plus a second vehicle rather than let you discover the problem at the kerb.

Book ahead for maxis

There are far fewer 11-seat vehicles on the road than sedans, so a maxi is the one booking you should not leave to the last hour — especially for early-morning airport runs, cruise days at Station Pier and weekend events. A day's notice is usually enough; for a 4am pickup, book the night before.

SE Premium Cabs operates maxi cabs across Melbourne's south east, east and airport suburbs, 24 hours a day. Call 0493 100 265 or book online for an upfront estimate.