In 2026, Uber is generally 15% to 25% cheaper than a taxi in Melbourne for standard point-to-point city trips, but the gap narrows significantly during "Surge Pricing" events or for airport transfers. For a typical journey from the Melbourne CBD to the inner suburbs, an UberX might cost $25–$30, while a traditional 13CABS or Silver Top taxi would likely be $35–$40 due to the regulated metered rates and the flag fall fee. However, at Melbourne Airport (MEL), the dynamics have shifted; taxis now offer "fixed-price" zones for some CBD routes, and they can be found instantly at the ranks without waiting. In contrast, Uber users must pay a $5 airport "access fee" and occasionally face surge pricing that can make the ride more expensive than a taxi. Furthermore, taxis have the advantage of using bus lanes on major roads like the Eastern Freeway during peak hour, potentially making them faster. For the average traveler, Uber is the more budget-friendly daily choice, but for airport arrivals or rainy Friday nights when surge is 2.5x, the traditional "yellow cab" often becomes the more economical and reliable alternative.