GTA 5 Taxi Driver Side Mission Walkthrough
The Taxi Driver side mission in Grand Theft Auto V lets players step into the shoes of a cabbie, picking up fares around Los Santos for quick cash and a change of pace from the usual story heists. Whether you want a break from chaos or aim to unlock special rewards, this guide covers everything you need to know to become the city’s best taxi driver.
How to Start Taxi Driver Missions in GTA 5
Starting a taxi mission in GTA 5 is effortless. Simply enter any taxi vehicle (look for the yellow cabs parked near the Downtown Cab Co. or cruising city streets) and press the horn button to activate the mission. A customer will be flagged on your map, and your task is to pick them up and deliver them to their requested destination as safely and quickly as possible[3].
All three protagonists—Michael, Franklin, and Trevor—can participate in taxi missions. However, only Franklin can purchase the Downtown Cab Co. property, unlocking unique private fares and special side quests for extra rewards[3].
Step-by-Step Walkthrough: Picking Up and Dropping Off Fares
- Find a Taxi: Approach a taxi vehicle and enter it.
- Activate the Mission: Press the horn button (usually ‘E’ on PC, or Left Stick on consoles) to start taxi work.
- Pick Up the Customer: Drive to the highlighted location on your map to collect your passenger.
- Take Them to Their Destination: Follow the GPS route, but drive carefully—your fare payout depends on time and vehicle condition. The faster and safer the trip, the higher your reward[1][3].
- Repeat: After drop-off, you’ll quickly receive another fare offer. Accept it to keep the chain going and maximize your earnings.
Beware: Passengers may sometimes try to skip out on payment. If this happens, you can chase them down to reclaim your cash, but this isn’t required for every mission[3].
Tips for Maximizing Your Taxi Driver Earnings
- Drive Safely: Damage to your cab reduces your tip. Avoid collisions and reckless driving.
- Be Fast, But Not Furious: Speed matters, but so does safety. Find a balance to maximize fare payouts.
- Chain Missions: Completing multiple fares in a row boosts your total rewards. Don’t exit the taxi or cancel the chain unless necessary[1].
- Track Progress: After each drop-off, a notification appears above your map showing completed fares. If you quit the chain, your progress resets for bonus streaks[1].
- Protection: Taxis offer minimal protection from gunfire, so watch out for trouble, especially in certain neighborhoods[1].
Special Fares and Unique Missions
While basic taxi missions are repeatable, purchasing Downtown Cab Co. as Franklin opens up a series of special fares with unique requirements and higher payouts. These missions include quirky customers, multi-stop fares, and even criminal escapades.
- Liz: Drive a young woman to her destination. Complete it once to unlock her as a contact and earn extra cash[5].
- Three Businessmen: A group fare with multiple drop-offs and a potential tip over $500[5].
- Bank Robbery Fare: Pick up and help escape a banker involved in a heist for a larger reward[2].
The full list includes over ten unique missions after purchasing the cab company, each with its own challenges and golden requirements for 100% completion[2].
Taxi Work in GTA Online
GTA Online introduced expanded taxi work, including streak bonuses, fare chains, and special VIP fares. Completing 50 fares can unlock additional rewards and reduce cooldown times for taxi missions. Some fares might change destinations mid-ride or request far-off locations for bigger tips and challenges[1][4].
VIP and CEO fares are rare and lucrative, offering tips up to $30,000 or more for a single ride. These special fares add variety and excitement to the otherwise straightforward side missions[4].
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is Taxi Driver required for 100% completion?
No. Taxi missions are optional and not required for GTA 5’s 100% completion[3]. -
Can all protagonists do taxi work?
Yes, but only Franklin can purchase Downtown Cab Co. for special fares[3]. -
How is payment calculated?
Fare amount is based on distance, time, and the condition of your taxi upon arrival[1][3]. -
What happens if a passenger skips payment?
You can pursue and eliminate them to recover your money, but this is optional[3].
Watch: GTA Online Official Taxi Work Money Guide
For practical tips and a full visual walkthrough, check out this recent and popular guide below: