Empty cabs have their numbers on top of the cab illuminated, while occupied cabs do not.
If you are traveling from one location in Midtown to another in Midtown, the ride will cost you about $5-7. A trip from Midtown to the downtown tip of the Island or to Uptown near Harlem will cost $10-15. A trip the whole length of the island from Downtown to Uptown will cost $20-25. A trip to one of the airports will cost about $35. If the cab driver is friendly, courteous and helps you with your luggage, it is customary to reward him or her with a few dollars as a tip.

The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission has excellent information on all aspects of riding a taxi in the city, and links to the Taxicab Rider Bill of Rights. The highlights: air conditioning on request, free use of the trunk, and a driver that knows the streets of Manhattan and major destinations in the other boroughs.

Be sure to always take your receipt, as it has the taxi’s medallion number on it. This can really help if you forget something in the cab!