Grand Theft Auto III
Grand Theft Auto III

Taxi Missions

Master Taxi Missions in Grand Theft Auto III. Complete 100 fares across Liberty City to earn cash and learn the streets as a cabbie.

Taxi Missions

Ready to earn some honest (or not-so-honest) cash in Liberty City? The Taxi Driver side mission is a fantastic way to rack up money early in the game and provides a great way to learn the city's layout. You'll need to complete a total of 100 fares to fully complete this mission, which can be done across multiple sessions.

Getting Started

To begin your career as a taxi driver, you first need to acquire a taxi. There are several ways to do this:

  • Steal one: The most common method. Look for yellow cabs driving around Portland, Staunton Island, or Shoreside Vale. Simply hijack one like any other vehicle.
  • Find a parked taxi: Taxis often spawn in specific locations. A reliable spot in Portland is near the Portland Docks, close to Joey Leone's garage. Another can be found in the parking lot of the hospital in Staunton Island.

Once you're in a taxi, activate the mission by pressing the designated button (usually the right analog stick or a specific D-pad button, depending on your platform). A timer will appear, and your first passenger will be marked on your radar.

Mission Mechanics and Strategy

The core of Taxi Missions is simple: pick up a passenger, drive them to their destination, and drop them off. However, there are several nuances to maximize your earnings and efficiency:

Picking Up Passengers

  • Follow the Radar: Your radar will display a pink icon indicating your passenger's location. Drive to them quickly.
  • Stop Close: Park your taxi as close as possible to the passenger. They will then enter your vehicle.

Driving the Fare

  • Follow the Blip: Once the passenger is in, a blue blip will appear on your radar, marking their destination.
  • Mind the Timer: Each fare has a timer. While generous, driving recklessly and crashing can waste precious seconds.
  • Avoid Damage: Try to keep your taxi in good condition. Excessive damage can make your vehicle less reliable and may even cause it to explode, failing the mission. If your taxi is heavily damaged, consider finding a Pay 'n' Spray or switching to a new taxi after dropping off your current fare.
  • Speed Bonuses: Delivering passengers quickly will often net you a small bonus on top of the base fare.
  • Evasive Maneuvers: Some passengers might be wanted by the police or have enemies. If you see red blips on your radar or hear sirens, be prepared to drive defensively.

Dropping Off Passengers

  • Stop in the Zone: Drive into the yellow marker at the destination to drop off your passenger.
  • Collect Your Cash: You'll receive your payment, and a new passenger will immediately appear on your radar if you wish to continue.

Tips for Success

  • Know the City: Familiarity with Liberty City's streets, shortcuts, and bridge locations (Callahan Bridge, Shoreside Lift Bridge) is crucial for efficient driving.
  • Prioritize Repairs: If your taxi is smoking or heavily damaged, head to a Pay 'n' Spray. There's one in Portland near the docks, another in Staunton Island in Newport, and one in Shoreside Vale in Pike Creek.
  • Switch Taxis: Don't be afraid to ditch a damaged taxi for a fresh one if a Pay 'n' Spray is too far or you're in a hurry. Just exit your current taxi and find another.
  • Save Regularly: If you're going for the 100 fares in one go, save your game periodically. You don't want to lose progress due to an unexpected explosion or police chase.
  • Listen to the Radio: Enjoy the tunes! It helps pass the time during longer sessions.

Rewards

Completing 100 fares in the Taxi Driver mission unlocks the Borgnine Taxi as a permanent spawn at the Borgnine Taxis depot in Harwood, Portland. This taxi is more durable than standard taxis, making future taxi missions or general transportation much easier.