Taxicab stand

A taxi rank, often also called a taxi stand, or taxi post or holding post for taxi drivers, is a waiting area for taxis, marked by appropriate traffic signs, where passengers can board. Taxi stands are usually located at interchanges and other central points, such as train stations, airports or places close to the city centre, for example pedestrian zones.

At taxi ranks with a high volume of passengers, there are usually rear stands set up. This is usually within sight of the actual taxi rank. In exceptional cases, such as at Berlin's Tegel Airport, the use of the rear stand and the associated taxi rank is subject to a charge.

The designated areas may not be used by other road users for parking or stopping and are therefore given their own signage. In Germany, for example, the marking is made with the traffic sign no. 229 StVO Taxenstand (a regulatory sign).

In order to avoid longer waiting times at taxi stands, in some cases so-called taxi call boxes are located at the taxi stand. The number and importance of call boxes has decreased due to the spread of mobile phones, taxi apps and automatic switching.