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A short haul is a short taxi trip that starts at an airport or other transportation terminal. TLC's Chapter 51 defines it as "a trip that begins at certain transportation terminals and is less than ... a certain distance or time." The opposite, a long-haul, "begins at certain transportation terminals and is of at least a certain distance or time." Some airport taxi stands run separate lines for the two, and give drivers a ticket for one or the other.
Long-haul and short-haul lines
Rule 80-19(e)(3) of Chapter 80 applies "where an airport Taxi Stand offers both Long Haul and Short Haul lines, if there are Taxicabs available in both lines":
The fine is $100, with no points listed and no appearance required. In OATH's case data, no summons listed 80-19(e)(3) as its first charge from 2016 to October 12, 2026. It is on the books but, as far as that data shows, not written.
What the rules don't say
The rules also don't promise any special treatment for a driver who gets a short trip, such as a faster return to the line. If an airport offers something like that, it is the airport's practice, not a TLC rule.
Where you will see this term
- On a ticket or instruction from the airport taxi dispatcher at the stand.
- In TLC's taxi stand rules for airports, Rule 80-19(e), next to the feed line and taxi holding lot rules.
Common mix-ups
- "Short haul means I can refuse." No. Rule 80-20(a)(1) bars refusing a passenger to any destination in New York City, Westchester, Nassau or Newark Airport, and 80-20(a)(4) bars asking the destination before the passenger is seated. Both carry mandatory penalties starting at $350 if you plead guilty.
- "Short haul means a lower fare." No. A short trip from LaGuardia or from JFK to another borough is metered with the normal surcharges; only JFK–Manhattan is a flat fare. See is the JFK flat fare for Brooklyn and Queens?
- App drivers don't have haul lines; they get requests from the app's virtual queue.
How much airport trips pay on average, and how long they are: airport trip economics. When pickups peak: airport pickups by hour. Plan a trip: airport trip helper. Fees on airport trips: what is the airport fee on an Uber trip?
More: JFK Airport, NYC airport trip statistics and the airports topic.
Frequently asked questions
What is a short haul?
TLC Chapter 51 defines a Short Haul as a trip that begins at certain transportation terminals and is less than a certain distance or time. A Long-Haul is one of at least that distance or time.
How many miles is a short haul at JFK?
TLC's rules don't say. The definition refers only to "a certain distance or time". Ask the airport's taxi dispatch staff how the line you are in works.
What is the fine for taking the wrong kind of trip?
Rule 80-19(e)(3): where an airport stand offers both long-haul and short-haul lines and cabs are available in both, a driver with a short-haul ticket must not take a long-haul passenger, and the reverse. The fine is $100.
Can I refuse a short trip from the airport?
No. Refusing a passenger to a destination in New York City, or asking the destination before the passenger is seated, are refusals with mandatory penalties under Rule 80-20(a).
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC Rules Chapter 51: Definitions (PDF dated Oct 24, 2025) nyc.gov
- TLC Rules Chapter 80: Drivers, §80-19(e)(3) and §80-20 (PDF dated June 5, 2025) nyc.gov
- NYC Open Data: OATH Hearings Division Case Status (jz4z-kudi), queried Oct 12, 2026 data.cityofnewyork.us
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll check it against the official source.
TLC Help is not a law firm and is not affiliated with the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission or OATH. Explanations on this site are general information, not legal advice. Legal representation is provided by independent attorneys and OATH-registered representatives in our network.