Taxis are omnipresent in most towns and cities. Meters aren’t used, and there’s usually a going rate within a certain area. It may be tricky figuring out the going rate. US$0.75–1 usually gets you around within the downtown area of most towns. In Tegucigalpa taxis charge US$2–3 to most destinations and US$4 to the airport or to the park at El Pichacho, while US$3 should get you anywhere in San Pedro. For rides farther afield, expect to negotiate.

A good technique is to ask a local the prices before hailing a cab, or to reject the first cab and hail a second one, then compare prices.

Taxis are generally collective (colectivo) in Honduras, meaning they stop and pick up passengers along the way and drop them off according to whichever destination is closer. If you’re in a hurry and want a nonstop trip, tell the driver and expect to pay extra. Despite being paid in nothing but small change, a taxi driver almost certainly won’t have change to give you if you pay with a 500-lempira bill; make sure you have a note of 100 or less.

In San Pedro and Tegucigalpa, several colectivo taxis run fixed routes from a certain point downtown to the outskirts of the city, usually charging US$0.60 or so for the pleasure of being crammed in with four passengers and the driver.

Taxis are invariably found at the downtown square of any town or city, or at the bus station. If you hear someone honking at you as you walk through a town, more than likely it’s a taxi—the driver’s letting you know he’s free if you’re looking for a ride.