Translation guide
The minimum or starting price for a transportation service, before extras like distance, time, or surcharges.
The initial charge that appears on the meter as soon as you get in a taxi or ride-hailing vehicle.
Standard term for the base fare of a taxi. Literally 'first-ride fare'.
The taxi base fare is 500 yen.
Also common, using 料金 (fee/charge) instead of 運賃 (fare). Slightly more general.
How much is the base fare?
Shortened form often used in conversation or signs. Can mean 'base fare' or 'first ride' depending on context.
Base fare from 500 yen.
The lowest possible fare for a bus, train, or other scheduled service, often for the shortest distance.
The starting price of an airline ticket or travel package before taxes, fees, and surcharges.
初乗り運賃 is specifically the initial charge for taxis (and sometimes short-distance trains/buses). 基本運賃 is the base fare before extras, commonly used for flights and long-distance travel. Using 初乗り for an airline ticket would sound odd.
Taxis have a high base fare.
The base fare for the plane ticket is cheap, but the taxes are high.
What's the base fare for a taxi in Tokyo?
The base fare doesn't include the airport tax.
Also used for trains and buses, though more typical for taxis.
The base fare for JR is 140 yen.