Crazy Taxi is an arcade-like racer where the player takes the role of a taxi driver who weaves his way through crowded streets, across sidewalks, and even underwater, in a wild and frantic race to deliver passengers on time. The courses are largely set inside cities crowded with general traffic and pedestrians. The main goal is to bring as many customers as possible to their destination in time. Available customers are marked through circles and the color represents the distance and the fare they offer. Green means long rides with plenty of money, and red ones are very short.
In the game, there is a timer that runs down quickly. It can be replenished by picking up customers. While driving, players are encouraged to disregard all traffic rules and take reckless maneuvers. Customers give extra tips for speedy and dangerous driving, but these can only be cashed when the customer arrives at their destination in time. The reward at the end of a ride is based on the amount of time left, with each customer having its own personal timer.
The game has two main modes: Arcade mode and Original mode, as well as a Crazy Box mode where specific goals need to be met on closed-down courses. In the regular modes, players can play for a fixed amount of minutes without the usual timer. At the end of the race, the player is rewarded with a license, ranging from D to A, with S for outstanding performance. The game also features four cabs and drivers to choose from, each with different statistics and attitudes while racing.
The Crazy Taxi Gamecube version includes a soundtrack featuring The Offspring and Bad Religion. Overall, the game is an arcade-like racer that emphasizes speed and reckless driving, with a focus on delivering passengers on time.