Taxis in London: A Complete Visitor Guide
London has perhaps the most famous taxi service in the world - the black cab, or Hackney Carriage. Black cab drivers must pass The Knowledge, a famously gruelling exam requiring memorisation of every street and landmark within six miles of Charing Cross. Alongside the black cabs, private hire firms operate by pre-booking only, and rideshare apps have become a major part of the trade. Both black cabs and licensed private hire vehicles are regulated by Transport for London.
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Fare structure
Black cab fares are set by Transport for London and run on a meter that combines time and distance. Tariff 1 applies on weekdays during the day, Tariff 2 during weekday evenings and Saturdays, and Tariff 3 at night and on Sundays and public holidays. Heathrow Airport pickups carry a small extra charge. Private hire fares are quoted upfront by the operator.
Quick fare estimator for London. Enter your trip distance and approximate travel time. The result is a rough range based on typical meter rates - confirm with the driver or operator before you travel.
Airport transfers
Most visitors meet the London taxi trade at the airport. Here is what to expect on the typical airport-to-city run:
| Airport | Distance | Time | Approx fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow (LHR) | 15 mi | 50 min | £55-90 by black cab to central London |
| Gatwick (LGW) | 28 mi | 70 min | £90-140 by black cab to central London |
| Stansted (STN) | 35 mi | 70 min | £100-150 by black cab to central London |
| Luton (LTN) | 32 mi | 65 min | £90-130 by black cab to central London |
| London City (LCY) | 8 mi | 30 min | £35-55 by black cab to central London |
Tips for the airport run
- Tariff 1 (weekdays, 6am-8pm) is the cheapest; tariff 3 (nights and Sundays) is the most expensive.
- Heathrow runs are subject to a small airport pickup surcharge but no extra rate beyond that.
- Black cabs are wheelchair accessible by law - all of them.
- Tipping is modest in the UK: 10 to 15 percent or simply round up the fare is fine.
- Avoid touts - only use licensed black cabs (orange TfL roundel) or private hire booked through an app or a registered office.
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Booking and hailing
Below are the main licensed operators and apps used in London. Booking through one of these is the safest option, and ensures the driver is properly insured and licensed:
- Black cabs (street hail, rank or via the FreeNow app)
- Addison Lee
- ComCab
- Bolt
- Uber
Tipping in London
Tipping norms vary between countries. In London, a tip of 10 to 15 percent of the metered fare is customary though tipping in the UK is generally lighter than in the US. Tips on card readers usually offer quick-select buttons.
Common scams to watch for
Most licensed drivers in London are honest, but the same handful of scams appear in every major city. Knowing them keeps you out of trouble:
- Unlicensed minicabs touting outside nightclubs and stations - never accept an unbooked private hire ride.
- Drivers refusing card payment on black cabs - illegal since 2016; all black cabs must accept cards.
- Long-hauling tourists on routes a Londoner would know to be shorter.
Getting to the main attractions
The most common taxi routes in London go to and from the main visitor sights: the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, the City of London, Camden, Shoreditch. Distances within the central district are short and most fares run under £20 if there is no traffic - but bear in mind that journeys taking a long time in heavy traffic will rack up extra cost on the time-based portion of the meter.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a black cab from Heathrow to central London?
Roughly £55 to £90 depending on traffic, time of day and destination. The Heathrow Express train is much faster at around 15 minutes.
Can I hail a black cab on the street in London?
Yes, if the yellow 'TAXI' light on the roof is illuminated, the cab is available for hire.
Are London black cabs more expensive than Uber?
Usually yes, particularly during weekday surge-free periods. Black cabs win on driver knowledge, accessibility and reliability.
Do I have to tip a London cab driver?
Tipping is optional in the UK; 10 to 15 percent is generous, and rounding up to the nearest pound or two is standard.
Are black cabs accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, all black cabs licensed in London must be wheelchair accessible.
What is the difference between a black cab and a minicab in London?
Black cabs are licensed Hackney Carriages that can be hailed on the street, ply for trade at ranks, and use a regulated meter. Minicabs are private hire vehicles that can only be pre-booked through a licensed operator.
Local taxi companies
The London taxi trade is made up of dozens of licensed firms in addition to the major names listed above. If you operate a licensed taxi or private hire company in London and would like to be listed in this section, you can submit your business for inclusion.
A note on accuracy: Taxi rates change. The figures above are intended as rough guides only. Always confirm the meter rate or flat fare with your driver before setting off, and refer to the Transport for London (TfL) - Taxi and Private Hire for the official tariff.