Is a London taxi just an iconic black car? Don't be fooled by appearances! In the capital of Great Britain, the choice of means of transport under the "TAXI" brand is much wider - from iconic black cabs, through private minicabs, to exclusive limousines booked via apps.
In this article you will learn what the differences are between them, how not to overpay for the course and why the Knowledge of London exam is still feared.
Looking for convenient transport from Heathrow or want to understand London taxi prices? Read this before you book your ride – it could save you a lot of pounds (and nerves).
What types of taxis are there in London?
London is a city wheretaxis are more than just a means of transport – they are a true part of the urban landscape and culture. If you’re planning to get around the UK’s capital, it’s worth knowing the differences between the different types of taxis in London . Here are the most important ones:
Black cab - the official London taxi
It is an icon of the city, often referred to as the London black cab . Although the name suggests only black color, many vehicles today are decorated with advertisements or paint in other colors. Their characteristic feature is the illuminated "TAXI" sign on the roof - if it is lit, the taxi is free.
Black cab drivers must pass the legendary Knowledge of London exam, which requires perfect knowledge of 25,000 streets and hundreds of routes within a 6-mile radius of Charing Cross. Each of them is licensed by Transport for London , which guarantees a high level of safety and professionalism.
Black cabs can be hailed on the street, used for a taxi rank, or ordered by phone or app. Only they are allowed to bear the official "Taxi" sign on their doors – this is the London taxi that is most familiar to tourists and locals.
Minicab - private taxi on request
Minicabs are private taxis that you have to book in advance – they are not allowed to pick up passengers off the street. They operate on a pre-booked basis, and the price of the ride is set in advance or calculated by an app, such as Uber or Bolt.
Although they don’t pass the ‘Knowledge’ test, minicab drivers must also hold a TfL licence (known as a PCO Licence ) and meet health and criminal record requirements. Before getting in, make sure the vehicle has a yellow licence sticker and the driver is wearing an ID badge.
Minicabs are a good choice if you want a fixed price and want to book a ride via an app – but remember: you can only take a taxi off the street with a licensed black cab!
Hackney carriage - licensed street taxis
This is the formal name for taxis that can legally pick up passengers off the street – black cabs in London. The term hackney carriage has its roots in the days of horse-drawn carriages and today refers to any vehicle licensed to carry passengers “on demand.”
In London, all Hackney Carriages must be licensed by Transport for London and drivers are required to pass a Knowledge of London test. Outside London, such licenses are issued by local authorities and the vehicles themselves may appear as ordinary sedans with a "TAXI" badge.
If a London taxi has a hackney carriage license, you can be sure that the driver knows the city like the back of his hand and can legally give you a lift even for a short distance without a prior booking.
What are the fares and charges for London taxis?
Planning to take a taxi around the capital of Great Britain? It is worth familiarizing yourself with the tariff system in advance, so that you do not get surprised when you get there. Below you will find everything you need to know about taxi prices in London.
Day, evening and night tariffs - hours of validity and rates
In London taxis (mainly black cabs ) there are three main fares, which depend on the time of day and week:
Tariff one (daily) – the cheapest option, valid on weekdays from 05:00 to 20:00.
Tariff two (evening and weekend) – valid on weekdays from 20:00 to 22:00 and on Saturdays and Sundays from 05:00 to 22:00.
Night tariff – the most expensive tariff, valid from 22:00 to 05:00 and around the clock on public holidays.
Rates are calculated based on distance traveled and travel time (e.g. when you're stuck in a traffic jam). This means that the price can vary even for the same route - it all depends on traffic conditions and travel time.
Entry fee and prices depending on distance
Every London black cab ride starts with a starting fee , which in 2024 is £3.80. After about 6 miles (or about 9.6 km), the rate for each additional mile increases – this is to compensate drivers for further trips.
In 2025, an update is planned - the entry fee will increase to £4.20, and prices are to increase by an average of 7.5%. In practice, the cost of a 1-mile ride will be between £4 and £5.12, depending on the fare and time of day.
This means that for a 4-mile route you will pay approximately £20 to £34, and for a 2-mile route – £11.60 to £19.60. It is worth knowing these ranges to be able to calculate the realistic cost of the journey .
Hidden Fees and Extra Costs to Watch Out For
London taxis have a few extra fees that can catch unprepared passengers by surprise. Here are some to know:
Bookings by phone or app may incur a charge of up to £2.
From Heathrow Airport ? Add £2 for parking and £5.20 for Terminal Drop-Off Charge. If you want to avoid this charge, you can ask to be dropped off at the free car park and use the shuttle bus.
No extra charges for luggage or extra passengers – that's a big plus! Unlike many other cities, taxi fares in London include all people and suitcases (within the limits of the vehicle's capacity, of course).
Vehicle dirt ? The driver has the right to add up to £60 for cleaning, if, for example, a passenger leaves an unpleasant surprise after a party…
By knowing the above rules, it will be easier for you to avoid unpleasant surprises and consciously assess the cost of a taxi before getting in the car. This is especially important if you are interested in the prices of London trips and you want to plan your budget wisely.
How to order a taxi in London?
Wondering how to most conveniently catch a taxi in London ? You have several options – from the traditional wave of a hand, through phone booking, to modern apps. Here's how it works in practice.
Mobile Apps and Online Booking
In the smartphone era, ordering a taxi in London is quick and intuitive. The most popular apps include:
Uber – lets you order a minicab at a set price. It works 24/7 and shows an estimated arrival time.
Bolt – works similarly to Uber, often offers promotions and lower rates.
FREE NOW – allows you to order both a private taxi and a licensed black cab . Shows the price from a taximeter or a flat rate.
Gett – specializes in black taxis , perfect for those who appreciate the classics.
Addison Lee – premium service, with van and limousine bookings. Ideal for airport transfers and corporate services.
Don't forget about the official Transport for London tools, such as Cabwise SMS or the local search engine for licensed carriers.
If you plan on taking a black taxi , remember: you can also hail one from the street, as long as the yellow "TAXI" sign on the roof lights up. Minicabs - like Uber or Bolt - always require a pre-order.
Card payment and other forms of payment
In every London black cab you can pay by card - it's mandatory. Most vehicles have a contactless terminal, so just use your card, phone or smartwatch (Apple Pay, Google Pay).
In applications such as Uber, Bolt or FREE NOW, payment is automatic – funds are debited from the card linked to the account. You can also receive a VAT invoice (e.g. for a corporate ride with Addison Lee) or an e-receipt by email.
It's also worth knowing that a black cab driver will issue a paper receipt from the taximeter upon request. Some apps also allow you to pay cash, but you must select this option before ordering.
If you want to have control over the final price of your ride , it's better to choose a service with a fixed price in advance - a minicab. London offers transport in every form - you choose what suits you best.
Transfers to and from London airports
One of the most common reasons to take a taxi in London is foran airport transfer . Whether you’re flying into Heathrow , Gatwick , Luton or Stansted , there are both black cabs and minicabs available.
Transfer from Heathrow Airport to Central London
Heathrow Airport is the UK's largest airport and is just 15 miles from central London . Journey times are typically 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
If you’re taking a London black cab , you’ll find one at the official ranks outside each terminal. You don’t need to book anything – just follow the signs saying ‘Taxi’. The average fare to the city centre is around £50–£80, but can be as much as £100+ during peak times.
The bill includes £2 for airport parking and an additional £5.20 for driving up to the terminal (Terminal Drop-Off Charge).
If you want a set price, a minicab is a good option—from companies like Addison Lee, Uber, or Bolt. The app will give you an estimated fare , and the driver will pick you up at a designated location—usually a short-term parking lot.
Airport Transfers: Gatwick, Luton, Stansted
London Gatwick Airport (about 30 miles south of the city centre): Taxi journey time 60–80 minutes. Black cabs are rare, but local minicabs or apps like Uber and Bolt are available. Average fares are £60–£100.
London Luton Airport (approx. 55 km north): the journey takes around 75 minutes, up to 90 minutes in heavy traffic. Prices start at £70. The best option here is a private taxi on request – you can book a Polish taxi or use an app.
London Stansted Airport (40 miles north-east): Journey time is 80–100 minutes on average. Due to the distance, a black cab can cost £100–£120. Many passengers choose minicabs , which offer fixed rates and pick-up from the arrivals hall.
If you care about convenience, a set price and the possibility of contact with the driver - we recommend passenger transport services using an application or online booking. It is worth checking whether the price includes all additional costs , especially at airports.
Whether you choose a classic English taxi or a modern minicab , remember - London offers transport tailored to your needs and budget.
Additional services offered by taxi companies
Taxis in London are not just about single journeys from A to B. Many companies also offer comprehensive passenger transport services – ideal for special occasions, corporate events or daily transport of employees.
Transport of organized groups and event service
Organising a wedding, hen party or a large group of friends? London offers group transport with companies such as Addison Lee, who have a fleet of vans and minibuses that can accommodate from 6 to 8 people.
Taxi Galaxy London or Addison Lee allow you to book several vehicles at once - ideal for families, tourist groups or conference participants. For larger events, a transport coordinator is also offered, who supervises the transport and helps on site.
Galaxy London organises hundreds of trips in a single day – for example during London Fashion Week or major sporting events. So if you’re planning an important event, it’s worth using the services of a company that knows transport logistics.
Transport for companies and corporations
Many London businesses use the corporate account option with their chosen taxi network. This allows them to book passenger transport services on an invoice, with monthly billing and no need to pay for each trip.
There is also no shortage of Polish taxi companies – for example, Polish Taxi Galaxy serves individual and business clients, offering, among others, transfers to London Luton Airport , London Stansted Airport , or London Heathrow Airport .
The offer for companies includes VIP packages – limousine rides, a chauffeur in a suit, a fixed price for the transport service and full customer service 24/7. They are often used by corporations that value punctuality and quality.
Thanks to flexible solutions and the ability to customize the offer, Galaxy or Addison Lee taxi services are a convenient and safe solution - not only for individual customers, but also for entire teams and large companies.
How to estimate the cost of a taxi ride in London
Planning a city trip or airport transfer and wondering how much it will cost? Check out how to calculate the cost of a trip depending on the route, time and type of vehicle - because the cost of a taxi in London can vary a lot.
Factors influencing the final price
The price of a London taxi is influenced by several important factors:
Tariff – as you already know, there are three time zones (day, evening and night), and each has different rates. During peak hours or at night, you will pay more.
Distance – the further you go, the more you pay. After 6 miles in a black cab, the rate per mile increases.
Journey time – in traffic jams the taximeter charges for the time you are standing, not just the distance. A 2 mile journey could cost £12 or £18 – it all depends on the conditions.
Supply and demand – especially in apps like Uber and Bolt, where dynamic pricing applies. On Friday night or after a concert, the price can increase several times.
Origin and destination location – for example, a flight from Heathrow Airport has an airport tax added to it, while routes outside London may be charged at a flat rate.
Additional services – a larger vehicle, a child seat, or unusual requests may affect the final bill.
It's worth knowing these variables before you estimate the final price of your ride .
Example prices and methods of calculating the cost of travel
Here are some examples to help you better understand taxi prices :
1 mile in a black cab: from £7.60 (day rate) to even £13 (night rate).
2 miles: approximately £12–£20.
4 miles: £20 to £34 depending on time.
6 miles: up to £40.
In the case of apps like Uber or Bolt, the price is set in advance – so it’s often worth comparing it with a taximeter. You can do this using the FREE NOW or Gett apps, which show both the minicab and black cab prices at the same time.
If you want to quickly estimate the cost of your trip , we recommend online calculators, such as Taxi-Calculator.com – you enter your starting and destination location, and the tool shows you an estimated amount.
You can also check the current London taxi fares and find out how much a specific route may cost.
Don't forget to tip too - it's not mandatory, but it's appreciated. Most often, passengers round up the price to the nearest pound or leave around 10%.
Once you know these rules, you can plan your budget for visiting London with confidence – no surprises.
Driver requirements and passenger safety
Safety and professionalism are the foundations of London taxis – it is not without reason that they are considered to be among the best in the world. However, before someone gets behind the wheel of a taxi in London , they have to go through a very demanding path.
PCO License and Knowledge of London Exam
Every black cab driver must have a license issued by Transport for London . The condition for obtaining it is passing the famous Knowledge of London exam. This is a real challenge - the candidate must know by heart 25 thousand streets within a radius of 6 miles of Charing Cross, as well as hundreds of routes. The training usually takes from 2 to 4 years!
The exam includes written and oral tests - the candidate draws two points on a map of London and must indicate the shortest route. This is how licensed taxi drivers are able to avoid traffic jams and deliver a passenger on time even without GPS.
In the case of minicabs, drivers must also have a license - the so-called PCO Licence . It does not require passing the "Knowledge", but from 2021 TfL introduced mandatory topographical and language tests to ensure a high level of service.
All drivers must have no criminal record , a current medical examination and a minimum of 3 years of driving experience.
Turning radius and wheelchair accessibility
London’s black cab is not only a symbol of the city, but also an engineering masterpiece. To be homologated by TfL, the vehicle must meet rigorous technical standards.
One of the most well-known is the requirement for a minimum turning radius – 7.6 metres (25 feet) to be exact. This allows black taxis to turn around in narrow streets, such as in front of the Savoy Hotel.
Since 2000, all London taxis have had to be wheelchair accessible. This means a ramp or low floor and special wheelchair mounts. Additionally, taxis will have contrasting handles, an induction loop for the hearing impaired and signs for the blind.
All TX eCity electric taxis now meet these requirements , giving London a fully accessible fleet. It’s a standard to be proud of.
Thanks to these strict rules, a London taxi is a guarantee not only of punctuality, but also of complete comfort and safety – for every passenger.
Comments