London Taxis

London's Black Cabs

Complete your London experience by letting a black cab whisk you away to a romantic dinner – or simply take the weight off your feet after a day of hectic sightseeing and shopping! And, if you prefer something less traditional, the classic black cab also comes decorated in a dazzling palette of colours these days.

Black cabs can be hailed in the street or at designated ranks situated in prominent places, including many mainline rail, Tube and bus stations. They can also be booked by telephone.

If the yellow TAXI sign at the front is illuminated, the cab is available for hire. Black cabs are legally obliged to take on any job for journeys up to 12 miles (20 miles for cabs at the Heathrow Airport taxi ranks), or up to one hour duration.

London Cabs Fares and Tips

Fares are metered, and there is a minimum charge of £2.20. Black cabs are licensed to carry up to five people (six in the special Metrocabs and Mercedes Vitos) plus luggage. There are no additional charges for extra passengers or items of luggage within these limits. 

There is a £2 charge when you take a black cab from Heathrow Airport and also a £2 charge when you book a black cab by telephone.

Many black cabs accept payment by credit or debit card but check with the driver before the trip starts that you can pay by card. If you pay by card there is an additional charge, which is typically between 10% to 15% of the fare.

You can tip taxi drivers as much as you like, but most people round up to the nearest pound.

London Black Cab Accessibility

All black cabs are wheelchair accessible and most have a variety of additional aids for travellers, including:

• Ramps
• Swivel seat
• Intermediate step
• Seat sight patches
• Large coloured grab handles
• Intercom
• Induction loop
• Carry assistance dogs at no extra charge

Licensed Private Hire Vehicles in London

Private hire covers a wide range of services, from local minicab companies to chauffeur driven limousines.

Private hire vehicles and minicabs must be booked at an office, by telephone or email. Reputable, licensed minicab companies can offer a cheaper alternative to the black cab. While their fares are generally reasonable, they are not on a meter, instead you should ask how much the trip will cost when you make a booking.

If you want to book a private hire vehicle or minicab by telephone then most hotels and hostels will have a list of reputable, licensed operators. You will also find minicab offices on most high streets.

All licensed private hire vehicles have a distinctive Transport for London licence disc in the front and rear windscreen. Call Transport for London on +44 (0)20 7222 1234 for telephone numbers for licensed operators or to check that an operator is licensed.

Licensed Private Hire Vehicles Accessibility

A wide range of cars are used as private hire vehicles and when you make a booking you should check with the operator whether their vehicles meet your accessibility requirements.

Private hire vehicles carry assistance dogs at no extra charge.

Stay Safe in London

Unbooked minicabs are illegal. You may be approached by minicab drivers seeking passengers or offering a service; avoid this as these are unsafe, unlicensed, uninsured and illegal and you put yourself in danger if you use these services.

London Taxis - Useful Information

• Call the Taxi One Number to book a licensed taxi, no account needed - passengers simply pay with cash or by credit or debit card : +44 (0)871 871 8710
• Be Cabwise, text HOME to 60835 (60TFL) and get black cab and minicab numbers sent straight to your mobile. There is a charge of 35p plus your network charge for this service, if you are on 3 or an overseas network you will need to text your location (street name and partial postcode e.g. Victoria St SW1) to +44 07797 800 000
• Findaride – find details of licensed private hire and minicab operators in any part of London - http://tfl.gov.uk/findaride
• To comment or complain about taxi and private hire services email coms@pco.org.uk visit www.tfl.gov.uk/contactcabs or call TfL on 0845 300 7000
• London Travel Information (24 hrs): +44 (0)20 7222 1234
• Lost property. If you have lost something in a black cab then call 0845 330 9882 or visit http://tfl.gov.uk/lpo. If you lose something in a private hire vehicle or minicab then contact the operator you made the booking with.