How To Get a Taxi in London

Are you planning your visit to the capital of the United Kingdom? London is a vibrant city with rich cultural and historical heritage and an interesting urban style. There are many reasons to visit London and we are sure you have your own too.

If you want to be sure you will spend the best time in this amazing city you have to plan your stay. Probably one of the biggest considerations you have to figure out is how to navigate in the city. London offers many types of public transportation but if you want to go for the safest and most reliable option you should go for a taxi.

Taxis in London are convenient, especially in situations where other modes of transportation aren’t available. Using a taxi service in such a big city like London will save you time and for sure will make you feel safer.

Why Might You Need a Taxi in London

Among the array of travel options available, taxis hold a pivotal role in facilitating seamless movement across the city’s sprawling streets and iconic landmarks. There are many reasons why using a taxi to navigate in London is the best choice. If you are still not sure about the advantages of this service here are some of them:

Accessibility

Taxi rides provide accessibility to locations not adequately served by public transport. There are some areas of the city which are more difficult to be reached by public transportation. Taxies are also a great option if you want to access London from some of the airports that serve the city in case you carry luggage.

Efficiency

Public transport is not always on time and this can give you a lot of anxiety if you are in a hurry to catch a flight for example. The best way to be on time is to use airport taxi services.

Comfort and convenience

Some people value their comfort more than anything. We all know London can offer some weather-changing surprises that’s why if you prefer your comfort, you might use taxis during your stay in the city.

Safety first

As with every big city London also has a dark part which isn’t safe, especially during late hours. If you want to be sure that you will go home safely always use a taxi at night.

What are the types of taxis in London

There are a few types of taxis that serve the capital of the UK. If you are about to visit London for the first time you might need some guidelines about the specific types. We provide you with the most important information about taxies available in London:

Black Cabs

Easily recognizable by their distinctive appearance, black cabs are iconic symbols of London. These taxis are driven by licensed drivers and offer professional taxi rides to each point of the city and districts around. Black cabs can be hailed on the street or found at designated taxi ranks across the city.

Private Hire Vehicles (Minicabs)

These types of taxis must be pre-booked through a licensed private hire operator or via designated apps. It’s impossible to catch minicabs from the street without pre-booking. If you need a private ride is better to organize it in advance with a reservation of a car that will fit your requirements.

How to get a taxi in London: secrets to find the most pleasant ride

Getting a taxi in London involves several methods, ensuring ease of access and convenience. Here are some of the methods you can use according to a different situation:

Hailing on the street

Black cabs can be hailed by raising a hand when their ‘For Hire’ light is illuminated. You can also wait at designated spots or taxi ranks where hailing is permitted.

Taxi ranks

There are many permitted locations across the city where black cabs queue for passengers. You can find these places near transport hubs or tourist attractions.

Booking a taxi via apps or phone

Private hire vehicles can be booked in advance using licensed operators or various taxi-hailing apps available in London. This is a great way to book a taxi in advance and save time spent waiting for the car. These apps offer many advantages like tricking your ride and paying automatically.

The price is also a very big factor when it comes to using taxis in London. A typical black cab fare starts at around £3.20 for the initial charge, with additional charges per mile (approximately £3.00 per mile). Of course, the price might vary according to service provider and journey specifics.

Using a taxi during your stay in London is a convenient, safe, and reliable way to navigate around the city. Visitor of the city can choose between traditional black cabs and private hire vehicles to suit their specific needs, ensuring seamless travels across the vibrant streets of London.