How to hire London black cabs and what to expect.
Big, black, taxi cabs, in London you see them everywhere but how easy is it to actually travel in one and just how expensive are they? It can be daunting getting around the city if you don’t know London well. London taxi drivers are famously well trained in getting around the maze of city streets. So grabbing a cab seems the obvious solution. However, people visiting the city are often wary of the possible expense and how exactly do you hire one anyway?
London Cabs Have an Agreed Fare Structure.
London taxi cabs fares are regulated. The current tarrif (from the TFL web site)
|
Distance |
Approx |
Monday to Friday |
Monday to Friday |
Every night |
|
1 mile |
5 – 12 mins |
£4.40 – £8 |
£4.60 – £8 |
£4.80 – £8 |
|
2 miles |
8 – 15 mins |
£6.80 – £10.60 |
£6.80 – £10.60 |
£7.40 – £11.60 |
|
4 miles |
15 – 30 mins |
£11 – £18 |
£12 – £18 |
£14 – £21 |
|
6 miles |
20 – 40 mins |
£17 – £27 |
£18 – £27 |
£23 – £32 |
|
Between Heathrow |
30 – 60 mins |
£40 – £70 |
£40 – £70 |
£40 – £70 |
There is a minimum fare of £2.20 at all times.
How it works:
The meter calculates the maximum fare based on:
- Time of day
- Distance travelled
- Taxi speed
The passenger will be expected to pay the full fare displayed on the meter at the end of the journey unless the driver and passenger agree on the final fare to be charged before the start of the journey.
The cab can take up to 5 passengers. There is no additional charge for passengers or luggage.
Where to find a Black Cab? Ranks and Hailing Passing Cabs
Cab ranks can be found at all the major railway stations. They really are the simplest way to get to and from your hotel if you arrive in the capital by train. Travelling by tube with luggage is not a pleasant way to start or end your break. If you can possibly afford it take a taxi!
If your hotel is a distance from the theatre you may want to organise a cab to take you there and back. If you organise this through the hotel staff make sure they order you a licensed taxi cab with a meter rather than a ” car service” or unlicensed mini-cab. These can work out much more expensive and are not regulated in the same way. Many of the larger hotels have their own taxi ranks.
You can also hail a black cab, just like they do in films 
If a cab has its FOR HIRE sign lit, even if it is going the other way, just stick out your arm and shout ‘Taxi’!
They Are Not All Black But Make Sure Yours is Licensed!
Surprisingly enough not all London taxis are black, some are red, but they all have that unmistakable cab shape and they MUST have a yellow “FOR HIRE” sign.
WARNING – Unlicensed Cabs
Unlicensed cabs are frequent in Central London. These are unmarked vehicles. They are unregulated and uninsured. The drivers pass themselves off as legitimate minicab operators. These fake cab drivers are common in the major tourist areas like Leicester Square, Theatreland, and Soho, and if you look lost they may approach you. It really is not worth the risk!
Use your phone to get a legitimate cab
Just about the easiest way to get a cab or licenced mini-cab is to use the Cabwise Service run by Transport for London. Simple text HOME to 60835 and they will send you the number of one taxi and two licensed mini-cab firm in the area you are texting from. It cost just 35p plus the cost of the text. Just be aware there can be an extra charge of up to £2.00 for a telephone booking.
Useful Links
London Taxis – site run by a London cabbie
I tend to charge more depending on the weather. For example snow, sleet, heavy rain and gale force winds make a journey alot more dangerous.