Getting a taxi in London can mean several things — hailing a black cab, using an app, or pre-booking a fixed-price ride. Each suits different situations. This simple guide explains how to book a London taxi, the differences between the options, and how to get a reliable, fixed-price ride when it matters.
London's iconic taxis — hail on the street or at a rank, metered, no booking needed.
Book via an app for on-demand rides — convenient, but subject to surge pricing at peak times.
Book ahead for a fixed price and a set pickup — best for airports, events and reliability.
Black cab: Simply raise your hand at an available cab (yellow light on) or head to a rank. No booking needed, but you can't guarantee one's there when you want it. App minicab: Open the app, set pickup and destination, and accept the quoted fare — quick, but prices surge when demand is high. Pre-booked transfer: Book online or by phone in advance, giving your details; the fixed price is confirmed and a driver assigned.
Hailing works for a casual trip when cabs are around. But for anything that matters — an airport run, an early start, an event, a group, or a journey where you can't risk waiting — pre-booking a fixed-price ride is far safer. You get a guaranteed pickup, a locked fare, and no surge or scramble.
| From | Saloon | Executive | MPV | 8-Seater |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central London | £81 | £92 | £92 | £104 |
| Heathrow Airport | £93 | £104 | £106 | £112 |
| Gatwick Airport | £123 | £142 | £146 | £158 |
| London City Airport | £91 | £101 | £103 | £111 |
Fixed-price, agreed upfront. Saloon seats 4, MPV 6, 8-seaters for groups and luggage.
The key to booking a London taxi well is matching the method to the occasion, and a little thought saves money and stress. For a spontaneous, casual trip in central London when black cabs are plentiful, hailing one on the street is genuinely convenient — no booking, no wait, and the meter is regulated. For on-demand rides where you're happy to accept whatever price the moment brings, an app minicab works, though be aware that at peak times — Friday nights, during events, in bad weather — surge pricing can push fares up sharply, exactly when you most need a ride. For anything where certainty matters, though, pre-booking a fixed-price ride is the clear choice: airport transfers, where a missed pickup could mean a missed flight; early-morning departures, when you can't rely on a cab passing; events and nights out, when demand spikes and streets are chaotic; group travel, where one larger vehicle beats several cars; and any journey where you simply want the reassurance of a guaranteed car at a known price. Pre-booking also lets you specify child seats, extra luggage or particular requirements in advance. By thinking about what each trip actually demands — spontaneity versus certainty, cost versus convenience — you can pick the right approach every time, reserving the pre-booked fixed-price option for the journeys where reliability truly counts.
A: You can hail a black cab, but for airports, events or guaranteed pickups, pre-booking is safer.
A: Yes — agreed upfront when you book, no meter or surge.
A: At least 24 hours for airports and events; earlier for busy periods and big vehicles.
A: Yes — MPVs seat 6 and 8-seaters carry larger groups, one fixed fare.
Booking a London taxi is simple once you know the options — hail a black cab for casual trips, use an app on demand, or pre-book a fixed-price ride when timing, airports, events or groups matter. For reliability and a locked fare, pre-booking wins.