London's famous taxis (black cabs) can be: Booked in advance - by phone, app or website. Hailed on the street (when the yellow light is showing) Picked up from designated taxi ranks.

Yes, you can absolutely prebook a traditional London Black Cab, and in 2026, it is more common than ever thanks to the integration of technology into the Hackney Carriage trade. While Black Cabs are famous for being "hailed" on the street when their yellow light is on, you can now reserve them in advance for specific times and dates, which is especially useful for early-morning airport transfers or important business meetings. The most popular way to prebook is through apps like Gett, FREENOW, or Uber (which now includes a Black Cab option in London). Additionally, several dedicated companies like London Black Cab Transfers allow for online bookings through their websites. Prebooking often comes with a fixed-price quote, protecting you from the uncertainty of the taxi meter during heavy traffic. It is important to note that prebooked rides may include a small "booking fee" or a minimum fare for longer journeys, but they maintain the hallmark benefits of a Black Cab: access to London's bus lanes for faster travel, a professional driver who has passed "The Knowledge," and a vehicle that is 100% wheelchair accessible and can carry up to five or six passengers comfortably.