How do I ask for a taxi in London?

London's official taxis, black cabs can be hailed in the street or at designated ranks located in prominent places, including many train, Tube and bus stations. They can also be booked through the Gett app and by phone. If the yellow taxi sign on the front is illuminated, the cab is available for hire.



People Also Ask

The questions for that might be the following: I'm at (address) or Could you send the taxi to (address)? and I'd like/need to go to (address) or Please, take me to (address). Don't forget to ask about the fare by asking, How much will that cost? or How much is the fare? The taxi operator might also ask if ...

MORE DETAILS

Hailing a cab If you've ever hailed a taxi before, then doing so here in London is effectively the same thing – just stand on the curb, raise and hold out your arm towards a black cab that's approaching and will pass you and wait for it to stop (you don't have to whistle!).

MORE DETAILS

How to get a taxi in London. Getting a London black cab is extremely easy as there are thousands of them bustling around the city centre. You can choose to take one from the street as it passes by, walk to a designated taxi rank or call a local London taxi company.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, you can hail a London black taxi in the street and pay the driver in cash at the end of your journey. Most cabs also accept credit and debit cards now.

MORE DETAILS

Before you get in the cab, ask the driver “Could you take me to (place)?” and either “How much will that cost?” or “Do you use a meter?” if you are somewhere where drivers charge by the mile.

MORE DETAILS

The famous London taxis are actually called 'hackney carriages' but in London we just call them 'black cabs/taxis'. London taxi drivers have to pass a special exam called the Knowledge to get their license so if you take a black cab, you can be sure the driver will know the way.

MORE DETAILS

If you see that the light is on (you'll know if it is, it's a bright yellow light), then to hail the cab simply stand on the side of the pavement and extend your arm outward. There's no need to shout “taxi” and indeed, it's actually illegal to shout “taxi” whilst trying to hail a cab.

MORE DETAILS

To order a cab, you can say, May I book a taxi at (time)? or When is the soonest I could book a taxi for? After you receive the answer, you will be asked about the location where the driver should pick you up and the destination point where the driver will need to drop you off.

MORE DETAILS

The only black taxi app run by London cab drivers, Taxiapp puts all the capital at your fingertips.

MORE DETAILS

Tipping is appreciated but not always appropriate in London. There are some situations where it is customary, for example in restaurants.

MORE DETAILS

Unlike some countries you do not have to tip in the UK. However, there are some unsaid social rules about leaving a tip. For example, if you take a taxi it is normal practice to round up the fare to the nearest pound.

MORE DETAILS

Distinctive characteristics of taxis When the roof sign is illuminated, it means that the taxi is available for hire. When the taxi light is off, it means that the taxi is already picking up a customer or is not in operation.

MORE DETAILS

From Driver Rule 54-20 (in PDF): It is against the law to refuse a person based on race, disability, or a destination in New York City. A taxicab driver is required to drive a passenger to any destination in the five boroughs. You can make a refusal complaint by calling 3-1-1.

MORE DETAILS

When the light is off it means that either the cab is already carrying passengers or the driver is off-duty. If you see that the light is on (you'll know if it is, it's a bright yellow light), then to hail the cab simply stand on the side of the pavement and extend your arm outward.

MORE DETAILS

Private hire vehicles (minicabs) must be booked in advance through a licensed private hire operator. Use our Find a local minicab search form. There is a charge when booking by phone, and other terms and conditions may vary, so please check when booking.

MORE DETAILS