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!).

Hailing a traditional "Black Cab" in London is a quintessential travel experience that relies on a specific set of visual cues and etiquette. First, you must look for a taxi with its yellow "TAXI" light illuminated on the roof; this indicates the driver is available for hire. If the light is off, the taxi is either occupied or not in service, and the driver will not stop. To hail the cab, you simply stand at the edge of the pavement and raise your arm clearly so the driver can see you; there is no need to shout or wave frantically. Once the taxi pulls over, you should approach the front passenger window to tell the driver your destination before you get inside. This is a grounded peer tip, as it allows the driver to confirm if they can take you there (some trips outside the central zone are at their discretion). After the driver agrees, you enter through the rear door. In 2026, every licensed London taxi is legally required to accept contactless credit and debit cards, though they still appreciate cash. After your journey, you can pay via the internal terminal or by tapping your card on the reader located in the driver's partition.