In 2026, the average taxi fare in the UK depends heavily on the region, but a standard 5-mile journey typically costs between £12 and £20. In London, "Black Cabs" are the most expensive, with rates ranging from £2.60 to £3.20 per mile plus a base "flag drop" fee of around £3.80. This makes a 5-mile trip in the capital cost roughly £20–£26 depending on traffic. In cities like Manchester or Birmingham, the cost is slightly lower, averaging £2.10 to £2.90 per mile. Ride-hailing services like Uber or Bolt are often 20–30% cheaper than traditional metered taxis, with a 5-mile trip costing approximately £10–£16, though "surge pricing" during peak hours can cause these rates to double. Passengers should also be aware of common surcharges, such as a £100 "soiling charge" or extra fees for late-night bookings (Tariff 2), which typically start at 1.5 times the standard daytime rate.