Is it easy to get taxis 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.



Yes, it is very easy to get a taxi in London in 2026, as the city offers one of the most robust and regulated networks in the world. The iconic Black Cabs (Hackney Carriages) are plentiful in Central London and can be hailed on the street whenever their yellow "TAXI" light is illuminated. They are famous for "The Knowledge," meaning drivers know every street and shortcut without a GPS. For a modern twist, apps like OUNO now allow you to book Black Cabs on-demand with upfront pricing and no surge fees. Alternatively, app-based ride-hailing services like Uber, Bolt, and Waymo (which is expanding its autonomous fleet in London for 2026) are widely available. While Black Cabs are generally more expensive than Ubers for long distances, they are highly spacious, wheelchair accessible, and have the unique legal right to use bus lanes, often making them much faster than private cars during London's frequent traffic congestion.

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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.

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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.

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It's easier to handle and manage cash compared to other modes of payment. Cash payments are immediate and there is no need to wait for the payment to be processed. Some taxi drivers may prefer cash payments to avoid paying fees associated with card payments.

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With Uber, you can request a trip 24/7 in London. The hours of operation for taxis in London vary by jurisdiction and taxi operator. Taxis in London typically take credit cards.

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London Black cab prices are affordable, and they offer a good value for money. They are usually metered and have a minimum charge of around 3 to 4 pounds. We think these rates are great for the amazing services and classy cars the cab companies offer.

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The distance between LHR airport and London is approx 16 miles. The journey will take around 30 minutes by taxi, 15 minutes by train, 45 minutes by London underground and 50 minutes by bus. The London taxis are available outside each terminal. The cost to central London is between £45–£70.

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Uber is a smart option for travelers heading to their airport. At LHR, simply drop-off riders at their requested terminal on the departures level. It's important to keep the app on until you exit airport property.

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Do I need to bring cash to the UK? It's a good idea to have small amounts of cash to hand. You may need coins or notes when parking, or require some for tipping. When paying for small items it can also be simpler to hand over a few coins than a card or a banknote.

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London taxis (black cabs) are the safest, most honest and best in the world. Mini-cabs are not as safe as London taxis.

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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.

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London taxi drivers are licensed and must have passed an extensive training course (the Knowledge). Unlike many other cities, the number of taxicab drivers in London is not limited.

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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.

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In the U.K., it's typical to tip your cab driver. Usually, it's customary to round up to the nearest pound, but for a metered taxi ride, tipping 10 percent of the total fare would be acceptable. If you take a rural taxi or minicab, you might be charged a pre-agreed flat fare, which most people do not tip on.

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While tipping for taxi drivers is entirely normal, it certainly isn't a requirement in the UK. Indeed, your passengers should never feel pressured into tipping.

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