Navigating London for the first time can feel overwhelming. The city is huge, fast-paced, and filled with hidden streets, shortcuts, and landmarks that only experienced drivers can truly master. Whether you’re travelling for work, exploring famous attractions, or simply trying to get home after a long night out, knowing how to get a cab in London can make your journey much easier.
From traditional black cabs to private hire cars, ride-hailing apps, and airport transfers, London offers a range of transport options for every budget and travel style. This guide breaks down everything you need to know how to hail a taxi, the safest options, where to find them, and tips to make your ride smooth and stress-free.
London is one of the busiest and most visited cities in the world, which means transportation is always in demand. While public transport such as buses and the Tube are popular, taxis remain one of the most convenient ways to travel especially if you have luggage, kids, limited mobility, or simply want a comfortable, direct ride.
Taxis in London are reliable, safe, and available across the city. Whether you need a quick trip to Oxford Street or a transfer from Heathrow Airport late at night, there’s always a taxi option suitable for your needs. This blog will guide you through the different types of taxis, where to find them, how to hail them, and essential safety tips every traveler should know.
Types of Taxis in London
London offers several taxi options, each with its own perks, price structure, and availability. Understanding the difference will help you choose the right one for your journey.
1. Black Cabs
Black cabs are iconic symbols of London. You’ll find them in postcards, movies, and almost every London travel guide. But they’re much more than a famous imagethey are one of the safest and most regulated modes of transport in the UK.
Why Choose a Black Cab?
1. Highly Trained Drivers
London’s black cab drivers undergo one of the toughest training processes in the world, known as The Knowledge. It can take up to 3–4 years, requiring drivers to memorize thousands of streets, landmarks, and the fastest routes. That means they know the city inside out.
2. Street Hailable
Black cabs can be hailed directly from the street, making them perfect when you need an immediate ride.
3. Safe &Licensed
Every black cab is fully regulated, licensed, and meets strict safety standards.
4. Wheelchair Accessible
All black cabs are accessible and include ramps, making them ideal for passengers with mobility needs.
When Black Cabs Are Best:
- Short city trips
- Travel during busy hours
- When you need expert navigation
- Late-night journeys
- When convenience and safety are top priority
2. Minicabs / Private Hire
Minicabs also known as private hire vehicles are another popular option. Unlike black cabs, you cannot hail them on the street. They must be booked in advance through a company, phone, or website.
Why Choose a Private Hire Minicab?
1. Cost-Effective for Long Distances
Private hire cars often charge fixed prices, especially for airport trips. This makes them cheaper than black cabs for longer journeys.
2. Pre-Booked Convenience
You know your driver, car type, and price before your ride begins. There’s no waiting or uncertainty.
3. Ideal for Airport Transfers
Companies like My London Transfer specialise in airport pickups, offering:
- Professional drivers
- Flight monitoring
- Meet & greet services
- Fixed fares with no surge pricing
4. Perfect for Families & Groups
Private hire vehicles can be booked in various sizes, including 6–8 seater MPVs.
When Minicabs Are Best:
- Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, or Luton airport transfers
- Long-distance trips
- Early morning or late-night bookings
- Budget-friendly travel
3. Ride-Hailing Apps
London also offers modern ride-hailing options that function through mobile apps. These include:
- Uber
- FREE NOW
- Bolt
- Ola (limited availability)
These apps are easy to use and offer transparent pricing.
Benefits of Ride-Hailing Apps
1. Live Tracking & Digital Payments
Perfect for travellers who prefer app-based convenience.
2. Short Wait Times
There are thousands of active drivers, meaning rides arrive quickly.
3. Pricing Estimates
You know the approximate cost before you book.
4. Good During Bad Weather
When it rains in London (very often), ride-hailing availability increases.
Where to Get a Taxi in London
Whether you’re sightseeing, shopping, or travelling to the airport, London has plenty of spots where you can easily find taxis.
1. Train Stations
Most major London stations have dedicated taxi ranks:
- King’s Cross
- Paddington
- Euston
- Victoria
- London Bridge
- Liverpool Street
Black cabs line up here, making them one of the easiest places to catch a ride.
2. Airports
At airports like Heathrow, Gatwick, and London City, black cabs and private hire pickups operate around the clock. For convenience, many travellers prefer pre-booked services.
3. Outside Hotels & Landmarks
Luxury hotels, theatres, malls, and tourist sites often have taxis waiting outside.
Common locations include:
- Trafalgar Square
- Covent Garden
- Oxford Street
- Leicester Square
- Soho nightlife area
4. Taxi Ranks
These are designated pick-up points throughout the city where black cabs queue for passengers.
Look for signs that say Taxi Rank or Cab Stand.
How to Hail a Cab in London
If you’ve never hailed a taxi in London before, here’s how to do it correctly and confidently.
1. Check the Yellow “TAXI” Light
This is the most important rule.
- Light ON = Cab is available
- Light OFF = Cab occupied or off duty
2. Stand Somewhere Safe
Avoid bus lanes, corners, and red routes.
Choose a clear spot where the driver can safely stop.
3. Raise Your Hand
Making eye contact and lifting your hand signals the driver you need a ride.
4. Confirm the Destination
Once the cab pulls over, tell the driver where you’re going before entering.
Black cab drivers cannot refuse short trips unless unsafe or unreasonable.
5. Seatbelt On & Enjoy the Ride
Black cabs are comfortable, spacious, and offer a smooth journey, just sit back and relax.
Taxi Safety Tips
London taxis are generally very safe, but it’s always wise to follow basic precautions.
1. Only Use Licensed Vehicles
Avoid unlicensed cars or strangers offering rides.
Stick to:
- Black cabs
- Pre-booked minicabs
- Verified app drivers
2. Check the Driver & Vehicle License
Every licensed taxi has a visible license displayed inside the car.
3. Always Take a Receipt
This helps if you:
- Leave items behind
- Need proof of payment
- Want to give feedback
4. Share Your Ride Details When Needed
Most apps allow trip sharing for safety.
For pre-booked minicabs, you receive driver and car information in advance.
5. Avoid Getting Into Random Cars Late at Night
If you’re leaving a bar, club, or event, only get into:
- A black cab
- A car booked via app
- A pre-booked minicab
Never accept random rides.
Conclusion
Getting a cab in London is easier than most first-time visitors expect. Whether you choose the iconic black cab, a budget-friendly private hire like My London Transfer, or a ride-hailing app, the city offers reliable options 24/7.
Black cabs are perfect for quick, safe street pickups.
Private hire vehicles work well for pre-planned journeys, particularly airport transfers.
Ride-hailing apps add convenience and flexibility.
No matter which option you choose, understanding how taxis work in London ensures a smooth, safe, and stress-free travel experience.
FAQs
1. Are black cabs expensive?
Black cabs can be pricier than apps or private hire cars, especially for long journeys. However, they offer unmatched convenience, safety, and driver expertise.
2. Do taxis accept card payments?
Yes. All black cabs and licensed minicabs accept:
- Debit/credit cards
- Contactless payments
- Apple Pay / Google Pay
3. Can I get a cab late at night?
Absolutely. Black cabs operate 24/7, and private hire companies like My London Transfer offer pre-booked rides at any hour.
4. Do taxis charge extra for luggage?
Black cabs do not charge extra for luggage. Private hire companies usually include luggage in the fare unless it’s oversized.
5. Are taxis easy to find at Heathrow or Gatwick?
Yes. Taxi ranks are available outside every terminal.
For fixed pricing and guaranteed pickup, pre-booking a minicab is often the more convenient option.
