London cabs: everything you need to know about this means of transport in 2025!

In this article, I present the London caba symbol of the capital, which you may have to borrow during your stay.

• A presentation of the London cab
• What you need to know to use these Black Cabs
• Practical information: prices, payment methods, alternatives
• And much more!

If you're looking for information about London cabs, you'll love this article.

Follow the guide!

London Taxi: article summary

London cabs: everything you need to know about the capital's famous black cabs  

Visit London cab is famous for its funny allure and its omnipresence in the capital. If you're looking for a quick from one neighborhood to another without going through the metroit's a good choice.

Here's everything you need to know about cabs in the British capital!

What are London cabs called?

London cabs are called Black CabThis is because they are, in most cases, black. Some sponsored vehicles come in other colors, but it's the curvaceous black car that is usually referred to when the classic London cab is mentioned.

A short history of London cabs

From the seventeenth centuryThe first cabs appeared in London in the form of horse-drawn carriages. They travelled between (then) central London and the district of Westminsterstill separate.

Of course, it was a reserved means of transport. to the most affluent - that's still the case in London! - which has constantly evolved over the centuries. Between the late 18th and mid-19th centuries, there were two types of cab in London: the convertible drawn by a single horse, carrying a maximum of one or two passengers; the carriage 4-wheelers for groups or heavy loads.

The first motorized cab appears in London in 1897 and as technology evolved, so did the models we see on the streets today.

Is it a good way to get around London?

Taking a cab in London is very convenient and it's a fast, convenient way of getting to a specific location, less restrictive than buses or subways. However, it's a very expensive solution!

London cabs are, along with those in Amsterdam, the most expensive in Europe !

London cab facts and figures

• The models TX4 are London's latest generation of cabs (since 2006)
• There's no law that says they have to be black!
• Only 2 % of cab drivers in London are women
• There are around 25,000 cabs in London, or 4 times more per capita than in Paris!

How much does a cab ride in London cost?

As I said, cabs in London are particularly expensive. However, you should know that these vehicles are spacious enough to accommodate up to 5 peopleThis allows us to share the costs.

Support

The minimum charge is £3.80at any time.

Applied rates

Fares vary according to the distance covered, the time of day you make the journey, traffic conditions and the duration of the trip. As a rough guide, you can expect to pay :

• Enter £6 – £9.40 for 1 mile (i.e. 1.6 km) during the day, Monday to Friday, with decreasing rates per additional mile
• Between £00 – £11.00 for 1 mile in the evening (8pm to 10pm), Monday to Friday, and on Saturdays and Sundays during the day
• From £8.40 – £12.00 for 1 mile at night (between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. or on public holidays)

Additional charges

Charges may be added for special periods (e.g. +£4 between December 24 and 27), or in the case of reservations. However, there is no luggage surcharge.

We also note special rates since London airports from £56.00 to £105.00 from Heathrow / between £98 - £150 from Gatwick

Examples of shopping prices in London

• A journey between Westminster Abbey and the City will cost you an average of £20
• From Camden Town à Hampstead you will be charged approximately £10
• A journey Buckingham Palace until Kensington Palace will cost you an average of £17

How do I pay for my trip?

You can pay in cash or by credit cardnow with the practical option of using the Contactless in cabs, free of charge.

Where and how to take a London cab?

There are plenty of cabs on the road in London, or parked waiting for their next passengers. Here's how to find one easily!

Where can I find a cab in London?

You can hail a cab in the street by raising the arm, as long as the yellow signal on the front is lit.

Cab ranks dotted around the metro and bus stations most famous monumentsare also easy places to catch a cab.

How do I book a London cab?

The number to call to book a cab in London is : +44(0) 871 871 8710. Don't hesitate to ask your hotel reception / Airbnb owner to help you, if necessary.

Should I tip?

Tipping is not required in London cabs, but it is customary to round up to the nearest pound.

What about Mini-Cabs in London?

Visit Mini-Cab à London are the equivalent of our VTCsand they have the advantage of being around 30 % cheaper than conventional London cabs. They do, however, need to be booked via the official app or by phone, as they can't be found spontaneously on the streets.

Beware of non-official vehicleswho may offer you their services without booking. They are illegal and you risk being ripped off!

Applications such as Uber and Bolt are also available in London, and convenient if you have an internet connection abroad.

What to do in London in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?

Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special London guide.

It's free and in PDF format.

All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.

EDIT: you can't enter your email?

Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special London guide!