Understanding London Taxi Prices in 2026
Taxi prices in London vary depending on the type of vehicle you choose, the distance travelled, traffic conditions, and the level of service. In 2026, travellers typically choose between three main options:
- Black Cabs (Hackney Carriages) – Metered taxis regulated by Transport for London (TfL)
- Minicabs (Private Hire Taxis) – Pre-booked vehicles with fixed or quoted fares
- Executive Chauffeur Cars (Mercedes S-Class or similar) – Premium fixed-price luxury travel
Black cabs offer convenience and instant availability, while minicabs and executive chauffeur services provide upfront pricing and are commonly used for airport transfers, business travel, and long-distance journeys.
Read our guide explaining the key differences between a taxi driver and a chauffeur
How Much Does a Taxi Cost in London in 2026?
While exact fares depend on traffic and time of day, typical London taxi prices look like this:
| Journey Type | Black Cab (Metered) | Minicab (Fixed Fare) | Executive Chauffeur (Mercedes S-Class / Similar) |
| Base Fare | £3.80 – £4.20 | £6 – £12 minimum booking | £50+ minimum booking |
| Short City Trip (2–3 miles) | £10 – £18 | £12 – £20 | £60 – £90 |
| Medium Trip (5–7 miles) | £20 – £35 | £18 – £30 | £80 – £140 |
| Heathrow → Central London | £80 – £120 | £55 – £90 | £120 – £220 |
| Gatwick → Central London | £110 – £160 | £70 – £110 | £150 – £260 |
These are average early-2026 estimates and may vary based on pickup location, time band, and vehicle category. Use our Minicab Cost Calculator to get instant, accurate quotes for your journey.
How Much Do Black Cabs Cost in London?
London black cabs follow regulated meter pricing set by Transport for London (TfL), which means fares are calculated based on distance, journey time, traffic conditions, and the time of day. While exact prices vary, here’s a realistic overview of what travellers can expect in 2026:
Typical Black Cab Pricing in London:
- Starting Fare: usually around £3.80 when the meter begins
- Short Trips (1–2 miles): roughly £9 – £20 depending on traffic and route
- Medium Journeys (around 4 miles): approximately £23 – £32
- Longer Trips (6 miles or more): typically £40 – £45+
- Peak Times & Late Nights: fares increase during evening hours, weekends, public holidays, and heavy congestion
- Airport Journeys: longer airport routes can exceed £100 — for example, a metered black cab from Heathrow to Central London commonly ranges between £90 – £130 depending on traffic
Because black cabs use a live meter rather than fixed pricing, total costs may rise if your journey includes delays, heavy traffic, or extended waiting time.
How to Book a Black Cab in London
- Instant availability: Hail on the street or use taxi ranks.
- Metered fares: Cost depends on distance, traffic, and time of day.
- App booking: Use platforms like Gett for convenience.
- Best for short city trips or immediate pickup without pre-booking.
How Much Do Minicabs Cost in London?
Minicabs — also known as private hire taxis — are often a more budget-friendly option compared to black cabs, especially for longer journeys. Unlike metered taxis, minicabs must be booked in advance and usually provide a fixed fare before the trip begins, giving travellers more predictable pricing.
Typical Minicab Prices in London (2026 Estimates):
- 1 Mile Journey (approx. 5–15 mins): around £8 – £13
- 2 Mile Trip (10–20 mins): roughly £12 – £20
- 4 Mile Journey: approximately £20 – £30 depending on traffic and route
- 6 Mile Trip: typically £30 – £42 based on vehicle type and travel time
These prices are averages and may vary depending on the operator, pickup location, and time of travel.
Key Things to Know About London Minicabs:
- Advance Booking Required: Minicabs cannot be legally hailed on the street — always pre-book through a licensed operator or app.
- Fixed Fare Structure: Most journeys are quoted upfront, so you know the total price before travel.
- Where to Book: Travellers commonly use licensed minicab companies, ride-hailing apps, or comparison platforms to get quotes.
- What Affects the Price: Traffic congestion, time of day, vehicle category (saloon, MPV, executive), and additional requests like child seats or extra luggage.
Because pricing is typically agreed before pickup, minicabs are a popular choice for longer city trips, airport journeys, and planned travel across London.
How to Book a Minicab in London
- Pre-booking required: Minicabs cannot be legally hailed on the street.
- Fixed fares upfront: Know your cost before the journey.
- Booking options:
- Online quotation via CityandAirportCars website
- On-call booking through phone
- Mobile app booking (available on iOS and Android)
- Ideal for airport transfers, long-distance trips, or group travel.
How London Taxi Pricing Works
Black Cabs (Metered Fares)
Black cabs use a regulated meter that calculates cost based on:
- Distance travelled
- Time spent in traffic
- Waiting time
- Tariff bands (day, evening, night)
This means the final fare can increase during heavy congestion or peak travel hours.
Minicabs (Fixed Quotes)
Minicabs are pre-booked and provide an upfront fare based on distance and route. Many travellers prefer minicabs for airport journeys because they avoid meter surprises and offer predictable pricing.
Executive Chauffeur Cars (Mercedes S-Class / Similar)
Executive chauffeur services operate on fixed or hourly pricing models. Costs reflect:
- Luxury vehicle class
- Professional chauffeur service
- Meet & greet options
- Business or VIP travel requirements
These are typically used for corporate clients, luxury travellers, and special occasions.
London Airports to Central London – Taxi Cost Comparison (2026 Estimates)
Here’s a clear side-by-side comparison of average minicab vs black cab prices from all major London airports into Central London. Prices are realistic estimates based on typical travel times, distances, and common fare ranges in early 2026.
| Airport Route → Central London | Black Cab (Metered Fare) | Minicab (Pre-Booked Fixed Fare) | Average Travel Time | Distance (Approx.) |
| Heathrow → Central London | £80 – £120 | £55 – £90 | 30 – 60 mins | ~15 miles |
| Gatwick → Central London | £110 – £160 | £70 – £110 | 60 – 90 mins | ~28 miles |
| Luton → Central London | £120 – £180 | £80 – £130 | 60 – 95 mins | ~35 miles |
| Stansted → Central London | £130 – £190 | £90 – £140 | 60 – 100 mins | ~40 miles |
| London City Airport → Central London | £25 – £45 | £20 – £35 | 20 – 35 mins | ~8 miles |
Extra Charges That Can Affect Taxi Prices
Regardless of taxi type, some additional costs may apply:
- Evening and night tariffs (for black cabs)
- Airport drop-off or parking fees
- Congestion charge or Ultra Low Emission Zone travel
- Waiting time beyond free allowance
- Larger vehicles or additional passengers
Minicabs and executive services often include many of these costs within the upfront quote.
Are London Taxis Expensive?
London taxis remain among the more expensive transport options in Europe, largely due to high operating costs, traffic congestion, and licensing regulations. However:
- Black cabs offer flexibility and instant pickup
- Minicabs provide competitive fixed pricing
- Executive chauffeur services focus on comfort, privacy, and premium travel
Choosing the right type depends on your budget, travel purpose, and desired comfort level.
Tips to Manage Costs
- Pre-book minicabs for longer journeys
- Share rides to reduce per-person costs
- Travel outside peak traffic hours where possible
- Choose standard saloon vehicles instead of executive cars if budget matters
- Use executive chauffeur services mainly for business, airport transfers, or VIP travel
