How Much Does a Taxi Cost in London? A Deep Dive into Fares, Tariffs & Tips

London Taxi Fare Structure in 2025

London taxi fares are regulated under a tariff system that depends on time, distance, and waiting periods. TfL reviews these tariffs regularly, and the most recent update took effect in April 2025.

The minimum fare for a black cab in London is now £4.20, which covers the first part of the journey regardless of distance. This increase reflects rising costs for fuel, insurance, and maintenance.

Several tariffs depend on the day and time of travel:

Tariff 1 applies Monday to Friday from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Tariff 2 applies Monday to Friday from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm and all weekend from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Tariff 3 applies every night from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am and all day on public holidays.

When a journey exceeds approximately six miles, the fare rate per mile increases slightly, and this is often referred to as Tariff 4. These tariffs ensure that drivers are compensated fairly for longer distances and nighttime driving.

Typical Fares and Journey Times

London taxi fares are based on distance and time, but traffic conditions, waiting times, and route choices can influence the total amount. Below are some approximate fares to give you an idea of what to expect:

A one-mile trip taking around six to thirteen minutes generally costs between £8.40 and £12.80 during the day, slightly higher in the evening and late at night. A two-mile journey lasting ten to twenty minutes typically ranges between £12.40 and £19.80.

For a four-mile trip, which usually takes around sixteen to thirty minutes, the fare ranges between £21 and £30 during the day and can go up to £34 at night. Longer trips of six miles may cost anywhere from £32 to £44, depending on the time and traffic.

A journey from Heathrow Airport to Central London, which takes around thirty to sixty minutes depending on congestion, typically ranges from £64 to £120. These figures are average estimates, and the actual fare will depend on your exact route, time of travel, and traffic conditions.

What to Expect from London Taxi Drivers

All licensed taxi drivers in London follow strict regulations to ensure passenger safety and service quality. They must accept any hiring request up to twelve miles or one hour within Greater London unless there’s a valid reason not to. For taxis starting from Heathrow Airport, the distance limit extends to twenty miles.

Drivers are required to use a taximeter, which automatically calculates the maximum legal fare based on distance and time. When your journey ends, the meter displays the total fare. Unless you agreed on a fixed price before starting, you pay the amount shown on the meter.

London black cabs are designed to be fully accessible. They can accommodate wheelchairs, and drivers cannot charge extra for luggage, additional passengers, or assistance dogs. This accessibility is a legal requirement and one of the reasons London’s taxi system is widely respected.

All licensed taxis must accept payment by card or contactless methods without any surcharge. This rule ensures transparency and convenience for passengers.

Extra Charges You Should Know About

While London’s taxi system avoids unnecessary hidden fees, there are legitimate extra charges in specific situations that passengers should be aware of.

If you book a taxi by phone, app, or online, there may be an additional charge of up to £2. This is a booking fee applied by many operators for the convenience of pre-arranging your trip.

At Heathrow Airport, taxis incur certain additional costs. There is a £1.60 charge for any journey starting from a Heathrow taxi rank. If you’re being dropped off at a terminal, you may also be charged up to £6 for entering the airport’s drop-off zones. This fee covers the cost imposed by Heathrow Airport’s Terminal Drop-Off Charge.

Passengers who hold a Blue Badge (disabled parking permit) can apply to Heathrow Airport for a discount or exemption from this drop-off charge. It’s important to let your taxi driver know in advance if you have a Blue Badge so they can handle the process correctly.

During the Christmas and New Year period, a £4 surcharge applies to journeys made between 8:00 pm on 24 December and 6:00 am on 27 December, as well as between 8:00 pm on 31 December and 6:00 am on 2 January.

If a passenger soils the cab, such as spilling food or causing damage that requires cleaning, the driver can charge up to £60 to cover professional cleaning and downtime.

Long-Distance and Airport Journeys

For trips going beyond Greater London, the fare can either be agreed upon in advance or charged by the meter. If no fixed fare is agreed before starting, the fare displayed on the meter at the end of the journey will apply.

Airport journeys are a common example of long-distance rides. In addition to Heathrow, many passengers travel to Gatwick, Luton, or Stansted airports by black cab. The fares for these destinations can vary significantly due to distance and traffic, but they are always negotiable before you begin your journey.

Passengers should also be aware that some airports outside London may impose separate drop-off or entry fees. It’s a good idea to confirm with your driver whether such charges are included in the fare before setting off.

How Taxi Fares Are Calculated

London taxi fares combine several components: a base charge (the minimum fare), distance travelled, time taken, and any waiting time in traffic. The meter automatically calculates these using a set price per mile and per minute, depending on the tariff in effect.

For instance, during the day, the price per kilometer ranges between £1.70 and £2.30, while during the night it can rise to £2.46. The waiting time charge, applied when traffic is slow or when the driver is instructed to wait, is calculated by time, usually around 48 to 69 pence per minute, depending on the tariff.

This system ensures transparency and consistency across all licensed taxis, preventing overcharging and ensuring passengers always pay the correct rate for their journey.

How to Estimate Your Taxi Fare in London

To estimate your fare, start by identifying the distance between your starting point and destination. Then, note the time of day to determine which tariff applies. You can use online taxi fare calculators that use official TfL data to generate approximate fares, but remember that the final fare always depends on the meter.

For example, a three-mile daytime journey might cost around £17 to £25, depending on traffic and stops. If that same journey takes place late at night under Tariff 3, the price could rise to £28 or more.

If you want a guaranteed price, some taxi companies and apps offer fixed-fare options for popular routes such as airport transfers. However, always confirm the total cost, including any booking or airport charges, before confirming your trip.

Tips to Manage or Reduce Your Taxi Fare

London taxis provide reliable, comfortable transport, but costs can add up, especially during peak hours. Here are a few smart strategies to help you keep fares reasonable without compromising convenience.

Whenever possible, travel during the day when Tariff 1 applies, as nighttime and weekend tariffs are slightly higher. Planning your trips outside of rush hours can also reduce time spent in traffic, lowering the waiting-time portion of your fare.

If you’re travelling with friends or family, sharing a black cab is allowed and perfectly normal. Splitting the fare can significantly cut down individual costs, especially for medium or long journeys.

Before your journey, check if the driver can take the most direct route or use navigation to avoid congestion zones. Small route changes can save several pounds on the final fare.

Finally, while black cabs accept card payments, some passengers prefer cash for smaller trips to make transactions quicker and avoid rounding issues. However, paying by card does not incur any extra cost.

Summary

London’s taxi fare system is one of the most transparent and well-regulated in the world. Fares are set by Transport for London and are based on time, distance, and tariff periods.

As of 2025, the minimum fare is £4.20, with typical one-mile journeys costing between £8 and £13, and six-mile trips ranging from £32 to £44. Journeys from Heathrow to Central London usually fall between £64 and £120, depending on time and traffic.

Drivers must accept most hires within twelve miles or one hour and cannot charge extra for luggage, additional passengers, or assistance dogs. They must also accept card payments without a surcharge.

Extra fees can apply for airport drop-offs, holiday travel, soiling, and app bookings, but all charges are clearly defined and regulated. The system ensures fair pricing for both passengers and drivers, maintaining the high standards that make London’s black cabs world-famous.