London is one of the busiest cities in the world, with millions of tourists visiting every year. One of the most convenient and popular ways to get around the city is by taxi.
If you’re planning a trip to London, you might be wondering how much a taxi ride will cost you. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about London taxi fares.
Types of Taxis
There are two types of taxis in London that you can hail on the street – black cabs and minicabs. Black cabs are the traditional London taxis that are easily recognizable by their unique design and color. They are licensed by Transport for London (TfL) and have a meter that calculates the fare based on time and distance traveled.
Minicabs, on the other hand, are private hire vehicles that must be pre-booked through a licensed minicab company. They do not have meters, and their fares are calculated based on the distance traveled and any additional charges such as waiting time or tolls.
London Taxi Fares
The cost of a London taxi ride varies depending on several factors such as the time of day, distance traveled, traffic conditions, and type of taxi. As mentioned earlier, black cabs have meters that calculate fares based on time and distance traveled.
The minimum fare for a black cab in London is £3.20 (as of 2021). This includes the first 235 meters (or six stages) of your journey. After that, there is an additional charge per mile or per minute depending on your speed.
For minicabs, fares are not regulated by TfL like black cabs but must still provide you with an estimated quote before starting your journey. The cost of a minicab ride usually starts from around £5-£10 for short journeys but can vary significantly depending on many factors such as the time of day, distance traveled, and type of vehicle.
Additional Charges
In addition to the base fare, there may be additional charges that you need to be aware of. For example, if you travel through a Congestion Charge zone in London during certain hours, you’ll have to pay an additional fee. There may also be extra charges for luggage or traveling on public holidays.
Tips for Saving Money on Taxi Fares
If you’re looking to save money on taxi fares in London, here are some tips that might help:
- Travel during off-peak hours when traffic is lighter.
- Avoid traveling through Congestion Charge zones during chargeable hours.
- Book a minicab in advance as they can often offer fixed price fares.
- Use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt that often offer lower fares than traditional taxis.
Conclusion
London taxi fares can vary depending on several factors such as the time of day, distance traveled, and type of taxi. Black cabs have regulated fares based on time and distance traveled while minicabs offer private hire services with estimated quotes provided before starting your journey.
By following our tips for saving money on taxi fares in London, you can make your trip more affordable and enjoyable. Happy travels!