London Taxis -Travel Information on getting around London

Travelling by Black Cab Travelling by Mini Cab

London's distinctive taxis, black cabs, are as much a feature of city life as its red double-decker buses.  Like the buses, black cabs are also being modernised and many are now painted other colours with advertising. 

All black cab drivers must pass a stringent test known as 'The Knowledge' before they are licenced to operate a taxi.  This tests their knowledge of London's streets and the quickest traffic routes. 

The white Hackney Carriage licence plate of each cab is on to its back bumper and a badge showing cab's serial number is also displayed in the rear of the cab.  Black cab drivers cannot drive a taxi with damaged bodywork and they tend to be one of the safest ways to to travel around London.  However, they are also the most expensive. 

Mini cabs using saloon cars are usually cheaper than black cabs, particularly at night and weekends, but they are often unlicensed.  Mini cab drivers don't get any training or pass any special tests.  Visitors should be aware that mini cabs are sometimes uninsured, often unreliable and can be dangerous.   Licences are now being introduced for all taxis.  However, with over 20,000 unlicenced mini cabs in London this process will take some time.   

Travelling by Black Cab

You can telephone for a black cab, hail one in the street or find one in a rank, especially near large railway stations or some major hotels.  They carry a yellow 'For Hire' sign above the windscreen which is lit up when they are free.   To stop one hold out your arm in a purposeful, and determined way.  When the taxi stops tell the driver your destination. 

A black cabs is obliged to take you anywhere within a 6 mile radius as long as that is within the Metropolitan Police district, this includes most of the Greater London area and Heathrow Airport.  Black cabs are fitted with two fold down seats and can carry up to 5 passengers.  There is ample luggage space and some cabs also have wheelchair access.

All black cabs have a meter which starts as soon as the driver has accepted your journey.  The fare is displayed in the cab.  A flat fare is payable as soon as the journey starts and this increases by the minute or for each 340 yards (311 m) travelled.    Higher fares come into force after 20:00 and during the day at weekends.  Surcharges are payable for each extra passenger and each piece of luggage.    

Radio Taxis (020 7272 0272) and Dial-a-Cab (020 7253 5000) both operate a 24 hour telephone booking service for black cabs.  Ladycabs ( 020 7272 3300 ) operate with only lady drivers. 

Lost Property

Taxi Lost Property, 200 Baker Street, Marylebone, London NW1 , near Baker Street Underground station, deals only with property that has been found in registered black cabs.  The office is open for telephone enquires (07918 2000), Mon - Fri 09:.00 - 16:00 Transport for London Lost Property Office is located at the same address.   

Complaints

If you have a complaint about any black cab telephone 020 7230 1631.  You will need to know the cab's badge number, clearly displayed in the rear of the cab and on its back bumper.

Travelling by Mini Cab

Mini cabs cannot legally be hailed in the street.   Ignore any mini cab driver who offers his services in the street and, similarly, do not take a mini cab if the driver approaches you in one of London's airports or major railway stations, they are acting illegally, probably unlicensed and uninsured.  Women are advised not to travel in mini cabs on their own at night.        

Mini cabs should only be hired by telephone or by going into one of their offices, generally open 24 hours a day.  Mini cabs are listed in Yellow Pages but it's a good idea to ask for a recommendation from your hotel or a local resident.  There are a number of trustworthy and licenced firms.   Addison Lee (020 7387 8888),  is one of the largest mini cab companies in London, and claims it will pick up in any area.

Most mini cabs do not operate with a meter so always negotiate your fare before you travel.  Telephone several firms to compare prices before you make a decision, and confirm the price with the driver when the taxi arrives. 

Lost Property

For items lost in a minicab contact the office from which you hired the taxi.