London Taxis

London taxis, or “black cabs” as they are known, are expensive for long distances (although London cabbies are legendary and everyone loves them).

How to Hail a London Taxi

If you are in town and you want to take a taxi, go to the nearest main road and stand on the pavement in the direction that you want to travel. Make sure that your selected spot is easy for a cab driver to pull in.

Avoid standing near traffic lights, pedestrian zebra crossings or bus stops.

If a taxi is available for hire it will have a yellow light showing. Hail the taxi by waving your hand in the air. The driver will wind down the window and you can announce your destination and then get in swiftly to avoid a traffic pile up behind you.

Cost and Tipping London Taxis

Ensure that the taxi meter is on. You can then keep an eye on the fare from the back seat. Bear in mind that the taxi meter charges even when the cab is stationery or in a traffic jam.

When you leave it is customary to give the driver a tip of at least 10% of the fare. If you pay in cash with a note you can ask them to “keep the change”.

London Taxis and the Knowledge

Taxi drivers know London very well as they are required to complete an exam known as The Knowledge. This involves knowing every street name in town. Many take years preparing for the exam by driving around London on a moped.

Use a Cab Instead of Driving

No one drives in the centre of town as parking is almost impossible.

London Taxis can be a cheaper alternative to driving into town as there is a congestion charge for vehicles driving into the city. This is a payment that is enforced via number plate recognition cameras. The charge acts as a driving deterrent and needs to be paid online and within 24 hours or you risk a fine.

You can pay the congestion charge on the Transport for London website. Link here.

Taking a taxi is always going to be significantly more expensive than using the tube or the bus. To find out how to use public transport instead of London Taxis, look here.