How to get a taxi in London can be easy or a challenge depending on the information you have.

London is one of the most visited cities in the world, with millions of tourists flocking to see its iconic landmarks, museums, and cultural attractions every year.

Booking a London taxi to help you get around the city can be a challenge, especially if you don’t know how to find and book a reliable taxi service.

In this blog post, we will share some tips and tricks on how to get a taxi in London, whether you need a ride from the airport, to your hotel, or to any other destination in the city. Be sure to look for cabs at major bus stations or use the Tappaxi app for convenience.

We will also tell you why Tappaxi is the best taxi company in London, offering airport transfers, airport taxis, and general taxi services that are fast, convenient, and affordable.

Why You Need a London Taxi

London is a huge and busy city, with a population of over 9 million people and an area of over 600 square miles.

It has a public transport system that consists of buses, trains, and underground, and overground services, but it can be crowded, confusing, and sometimes unreliable.

If you want to avoid the hassle of navigating the public transport network, or if you have luggage, mobility issues, or special needs, then taking an iconic black cab is a much better option.

A taxi can take you directly to your destination, without any stops or transfers, and save you time and stress.

You can also enjoy the comfort and privacy of a taxi, and the opportunity to see more of the city as you travel.

How to Find a Taxi Around London

There are different ways to find a taxi in London, depending on your location, preference, and budget.

A local taxi is a good way yo get around London. Some you can board without booking but for some, there’s information you need to submit before booking.

Here are some of the most common methods:

Hail a London black cab

Black cabs can be hailed.

They are the traditional taxis of London, known as “the black cabs,” and they can be found all over the city, including near bus stations.

They are licensed and regulated by Transport for London, and they have a distinctive shape and colour.

You can hail a black cab on the street, by waving your hand or arm when you see one with a yellow “TAXI” sign on the roof.

The sign means that the cab is available for hire. You can also find black cabs at designated taxi ranks, usually near train stations, airports, hotels, and tourist attractions.

Black cabs are metered, and the fare depends on the distance and time of your journey.

You can pay black cab drivers by cash, card, or contactless. Black cabs can carry up to five passengers, and they have wheelchair access and extra space for luggage.

Book a minicab or hail a black cab in London.

Minicabs are private hire vehicles that are not licensed to pick up passengers on the street.

They are usually cheaper than black cabs, but they have to be booked in advance, either by phone, online, or through an app.

You can find minicab companies in the Yellow Pages, online directories, or by asking your hotel or local friends for recommendations.

Minicabs are not metered, and the fare is agreed before the journey. Unlike black cabs, minicabs are much more predictable in pricing.

You can pay by cash or card, depending on the company. Minicabs can vary in size, shape, and colour, and they may not have a “TAXI” sign on the roof.

They can carry up to eight passengers, depending on the vehicle type, and they may or may not have wheelchair access and luggage space.

Use a taxi app.

Taxi apps are smartphone applications that allow you to book a taxi or a ride-hailing service with a few taps on your screen.

Either call a taxi in London or book through an app or website.

Choose from a variety of options, such as black cabs, minicabs, or car-sharing services, and compare prices, ratings, and availability.

You can also see the driver’s name, photo, and vehicle details, and track their location and arrival time.

Pay by card or contactless through the app, and rate and review your experience afterwards.

Some of the most popular taxi apps in London are Tappaxi, and Uber.

How to Choose the Best Taxi Company in London

While there are many taxi companies and services in London, not all of them are equal in terms of quality, safety, and customer satisfaction, making it essential to select from a curated list of taxi companies. If you want to have a smooth and pleasant taxi experience and cab transfer in London, you should choose a company that meets the following criteria:

• Licensed and insured. The taxi company should have a valid license from Transport for London, and the drivers should have a valid driving license, insurance, and background check. This ensures that the company and the drivers are legal, professional, and accountable.
• Reliable and punctual. The taxi company should have a good reputation for delivering on-time and reliable service, without any delays, cancellations, or overcharging. You should be able to book a taxi easily and quickly and get a confirmation and an estimated arrival time. The Minicab driver should arrive on time or notify you in case of any changes.
• Friendly and courteous. The taxi company should have a friendly and courteous staff, from the customer service representatives to the drivers. They should be polite, helpful, and respectful, and make you feel welcome and comfortable. The driver should greet you, assist you with your luggage, offer a smooth drop-off service, and drive safely and smoothly. They should also be knowledgeable about the city and offer you tips and recommendations if you ask.
• Affordable and transparent. The taxi company should offer you a fair and competitive price for your taxi journey, without any hidden fees or surcharges. You should be able to see the fare before you book and pay by your preferred method. The company should also have a clear and easy-to-understand pricing policy and a refund and cancellation policy in case of any issues.

Why Tappaxi is the Best Taxi Company in London

If you are looking for a taxi company that meets all the criteria above, and more, then look no further than Tappaxi. Tappaxi is the best taxi company in London, offering airport transfers, airport taxis, and general taxi services that are fast, convenient, and affordable. Here are some of the reasons why you should choose Tappaxi for your taxi needs in London:

• Tappaxi offers you one hour of free waiting time when you book an airport transfer. This means that you don’t have to worry about rushing to meet your driver, or paying extra if your flight is delayed. And if you need more time, you can request it during the booking process.
• Tappaxi lets you cancel your booking for free until 12 hours before your pick-up time. We understand that life can be unpredictable, and plans may change.
• Tappaxi guarantees you a transparent pricing experience, ensuring that the price you see is the final price you pay, with no hidden fees.
• Tappaxi provides you with 24/7 support, meaning that you can reach us anytime, day or night, for any questions, issues, or feedback.
• Tappaxi monitors your flight for free, so you don’t have to worry about flight delays or changes. We use this to ensure that your driver is ready to pick you up as soon as possible.
• Tappaxi gives you multiple pick-up times, so you can choose the one that suits you best. We offer a range of pick-up times, from 15 minutes to 90 minutes after landing, ensuring that you won’t be charged for any waiting time.
• Tappaxi allows you to instantly edit your bookings, without any hidden fees. You can change your pick-up time, location, destination, vehicle type, or number of passengers, anytime before your driver arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions on Booking Taxis in London

London has many taxi stands for you to hail one or book online. Once you explore London on foot, you will need a taxi driver more than ready to drop you off to your location.

You can book a London cab in advance, or book a taxi over the phone.

Q: How can I book a taxi in London?

A: You can book a taxi in London by either calling a taxi company, using a taxi-hailing app, or simply approaching a taxi at a designated taxi stand.

Q: What are the differences between black cabs and minicabs in London?

A: Black cabs are licensed taxis that can be hailed on the street, while minicabs must be pre-booked through a licensed private hire company.

Q: Are all taxis in London wheelchair accessible?

A: Not all taxis in London are wheelchair accessible, but some black cabs and private hire vehicles are equipped to accommodate passengers with mobility needs.

Q: How do I know if a taxi in London is licensed?

A: Licensed taxis in London will display a unique license number on the vehicle, along with the driver’s identification badge. You can also look for the Transport for London’s taxi sign.

Q: What is the best way to get a taxi from Heathrow Airport?

A: You can easily get a taxi from Heathrow Airport by using Tappaxi. You can also follow the signs to the designated taxi ranks outside the terminals or by using a taxi-hailing app.

Q: Can I book a taxi in advance for transportation around London?

A: Yes, you can book a taxi in advance for transportation around London by contacting a private hire company or using online booking platforms.

Q: How can I hail a black cab in London?

A: You can hail a black cab in London by standing on the street and sticking out your arm to signal the driver that you need a ride.

Q: What are the typical taxi fares in London?

A: Taxi fares in London vary depending on the distance traveled, time of day, and type of taxi service. You can check with the driver or the local transportation authority for fare information or consult your app and enjoy transparent pricing.

Conclusion

Getting a taxi in London can be a daunting task, especially if you are a traveller who is not familiar with the city or its transport system.

But with the right tips and tricks, you can find and book a reliable taxi service that will take you to your destination safely, comfortably, and affordably.

If you want to have the best taxi experience in London, you should choose Tappaxi, the best taxi company in London, offering airport transfers, airport taxis, and general taxi services that are fast, convenient, and affordable.

Tappaxi has many features and benefits that make it stand out from the rest, such as free waiting time, free cancellations, transparent pricing, 24/7 support, free flight monitoring, multiple pick-up times, and instant booking edits.

Tappaxi also has hundreds of happy customers who have rated it 5 stars on Trustpilot, Google, and other platforms.

So, what are you waiting for?

Download the Tappaxi app today, and book your taxi in London with ease and confidence.