Is it easy to hail a taxi in London?


Is it easy to hail a taxi in London? Key London taxi information Only black cabs can be hailed in the street. If the yellow taxi sign is on, the cab is available for hire. Black cabs are metered, and the minimum charge is £3.20. Minicabs can be a cheaper alternative.


Are London taxis reliable?

London taxis (black cabs) are the safest, most honest and best in the world. Mini-cabs are not as safe as London taxis.


Can a London taxi refuse a fare?

A taxi driver is obliged to accept passengers which fall within the taxi authorized area and are within 6 miles of the origination of the fare. A taxi driver can refuse a fare if the passenger looks drunk, sick or aggressive.


Is it illegal to hail a taxi in the UK?

Since the time of Queen Anne, the humble Hackney carriage has attracted the most legislation, totaling over 37 Acts, many of which are still in force. One thing many passengers may not be aware of is it is actually illegal to hail a taxi cab in motion.


Is it safe to take a taxi in the UK?

Yes, unless you're flagging down a black taxi. Don't flag down a private hire taxi on the street, even if it has a visible license plate and the driver looks okay. It's not safe to get in an unbooked private hire taxi and it's illegal for the driver to pick you up if you haven't booked in advance.


Do taxis in London take cash?

For some reason, many visitors tend to believe black cabs only accept cash. This isn't true – it's the 2020s, after all! All black cab drivers will take contactless credit and/ or debit card payments via a card payment device.


Why are cabs so expensive in London?

The price of diesel, inspections, maintenance, and getting the license all play a role, and the cabs themselves are not cheap. Only certain kinds of cars may be used as cabs and they're quite specialized. I believe the basic model is about £40,000. Taxis are best used if you're sharing with others (they can hold 5).


Is it safe to use Uber in London?

Uber prioritises safety for every rider in London. In a few taps, you can access customer support, share trip details with loved ones, and visit the Safety Centre to see what we're doing to help keep you safe.


What is the safest way to get around London?

Travel safe
  • Buses. Sit downstairs or close to the driver on a double-decker night bus, where they can see you. ...
  • Tubes and trains. Always try to avoid sitting in an empty carriage where you are more vulnerable.
  • Cycles. ...
  • Walking. ...
  • Taxis. ...
  • Minicabs. ...
  • Pedicabs (rickshaws)


Do you tip black cabs in London?

If you're taking one of the famous black cabs, it's customary to tip. If you're traveling by minicab or Uber, things are slightly different. So, how much would I add to the fare in a London taxi? The general consensus is that you add about 10% to the fare when using London's famous Hackney cabs.


How do you pay for a taxi in London?

All black cabs accept payment by credit or debit card without a surcharge. For a full list of fares, check out Transport for London's taxi fares information. You can tip taxi drivers as much as you like, but most people round up to the nearest pound.


Can a London taxi refuse to take you?

A taxi driver is obliged to accept passengers which fall within the taxi authorized area and are within 6 miles of the origination of the fare. A taxi driver can refuse a fare if the passenger looks drunk, sick or aggressive.


Why do taxi drivers prefer cash UK?

It's easier to handle and manage cash compared to other modes of payment. Cash payments are immediate and there is no need to wait for the payment to be processed. Some taxi drivers may prefer cash payments to avoid paying fees associated with card payments.