Taxi fares
Typical fares and journey times
This table shows typical fares and journey times based on distance for the different tariffs. Fares and journey times may be higher if there are delays or heavy traffic.
| Distance | Approx journey time |
Monday to Friday 05:00 - 20:00 (Tariff 1) |
Monday to Friday 20:00 - 22:00 Saturday and Sunday 05:00 - 22:00 (Tariff 2) |
Every night 22:00 - 05:00 Public holidays (Tariff 3) |
| 1 mile | 6 - 13 mins | £6 - £9.40 | £6 - £9.60 | £7 - £9.60 |
| 2 miles |
10 - 20 mins | £9.20 - £14.60 | £9.60 - £14.80 | £10.60 - £15 |
| 4 miles |
16 - 30 mins | £16 - £23 | £17 - £24 | £18 - £28 |
| 6 miles |
28 - 40 mins | £24 - £31 | £30 - £33 | £30 - £34 |
| Between Heathrow and Central London |
30 - 60 mins | £48 - £90 | £48 - £90 | £48 - £90 |
There is a minimum fare of £3.00 at all times.
The passenger will be expected to pay the full fare displayed on the meter at the end of the journey unless the driver and passenger agree on the final fare to be charged before the start of the journey.
Once a taxi journey reaches approximately six miles, the rate at which the taxi fare increases changes. During Tariff 1 and 2, the rate increases and during Tariff 3, the rate decreases.
Fares for destinations outside Greater London may be negotiated between the passenger and driver before the journey. If no fare is agreed before the start of the journey then the maximum fare will be that shown on the meter at the end of the journey.
What you can expect from the driver
Unless they have a good reason not to, drivers must:
- Accept any hiring up to 12 miles or up to one hour duration, if the destination is in Greater London
- Accept any hiring up to 20 miles if starting at Heathrow Airport
Extra charges
Extra charges must be added on the meter at the start of the journey. There are no extra charges for luggage, additional passengers or carrying of assistance dogs.
Telephone and online bookings
There is an extra charge of up to £2 if the taxi is booked by phone or online. When booking a taxi, other charges may also apply and terms and conditions may vary so please check when you book.
Heathrow Airport
There is an extra charge of £2.80 for journeys that start from Heathrow Airport taxi ranks.
Christmas and New Year
There is an extra charge of £4 for journeys made between 20:00 on 24 December and 06:00 on 27 December and between 20:00 on 31 December and 06:00 on 2 January.
Bank cards
There is no extra charge when paying by credit or debit card. All taxis must have a working fixed card payment device in the passenger compartment and accept payment by contactless card.
Soiling
The driver may charge the passenger up to £60 for soiling if it requires the taxi to be taken out of service for cleaning.
The information on this page is effective from Saturday 6 October 2018.
