There’s no single answer to “how much is a London taxi?” — but the price is driven by a small number of factors you can understand and plan around. This breakdown explains each one, with illustrative estimates.
Every figure below is an estimate that varies; the licensed taxi partner sets the final fare.
The main cost factors
- Distance — the biggest driver. A £2.60-per-mile rule of thumb gets you in the right ballpark for a private-hire estimate, on top of a base fare.
- Time in traffic — black cabs charge for waiting time on the meter, so a congested route costs more even over the same distance.
- Time of day — a night surcharge (roughly £10) can apply for pickups late at night and early morning.
- Vehicle type — a saloon is the baseline; estates, executive cars and minibuses cost progressively more.
- Surcharges — airport pickups often carry a surcharge (around £8), and central journeys can involve the Congestion Charge or ULEZ depending on the vehicle.
Worked examples (estimates only)
To show how these combine, here are rough estimates for common journeys. Real prices depend on the exact addresses, traffic and taxi partner.
| Journey | Approx distance | Estimated range | | --- | --- | --- | | Short central hop | 3–4 miles | £12–£18 | | Across town (e.g. Paddington → Canary Wharf) | 8–10 miles | £30–£45 | | Heathrow to central London | ~16 miles | £55–£75 | | London to Gatwick | ~28 miles | £80–£110 |
These use our standard estimate model (base fare + per-mile + any surcharges) and are deliberately shown as ranges — never treat them as a quote.
Black cab meter vs private-hire quote
The key distinction for cost control:
- A black cab runs on a regulated meter, so a slow journey in heavy traffic can end up higher than expected.
- A licensed private-hire firm can usually give a fixed quote before you travel, which protects you from traffic risk on longer runs.
For predictable budgeting — especially airport transfers — a pre-agreed private-hire price is usually the safer bet.
How to get an accurate number
The only way to know a realistic price for your journey is to enter the exact pickup and destination. Get a London taxi estimate, then your request goes to a licensed taxi partner who confirms the final fare.
For ways to bring the cost down, see our cheap London taxi guide.
MiniCabFinder is a comparison service, not a taxi operator, and the prices shown are estimates that may vary.