Booking an accessible taxi shouldn't mean extra stress on top of an already busy trip. Whether you use a wheelchair yourself or you're booking for someone who does, knowing what to ask for — and when — makes the difference between a smooth pickup and a driver turning up in the wrong kind of vehicle.
All prices here are estimates that vary; we confirm your final fare.
What "wheelchair accessible" actually means
A wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) is built or adapted to carry a passenger in their wheelchair, typically via a ramp or lift, with the chair secured in place for the journey rather than the passenger transferring to a car seat. London's iconic black cabs are wheelchair accessible by design and licensing requirement. Private-hire WAVs exist too, but availability varies by area and time of day, so it's not something to assume — always specify it when you book.
Specify it at the time of booking, not on arrival
The single most important thing you can do is tell us you need a wheelchair accessible vehicle when you make the booking, not when the driver arrives. This gives us the chance to allocate an appropriate vehicle and confirm availability, rather than trying to solve it on the spot. If your journey has a fixed appointment time — a hospital visit, a flight, an event — build in a little extra buffer in case the nearest suitable vehicle is a few minutes further away.
Questions worth asking when you book
- Ramp or lift? Different vehicles use different access methods, and it can matter depending on the type of wheelchair.
- Manual or powered chair? Powered chairs are heavier and larger — mention this so the right vehicle is sent.
- Companion travelling with you? Confirm there's room for both the wheelchair user and any companion in the accessible vehicle.
- Folding chair instead? If your chair folds and you're able to transfer to a seat, a standard vehicle with boot space may also work — useful to know if it widens availability.
Airport and station transfers
Airports and mainline stations generally have their own accessibility assistance services for the terminal itself, but the taxi journey to or from the door is separate — book your accessible taxi as you would any other airport transfer, with your flight number or train time included so we can track for delays. Our guide on booking an airport taxi in advance covers the wider planning checklist.
Tips for a smooth accessible booking
- Book as early as possible for a WAV, especially for peak times or events.
- Mention any companion, luggage or medical equipment travelling with you.
- For recurring appointments, ask about booking the same driver or vehicle type in advance.
- Compare an estimated fare before you book, and see our taxi safety tips for general guidance on booked journeys.
We provide the journey directly with our own drivers, and we'll do what we can to match an accessible vehicle to your needs — tell us what you need when you book.