How much is an airport taxi in London?

Airport taxi prices in London range from £30 to £120+ depending on the airport, vehicle type, and time of day. Black cabs use meters and can cost more during traffic. Pre-booked private hire tends to be the most predictable and often the most affordable option.

Are London airport taxis metered or fixed price?

Black cabs at airport ranks use meters and charge based on time and distance. Private hire vehicles and pre-booked transfer services offer fixed prices agreed at booking time, which typically work out cheaper and more predictable.

Should I take a black cab or pre-book a taxi from the airport?

Pre-booking is almost always better value. You get a guaranteed fixed price, no airport queue, and a driver waiting for you. Black cabs are convenient but metered fares can be 20-40% higher, especially during peak traffic.

Airport Taxi London Price — What You'll Really Pay in 2026

Q: Do London airport taxis charge extra at night?

Black cabs apply higher tariffs after 8pm on weekdays and all day on weekends. Pre-booked transfer services like LDN Transfers do not charge night supplements — the price quoted is the price you pay, any time of day.

Understanding Airport Taxi Prices in London

The phrase "airport taxi" covers a surprisingly broad spectrum in London. From the iconic black cab waiting at the airport rank to a pre-booked Mercedes arriving at your door, the airport taxi London price you pay varies enormously depending on which service you choose, when you travel, and which airport you are using.

This guide cuts through the confusion to give you honest, up-to-date pricing for every type of airport taxi available in the capital. No marketing spin, no hidden surprises — just the real numbers you need to make an informed decision.

Black Cab vs. Minicab vs. Private Hire — What's the Difference?

Before comparing prices, it helps to understand London's three main taxi categories:

Type	How It Works	Pricing	Best For
Black Cab	Hailed on street or from airport rank	Metered (TfL tariffs)	Short trips, spontaneous travel
Minicab	Pre-booked through licensed operator	Fixed quote or metered	Budget-conscious journeys
Private Hire	Pre-booked premium service	Fixed price at booking	Airport transfers, business, families

Black Cab Airport Taxi Prices

London's famous black cabs use TfL-regulated meter tariffs that change based on time of day and day of week:

Tariff 1 (Mon–Fri, 5am–8pm): Starting fare £3.80, then increments based on distance and time
Tariff 2 (Mon–Fri, 8pm–10pm; Sat–Sun, 5am–10pm): Higher increments, roughly 20% more
Tariff 3 (Every day, 10pm–5am; public holidays): Premium night rate, roughly 40% more

For a Heathrow journey from Central London, expect to pay £55–£95 by black cab. For Gatwick, £90–£140 or more. The wide range reflects the significant impact of traffic on metered fares.

Pre-Booked Private Hire Airport Taxi Prices

Private hire companies like LDN Transfers operate on a fundamentally different model. You receive a fixed price at the moment of booking that covers everything: the journey, waiting time, parking, tolls, and congestion charges. For a comprehensive comparison, see our airport transfer London cost guide.

Here's what you can expect for a standard saloon from Central London:

Heathrow: £55–£70 fixed
Gatwick: £65–£85 fixed
Stansted: £75–£95 fixed
Luton: £70–£90 fixed
City Airport: £30–£45 fixed

When Is a Black Cab Actually Cheaper?

Black cabs can occasionally beat pre-booked transfer fares in specific scenarios:

Very short distances: City Airport to Canary Wharf (under 2 miles) is likely cheaper by black cab
Off-peak, no traffic: A Sunday morning run to Heathrow with empty roads might match the fixed fare
Solo passenger on a budget: Some ride-hailing apps undercut private hire for single travellers during quiet periods

However, for the vast majority of airport journeys — especially during busy periods, with luggage, or with multiple passengers — a pre-booked private transfer delivers better value and significantly more peace of mind.

Hidden Costs of Airport Taxis

Many travellers are caught out by extras that inflate the headline fare:

Airport pickup charges: Some airports charge taxis a pickup fee passed to you
Congestion charge: £15 daily charge if your route passes through Central London's zone
Waiting time surcharges: Metered taxis charge for every minute stuck in traffic
Luggage extras: Some providers charge per bag above a certain limit
Card payment fees: A few operators still add surcharges for card payments

With LDN Transfers, every quoted price is all-inclusive. No extras, no surprises. Learn more about affordable airport taxi options and how to avoid hidden fees.

How to Get the Best Airport Taxi Price

Pre-book online: Always cheaper than walk-up airport ranks. Our booking guide walks you through the process.
Compare options: Check our Uber vs airport transfer comparison for the latest pricing dynamics.
Consider the taxi vs train trade-off: For solo travellers, trains may be cheaper to some airports.
Book a standard vehicle: Executive cars are 40–60% more. Choose based on need, not impulse.
Look for low-cost transfer deals: Some companies offer return journey discounts.

Get an instant, fixed-price quote now. No meters, no surge, no hidden charges — just honest airport taxi London prices you can trust.

Airport Taxi London Price — Frequently Asked Questions

Airport taxi prices in London range from £30 to £120+ depending on the airport, vehicle type, and time of day. Pre-booked private hire from Central London typically costs £55-70 to Heathrow, £65-85 to Gatwick, £75-95 to Stansted, £70-90 to Luton, and £30-45 to City Airport.

It depends on the type of taxi. Black cabs at airport ranks use TfL-regulated meters and charge based on time and distance. Private hire vehicles and pre-booked transfer services like LDN Transfers offer fixed prices agreed at booking time, which typically work out cheaper and significantly more predictable.

Pre-booking is almost always better value. You get a guaranteed fixed price, skip the airport taxi queue, and have a driver waiting for you. Black cabs are convenient for spontaneous trips but metered fares can be 20-40% higher, especially during peak traffic periods.

Black cabs apply Tariff 3 rates between 10pm and 5am which are roughly 40% higher than daytime rates. Pre-booked transfer services like LDN Transfers do not charge night or weekend supplements — your quoted price is the same regardless of when you travel.