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Taxis in London

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Universally known as "black cabs," the traditional big black taxicabs are as much a part of the London streetscape as the red double-decker buses, and for good reason: the unique, spacious taxis easily hold five people, plus luggage. In order to earn a taxi license, drivers must undergo intensive training on the history and geography of London. The course, and all that the drivers have learned in it, is known simply as "the Knowledge." There's almost nothing your taxi driver won't know about the city.

Hotels and main tourist areas have cab stands (just take the first in line), but you can also flag one down from the roadside. If the yellow for hire sign on the top is lit, the taxi is available. Cab drivers often cruise at night with their signs unlit so that they can choose their passengers and avoid those they think might cause trouble. If you see an unlit, passengerless cab, hail it: you might be lucky.

Fares start at £2 and increase by about £1.80 for every mile or 30p per minute. Taxis cost about double after 10 PM, when they charge by the minute rather than by the mile. (This system was designed to convince more taxi drivers to work at night, but it has resulted in extortionate fares.) Surcharges are a tricky extra, ranging from 40p for additional passengers or bulky luggage to £2 for ordering by phone. At Christmas and New Year, the surcharge is £3. Fares are occasionally raised from year to year. Tip taxi drivers 10%-15% of the tab.

Minicabs, which operate out of small, curb-side offices throughout the city, are generally cheaper than black cabs, but are less reliable and trusted. These are usually unmarked passenger cars, and their drivers are often not native Londoners, and do not have to take or pass "the Knowledge" test. Still, Londoners use them in droves because they are plentiful and cheap. If you choose to use them, do not ever take an unlicensed cab: anyone who curb-crawls looking for customers is likely to be unlicensed. All those with proper dispatch offices are likely to be licensed. Look out for a yellow license disk on the front or rear window of the cab to be sure.

There are plenty of trustworthy and licensed minicab firms. For Londonwide service try Lady Cabs, which employs only women drivers, or Addison Lee. When using a minicab, always ask the price in advance when you phone for the car, then verify with the driver before the journey begins.