Heathrow Cab: pre-book or hail?
 

Hi,

After considering all options and the luggage that I am carrying, I am planning to take a cab from Heathrow to Pinner. I was told by some friends that it takes 30-35 pounds if you take a minicab. However the quotes that I have received from Ray Skinner and another black cab co. are in the range of 48-50 pounds. Why is there so much difference in the fares? Do you think it would be cheaper to hail a cab at the airport or should I prebook it?

Possible explanations for the difference include: Ray has to pay a 5-pound parking fee that is added to all pickups; his vehicles are larger; friends may have underestimated the cab fare, which can vary according to traffic; Ray can factor in whether there's a return fare from your destination (more likely in central London than in outlying areas); and Ray's service isn't quite the same as a taxi, as he meets you at the customs exit and helps with lluggage, whereas with a taxi you have to schlep out to meet them.

Pre-ordering a minicab is virtually always cheaper than hailing a black cab.

Even pre-ordering black cabs is an expensive option. Minicabs, on the other hand, are ordinary cars.

Have you tried Swiss Cottage cars? I've often seen them mentioned on this forum. Do a search for their details.

I would also suggest that your friends have grossly underestimated the cost. If they have got this price from a mincab before, perhaps they can recommend the company to you?

Well, I guess it depends what Ray was quoting you for. On his website, it costs 39 GBP one way for 1-3 people FROM the airport, and 34 GBP for the way back.

How many people are you? You say "I" like it is just you. If you are more than 3, then Ray is 49 GBP to get a van.

Also, a company called Swiss Cottage Cars is used by many people on this board and is about 5-10 GBP cheaper than Ray. They don't have a website, but if you do a search for them, there are lots of posts with their phone number.

Note too with a cab that it is a metered fare, and since most flights from the US arrive in the morning, you might have to pay more if you hit lots of rush hour traffic. Just something to consider.

I used Ray in January and it was very nice to have the car waiting for us at both ends.

Karen

The problem here, I think, is that Pinner is 8 miles north of Heathrow. A London minicab, like Rays, would have to come out the 18 miles from London to Heathrow, drive you 8 miles north to Pinner, then deadhead 15 miles back into central London. That may explain the higher price than a transfer to central London. The trick will be to find a minicab company based in or near Pinner. You might try this number, 020 8 573 1111

Thanks guys. I did some more looking around on the net and found www.city-transfers.com. They are going to charge me GBP 30 for the trip from Heathrow to Pinner. Anyone used them before?