Taxis from LHR
 

Can anyone tell me approximately how much a taxi (black cab or other) currently costs from Heathrow to the West End? Last time I used one I was stunned, and I expect it's worse now. Thanks.

try taking the train, terminal 4 has a 15 minutes express into Paddington in west London, or the tube

Taxi will likely run you 60-80 dollars. Take the tube - the Picadilly line runs directly from Heathrow into the West End (Leicester Square or Covent Garden stops). You could then walk or take a taxi to your final destination. Cost of about $6 - less if you are buying a travelcard anyway. Faster too - should get you to West End in 40-45 minutes.

The last I heard it was something like 50 pounds. But there is an alternative if you like the full convenience of a private car. There are a number of private car services or &quot;mini cabs&quot;. The term &quot;mini&quot; has nothing to do with the size of the car, but they are privately owned but licensed drivers with car.<BR>I use one of the least expensive called Swiss Cottage Cars. I call them a few days before arrival with my flight number and the address where I'm going (I rent in Covent Garden). The cost is 25 pounds. They meet me as I come out of customs with a sign with my name, help me with luggage to the car and drop me off right at my front door. They don't have a website, but their phone number is 207-431-2700. There are many other companies that do the same thing, many with websites. I don't understand the cost of taking an actual taxi when you can reserve a car for about half the price.<BR><BR>The Express to Paddington and a taxi from there is a decent idea if you are traveling alone, but for two of more, the cost is likely to exceed the cost of a private car, with more hassle. Yes, the transfer from Express to taxi at Paddington can at times be an ordeal.

Thanks for the replies so far. I know the tube is cheaper as is the express train, but with three people, bags and whatall I've found the premium for a taxi or minicab is worth it. &pound;40? &pound;50? Thanks again.

We always use www.london-transfers.com (Ray Skinner) - it's a great driver pick up service and is a flat fee, unlike a taxi.<BR>By the time you pay for the Heathrow Express to Paddington and then a cab you could do the driver pick up service cheaper if there is more then one of you. With luggage I'd not even think about the tube.<BR><BR>The service meets you outside of immigration and takes you right to your door, no bother hauling luggage off and on trains or up and down escalators.

I'm confused by your last post, John, are you still asking the price for a taxi or for a minicab? As I mentioned the price for Swiss Cottage Cars from Heathrow to central London (West End) is 25 pounds, unless they've recently raised it. They can easily take three of you with luggage, just advise them of the number when you call. Incidentally, they also check with your flight and time your arrival in case your flight is late. They do not charge anything for parking or waiting time -- it's a one price deal, plus of course a tip.

Just checked out www.london-transfers.com. Their price for transfer from Heathrow to central London adds up to 39 pounds (34 plus 5 for parking), not including the tip. A little steep, in my humble opinion. Any other &quot;minicab&quot; suggestions?

Thanks, Patrick. The situation is that we're not likely to know when we're arriving until just before we get there (shuttle from EDI), so the pre-booking option may not be available, hence my interest in the black cab option.

Ah, now I see. Actually you could probably call them once your flight is set, just before you take off even and it is likely they can still send a car from you. It is quite a large operation that is actually under several different mini cab company names, so they have lots of cars and drivers.<BR>But all I know is I talked with a friend who never asked me about the car option and said she just paid 50 pounds from Heathrow to her hotel near Charing Cross when she went in September. Which would be about 75 to 80 dollars as Steve mentioned above.

The hired car is a good alternative to the taxi.