# How to choose a reliable taxi firm > A practical checklist for picking a safe, licensed UK taxi or minicab firm: the nine questions to ask before you book, the licence checks that matter, and the red flags that mean walk away. Source: https://taxirater.online/guides/how-to-choose-a-taxi-company.html Site: TaxiRater (https://taxirater.online/) - more pages: https://taxirater.online/llms.txt Buyer’s guide # How to choose a reliable taxi firm TR By the TaxiRater Editorial Team · Updated 2026 · 7 min read Most taxi journeys are completely uneventful — which is exactly why it’s easy to book on autopilot and only think about the firm when something goes wrong. A few quick checks up front are the difference between a driver who tracks your flight and turns up early, and a no-show at 4am with a holiday on the line. Here’s the checklist we use ourselves. The short version Book a licensed firm, get the price in writing , confirm they track flights for airport runs, and check the car and driver match your booking when they arrive. Nail those four and you’ve avoided almost every problem people run into. On this page 1. Licensing: the non-negotiable 2. The nine questions to ask 3. Red flags: walk away 4. Extra checks for airport runs 5. FAQs ## Licensing: the one thing you can’t skip In the UK, taxis come in two flavours, and the distinction matters for your safety: - **Hackney carriages** (black cabs and their local equivalents) can be **hailed in the street** or picked up at a rank, and use a meter. - **Private hire vehicles** (minicabs) **must be pre-booked** through a licensed operator. They cannot legally be flagged down. Both are licensed by the **local council** (and by **Transport for London** in the capital). A licensed vehicle carries a **council licence plate**, and the driver holds a **badge** and has passed background and DBS checks. If a “firm” can’t point you to its operator licence, that’s not a firm you want. This is the very first thing we verify before any company appears in our [rankings](https://taxirater.online/rankings.html). ## The nine questions worth asking before you book 1. **Are you a licensed operator, and with which council?** A reputable firm answers instantly. 2. **Is the fare fixed or metered?** For airports, insist on a fixed, all-in price. 3. **What’s included?** Airport fees, waiting time, meet-and-greet, luggage — get it spelled out. 4. **Do you track flights?** Essential for arrivals; it means they adjust to delays automatically. 5. **Can I pay by card, and is there a surcharge?** Cash-only in 2026 is a small red flag. 6. **What vehicle will I get?** Match it to your luggage and group size. 7. **Do you offer child seats or wheelchair-accessible vehicles?** Ask if you need them — don’t assume. 8. **Will I get driver and car details in advance?** Name, number plate and a contact number. 9. **What’s your cancellation and no-show policy?** Know it before you need it. ## Red flags that mean walk away - **No clear price before you travel.** “We’ll sort it on the day” often means a surprise. - **An unbooked minicab offering you a ride** — especially outside stations or airports. Never get in. - **No licence plate on the car or badge on the driver.** - **Pressure to pay cash up front** with no booking confirmation. - **A car or driver that doesn’t match** the details you were sent. - **No landline, no address, no online trace** — a legitimate operator has a footprint. Golden rule at airports and stations Ignore anyone approaching you offering a taxi. Walk to the official rank or, better, go to the driver you pre-booked. Legitimate private-hire drivers don’t tout for business — it’s against the rules and a classic sign of an unlicensed operator. ## Extra checks for airport transfers Airport runs carry the highest stakes — miss the car and you might miss the flight. On top of the nine questions, confirm: - **Flight tracking** is genuinely in place, not just promised. - **Meet-and-greet vs kerbside** pick-up, and whether car-park fees are included. - The firm knows the **current drop-off and pick-up rules** for your terminal — our airport guides for [Heathrow](https://taxirater.online/guides/heathrow-airport-transfers.html), [Gatwick](https://taxirater.online/guides/gatwick-airport-transfers.html) and [Stansted](https://taxirater.online/guides/stansted-drop-off-charges.html) cover these. - There’s a **plan B**: a number that’s answered at antisocial hours if a flight lands early or late. Short on time? We’ve already done these checks for the firms in our directory. Every one is licence-verified and human-reviewed against 17 criteria . [Browse verified firms →](https://taxirater.online/rankings.html) ## FAQs How do I know if a taxi firm is licensed? Licensed firms operate under a council licence; vehicles display a licence plate and drivers carry a badge. You can check an operator’s licence with the local authority, or with Transport for London in the capital. Is it safe to get in an unbooked minicab? No. A minicab must be pre-booked through a licensed operator and cannot be hailed in the street. Only black cabs (hackney carriages) can be flagged down. Always pre-book and check the car and driver match your booking. What should a taxi quote include? The total fare, whether it’s fixed or metered, any airport/waiting/night surcharges, and whether card payment and meet-and-greet are included. No clear price before travel is a red flag. Keep reading ### Heathrow transfers: taxi, minicab or train? 9 min read ### Stansted drop-off charges & pick-up rules 8 min read ### See the verified firm rankings Directory ## Child seats: questions to ask before you book A common question from parents is whether a taxi company will provide a child seat. Policies vary, so ask before you pay. - Do you supply seats, and which types: rear-facing infant, forward-facing or booster? - Is there a charge, and is it shown on the booking? - Will the seat be fitted before arrival, or will you fit it yourself? - Can you use your own seat, and does the car have ISOFIX points if your seat needs them? - Will the confirmation show the seat request in writing? Red flags: "we'll sort it on the day", or being told seats are never needed. Licensed taxis and minicabs do have a legal exemption, but a firm that takes family safety seriously will still offer a proper option. When reading reviews, look for families who mention seats arriving as promised. ### Q: Do London taxi companies have to provide child seats? **A:** No. Licensed taxis and private hire vehicles are exempt, so it is up to each company. Ask in advance and get the seat confirmed in writing. ## Meet and greet: how to judge an airport pick-up service Visitors often ask which airport pick-up services are reliable. Compare what each firm actually promises in writing. - **Free waiting:** how many minutes, and does the clock start at landing or at the booked time? - **Extra charges:** the rate after free time runs out, and whether airport parking is included. - **Meeting point:** inside the arrivals hall, or a car park you must find yourself? - **Delays and diversions:** what happens if your flight is hours late or lands at another airport? - **Contact:** a phone number staffed when you land, and the driver's name and number sent before you fly. Red flags: vague answers on waiting charges, a cheap headline price with parking added later, and reviews that never mention airport pick-ups. Reviews describing late flights handled well are the most useful. ### Q: What should a meet-and-greet booking confirmation include? **A:** The pick-up time and flight number, the meeting point, the free waiting allowance, the total price and a contact number for the day. Driver details should follow before you travel. ## Late Stansted arrivals: booking a car you can rely on A common question is how to get from Stansted to London late at night without being stranded. If you plan to book a car, a few checks matter more than the headline price. - Does the company cover Stansted late at night, or will it pass your job to another firm? - Is there a night or late surcharge, and is it in the quote? - What happens if your flight is delayed past midnight? Get the policy in writing. - Will you receive the driver's details before you land? Stansted is a long drive into London, so collect two or three written quotes. A price far below the others often means extras later or a no-show risk. Never accept a ride from someone approaching you in arrivals. An unbooked minicab is illegal and not safe. ### Q: Is it safe to take a minicab offered to me at the airport? **A:** No. Minicabs must be booked through a licensed operator. Use the official taxi rank or a car you booked in advance. ## Booking an airport car on a strike day: what to check A common question is how to get from Heathrow into London during a strike. If you book a car, demand is high and some firms change their terms, so check: - **Fixed or variable:** is the price fixed, or can it rise if traffic slows the journey? - **Delays:** how many minutes of free waiting are included, and what does a late flight cost? - **Confirmation:** get it in writing with the driver's details, and confirm again the day before. - **Price changes:** will the firm honour the booked price if demand rises? Red flags: a firm that asks for more money after the strike is announced, and payment links sent from a personal email. Book early, before the best firms fill up. ### Q: Can a taxi company raise my price because of a strike? **A:** A fixed quote should not change. Check the terms in writing when you book, and be wary of firms that ask for extra after a strike is announced. ## Black cab or app car: how to compare fares in town Visitors often ask whether a black cab or an app car is cheaper, and whether you can hail a cab. Both are legal and licensed by TfL, but they charge in different ways. - **Black cabs** can be hailed when the yellow TAXI light is on, or found at ranks. They run on a TfL-regulated meter, and since October 2016 every London black cab must accept card payments with no surcharge. - **App cars** are minicabs. They must be booked, and the app shows a price upfront, but it moves with demand. How to compare: on a short hop in heavy traffic, the meter keeps running. At busy times, such as Friday nights, after events or in heavy rain, app prices tend to rise. Check both before you choose. ### Q: Can I pay for a London black cab by card? **A:** Yes. All London black cabs have had to accept credit, debit and contactless payments since October 2016, with no card surcharge. ## Is Uber licensed in London, and how to ride safely A common question is whether Uber still operates legally in London. TfL refused to renew its licence in 2017 and 2019, which led to appeals. Uber has since been licensed again, most recently with a 30-month licence granted in September 2024 that runs to March 2027. Licensing covers the operator, but your safety on each trip depends on simple checks: - Match the number plate, car model and driver photo in the app before you get in. - Ask the driver who they are collecting, rather than giving your name first. - Use the app's trip-sharing feature so someone knows your route. - Never get into a car with an app sticker that you did not book. That is an unbooked minicab. The same checks apply to any ride-hailing app. ### Q: Is Uber legal in London? **A:** Yes. TfL granted Uber a 30-month London licence in September 2024, running until March 2027. ## Tube strike on your dates: using taxis without overpaying Visitors often ask what to do if a Tube or rail strike falls on their trip. Taxis help, but demand jumps, so plan ahead. - Expect app prices to rise and black cabs to be scarce at stations. - Roads get busier, so metered fares climb in slow traffic. - Book cars for fixed times such as a show, dinner or a train departure, and get a fixed price in writing. - Ask whether waiting time or traffic delays are charged on top. - For short central trips, walking or a bus may be quicker than sitting in a cab. Check the cancellation terms when you book, in case the strike is called off and you no longer need the car. ### Q: Are taxis more expensive during a Tube strike? **A:** App prices often rise with demand and metered fares climb in heavy traffic. A pre-booked fixed price is the easiest way to control cost. ## Step-free trips: where a taxi fills the gaps A common question is which Tube stations are step-free. Only some are fully step-free from street to train, and some have a gap or step between platform and train. Use TfL's step-free Tube guide to plan each leg. Many visitors use a mix: public transport where the route is step-free, and a taxi for the legs that are not. When booking the taxi part, check: - Can the driver stop at the entrance with the lift or ramp, not just the nearest kerb? - Will the firm confirm the vehicle type, and how easy it is to get in and out? - Can you book a return at a set time, so you are not waiting outside? Reviews that mention accessible drop-offs and patient drivers are a good sign. ### Q: How do I find step-free Tube stations in London? **A:** TfL publishes a step-free Tube guide and journey planner options for step-free routes. Check them for each station you plan to use. ## Hiring a car for London? Compare the full cost first Visitors often ask whether to drive in London. Before you book a rental car, add up what driving actually costs. - **Congestion charge:** £18 a day in the central zone from 2 January 2026, or £21 if paid late. - **ULEZ:** covers all London boroughs since 29 August 2023, at £12.50 a day for non-compliant vehicles. Check the rental car meets the standard. - **Penalties:** fines for unpaid charges, bus lanes or parking go to the rental company, which usually passes them on, often with an admin fee. - **Parking:** central parking is scarce and expensive. For most visitors, taxis for the odd awkward trip plus public transport cost less than a car parked at the hotel. Rent only for days outside London. ### Q: Do I have to pay the congestion charge in a rental car? **A:** Yes, if you drive in the zone during charging hours. It is £18 a day from 2 January 2026, and it is your responsibility to pay it. ## How to check a minicab is licensed before you get in A common question is how to know a minicab is licensed and safe. In London, every minicab journey must be booked through a TfL-licensed operator, by app, phone, online or at the office. A car that pulls up and offers a ride is an unbooked minicab, which TfL says is illegal and not safe. Before you get in: - Your booking confirmation should give the driver's name and photo and the vehicle details. - Check the car's registration and model match the booking. - Licensed private hire drivers carry TfL photo ID. Before you book, check the operator's licence on TfL's website and look for a real address and phone number. Red flags: drivers touting outside stations or clubs, no booking record, and cash-only demands. Licensed operators keep journey records, so a driver can be traced if anything goes wrong. ### Q: Can I flag down a minicab in London? **A:** No. Only black cabs can be hailed. Minicabs must be booked in advance through a licensed operator. ## Tipping taxi drivers: what is expected Visitors, especially from North America, often ask how much to tip in London. In taxis, tipping is welcome but not expected the way it is in some countries. - **Black cabs:** many people round up to the nearest pound or add a little for a good trip. - **Pre-booked cars:** check whether a gratuity is already in the quote before adding one. Some firms add a tip prompt at payment. - **Help with bags:** a small tip is a common thank you when a driver loads heavy luggage, but it is your choice. - **Hotel doormen:** a small tip for hailing a cab is optional. You should never feel pressured. A driver who demands a tip, or adds one without asking, is worth mentioning in a review. ### Q: Do you have to tip taxi drivers in London? **A:** No. Tipping is optional. Rounding up or adding a little for good service is common, but it is not required. ## Taxi scams to watch for in London Visitors often ask about common scams. For taxis, a few patterns come up again and again: - **Touts:** people in airport arrivals, outside stations or outside clubs offering a ride. Unbooked minicabs are illegal and unsafe. - **Lookalike booking sites:** pages posing as an airport's "official" taxi service with inflated fares. Check who you are paying. - **"Cash only":** every licensed black cab must accept cards, so this is not a valid reason to refuse. - **Extras after the trip:** parking, waiting or drop-off fees that were never quoted. - **Fake reviews:** lots of five-star posts in a short burst, all vague. If you have a problem with a black cab, note the driver's badge number and the cab's licence number, then report it to TfL. ### Q: Is it a scam if a black cab driver says cash only? **A:** It is not allowed. All London black cabs must accept card payments, so you can insist on paying by card. ## Travelling alone at night: taxi safety habits Solo travellers, especially women, often ask whether getting around London alone at night is safe. Choosing your ride carefully goes a long way. - Book before you leave the venue, and wait inside until the app or firm says the car has arrived. - Ask the driver "Who are you here for?" rather than saying your own name. - Check the plate, car and driver photo match your booking. - Sit in the back and share your trip details with a friend. - If anything feels wrong, do not get in. You can cancel and rebook. A black cab with its yellow light on, or from a rank, is a good alternative if you have not booked. In an emergency, call 999. To report something afterwards, call 101. ### Q: Is it safe to take a taxi alone at night in London? **A:** Licensed black cabs and properly booked minicabs are generally a safe option. Check the booking details match before you get in, and share your trip with someone. ## Wheelchair users: what to expect from taxis and minicabs Wheelchair users planning a London trip often ask about taxis. Every licensed London black cab is wheelchair accessible, with a ramp, so you can hail one or use a rank. Some larger powered wheelchairs may not fit, so check your chair's size and ask before you travel. Minicab fleets vary. Ask specifically for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, and confirm it in writing. Under the Equality Act 2010, drivers and operators must: - not charge extra for carrying or assisting disabled passengers - carry assistance dogs, unless the driver holds a medical exemption - give reasonable mobility help and carry mobility aids When comparing firms, look for reviews from wheelchair users. Report any refusal or surcharge to the licensing authority. ### Q: Do London taxis charge extra for wheelchairs? **A:** They should not. The Equality Act 2010 bars drivers and operators from charging disabled passengers extra for assistance or carrying a wheelchair. ## Choosing a taxi for older or less mobile travellers Families planning a trip for older relatives often ask how to make getting around easier. Taxis can save a lot of walking and stairs, but choose the firm with care. - **Vehicle height:** some people find a high MPV step or a very low seat difficult. Ask what car will come and request an easier one. - **Help with bags:** confirm the driver will load and unload luggage. - **Booking by phone:** a firm with a staffed line is easier than an app-only service if plans change. - **Fixed prices:** knowing the fare in advance avoids worry about the meter in traffic. - **Unhurried timings:** book pick-ups with a little slack, so nobody rushes at the kerb. Reviews that mention patient, helpful drivers are worth more than star ratings alone. ### Q: What kind of taxi is easiest for an elderly passenger? **A:** It depends on the person, but many find a standard saloon easier than a high MPV. Ask the firm what vehicle will come and request help with bags. ## Getting home after a night out when the Tube has stopped A common question is how to get home late when the Tube has finished. Plan the ride before you go out. - **Know your options:** the Night Tube runs on some lines on Friday and Saturday nights only. Night buses cover many routes the rest of the week. - **Black cabs:** use a rank or hail one with its yellow light on. - **Minicabs and apps:** book from inside the venue, then walk out when the car arrives. - **Ignore offers at the door:** anyone outside a club or bar offering a lift is an unbooked minicab. - **Budget:** late-night demand pushes app prices up, so sharing with friends going the same way helps. Keep your phone charged, and agree with your group how everyone is getting home before the night starts. ### Q: Does the Tube run all night in London? **A:** Only on certain lines on Friday and Saturday nights. On other nights, use night buses, a black cab or a booked minicab.