Estimate your London taxi fare
Use this calculator for a quick black cab fare estimate based on distance, travel time, tariff, and common surcharges.
Note: This is an estimate, not an official quote. Actual fares may vary with route, roadworks, meter increments, and local policies.
How London taxi fares are usually calculated
London taxi pricing is primarily meter-based. That means cost rises with both distance traveled and time spent moving slowly or waiting. In heavy traffic, time can drive a large part of the final fare, even on short routes.
This calculator uses a practical model for common black cab trips. It combines:
- A starting fare
- A distance charge per mile
- A time charge per minute
- Optional extras such as airport fees, congestion charge, ULEZ, and custom tolls
Tariff periods matter
Tariff periods are one of the biggest fare drivers. Daytime weekday journeys generally use a lower tariff than evenings, weekends, and overnight travel. If your trip starts late at night or during holidays, your estimate should use a higher tariff setting.
Why travel time can change your fare fast
If you are crossing central areas at peak times, slower average speed means more meter time. In practice, two trips with similar mileage can have noticeably different fares if one route is congested.
Example estimates
The table below shows sample outcomes using the same pricing logic as this calculator. Treat these as illustrations rather than guaranteed fares.
| Journey | Distance | Time | Tariff | Estimated Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soho to Canary Wharf | 6.0 miles | 30 min | Tariff 1 | ~£36-£44 |
| Kensington to King's Cross (evening) | 4.8 miles | 28 min | Tariff 2 | ~£32-£40 |
| Shoreditch to Heathrow (night) | 20 miles | 70 min | Tariff 3 | ~£105-£130+ |
Black cab vs minicab: what this calculator is for
This page is built for metered London taxi style estimates. Private hire (minicab/app-based) operators may use fixed quotes, dynamic pricing, or route-specific rates. That means their totals can be lower or higher than a metered estimate depending on demand and time of day.
How to get a more accurate fare estimate
- Use map distance rather than rough guessing.
- Include realistic journey minutes from live navigation data.
- Add known extras (drop-off charges, tolls, or booking fees).
- Select tariff based on actual pickup time, not booking time.
- For airport runs, check whether terminal-specific charges apply.
Frequently asked questions
Is this an official TfL fare tool?
No. It is an independent estimator designed for planning and budgeting.
Can I use kilometers?
Yes. Choose kilometers and the calculator converts automatically to miles before applying fare rates.
Does it include tip?
Not by default. You can add a tip manually after seeing your estimate if you want a total trip budget.
Why do I see a fare range?
Road conditions and exact route choices can shift final metered totals. A range helps reflect real-world variation.
Bottom line
If you want a quick and realistic budget for a London cab ride, this calculator gives you a solid starting point. Enter distance, time, and extras honestly, and you will get a useful estimate before you travel.