Estimate Your London Black Cab Fare
This is an estimate for planning only. Real metered fares can vary by route, traffic, diversions, and official fare updates.
How this London taxi price calculator helps
If you want a quick London cab fare estimate before you travel, this calculator gives you a practical range in seconds. It is especially useful when you are planning airport transfers, commuting during busy traffic periods, or deciding between a black cab and private hire.
The estimator uses distance, journey time, tariff period, and optional surcharges. Because London taxi meters include both distance and waiting/slow-traffic components, entering realistic journey time is just as important as entering mileage.
How London black cab pricing generally works
1) Base fare + metered movement
Most journeys start with a minimum fare, then increase as the trip progresses. The meter advances by distance when traffic is flowing, and by time when the taxi is moving slowly or waiting. That is why the same route can cost more during rush hour than late at night.
2) Tariff bands
Tariffs are time-based fare periods. Daytime weekday fares are typically lower than evening/night and holiday periods. In this calculator:
- Tariff 1: Standard weekday daytime.
- Tariff 2: Higher evening rate.
- Tariff 3: Highest rate for late-night, weekend, and public holiday travel.
3) Extra charges
Some trips include pass-through charges (for example, road charging zones or airport drop-off fees). You can include these with checkboxes or the custom fixed-charge field.
Quick usage guide
- Enter the trip distance in miles.
- Enter expected total minutes (include traffic and potential delays).
- Select the correct tariff period.
- Add extras such as Congestion Charge or ULEZ if relevant.
- Add tip percentage if you want an all-in number.
- Click Calculate Fare to see the breakdown and estimated range.
Sample London taxi fare estimates
| Journey | Typical Conditions | Estimated Range |
|---|---|---|
| Soho to King’s Cross | ~3 miles, moderate traffic, Tariff 1 | £16–£24 |
| Paddington to Canary Wharf | ~7 miles, mixed traffic, Tariff 2 | £30–£45 |
| Central London to Heathrow | ~17 miles, heavy traffic risk, Tariff 3 possible | £65–£110+ |
What affects your final meter total most?
- Traffic density: stop-and-go roads increase time-based meter increments.
- Journey timing: night/weekend tariffs are often higher.
- Route disruptions: events, diversions, or roadworks can add both miles and minutes.
- Zone/airport fees: pass-through costs can be significant.
- Tipping: optional, but useful to include when budgeting.
Black cab vs minicab: budgeting perspective
Black cabs are metered and highly convenient for hail-and-go travel in central London. Private hire/minicabs may provide fixed quotes, which can be cheaper or sometimes higher depending on demand and surge pricing. For dependable planning, compare:
- Black cab metered estimate (this calculator)
- App-based fixed quote at booking time
- Public transport alternatives for non-urgent trips
Frequently asked questions
Is this an official TfL fare tool?
No. It is a practical planning calculator, not an official tariff publication.
Why do I need distance and time?
London taxi fares are affected by both route length and how long the vehicle spends in slow traffic or at a standstill.
Can I use this for airport trips?
Yes. Enter realistic mileage and expected time, then include airport-related fees in the extras section. For best accuracy, check live traffic before traveling.
Final tip for better estimates
Run two scenarios: one for best-case traffic and one for peak-time congestion. That gives you a realistic low/high budget and helps avoid surprises.