Quick Summary
A London to Birmingham taxi typically costs £180–£240 for a standard saloon, covering the 118–125 mile journey in around 2–2.5 hours via the M1/M6 or M40. This page covers fares to both Birmingham city centre and Birmingham Airport (BHX). London Airport Taxi is a TfL-licensed private hire operator (rated 4.9/5 across 450+ reviews) offering pre-booked fixed-fare transfers with meet & greet, flight monitoring, and door-to-door service. MPV, 7-seater, and 8-seater minibus options are available for families and groups.
At-a-Glance Answer (Fare Overview)
For most travellers heading from London to Birmingham (whether to the city centre, the NEC, or Birmingham Airport), a typical taxi fare is £180–£240 for a standard saloon (up to 4 passengers with light luggage). Executive cars usually run £220–£290. Larger vehicles (MPV / 7 seater or 8-seater minibuses for 8 passengers) are typically £250–£330. All fares are fixed at booking — no surge pricing, no hidden charges.
What Affects the Fare from London to Birmingham?
London to Birmingham is one of the longest private hire routes in England, covering approximately 118–125 miles. The two main motorway corridors are the M1/M6 (via the east) and the M40 (via the Chilterns and Warwickshire). Your fare is shaped by:
- Vehicle type & capacity: Saloon, estate, MPV, 7 seater, executive cars, or minibus for 8 passengers.
- Destination in Birmingham: City centre, Birmingham Airport (BHX), the NEC, Solihull, or Edgbaston — each adds or subtracts a few miles from the base distance.
- Pickup in London: Central London, a London airport (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted), or a suburban address all affect the fare.
- Traffic & routing: The M1/M6 can be congested around Luton, Northampton, and the M6 Toll section; the M40 route offers a quieter alternative via Warwick.
- Time of day: Night, early morning, or public holiday bookings may carry a surcharge.
- Luggage: Oversized baggage, sports equipment, musical instruments, or additional suitcases.
- Meet and greet: Your TfL-licensed driver waits inside the arrivals hall at Birmingham Airport or a London airport with a name board.
Tip: If you're heading to Birmingham Airport for a flight, consider whether a London airport departure might be more convenient. However, if your airline only operates from BHX, a pre-booked taxi ensures a stress-free, door-to-door journey.
Transparent Transfer Prices (Example Guide)
Below is an illustrative guide for taxi fares between London and Birmingham. Your exact fare is confirmed at booking with no hidden charges.
| Vehicle & Use Case | Seats | Luggage Guide | Example Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saloon – best for couples/solo | 4 | 2 large + 2 cabin | £180–£240 |
| Estate – more luggage space | 4 | 3 large + 2 cabin | £195–£255 |
| Executive cars – premium comfort | 4 | 2 large + 2 cabin | £220–£290 |
| MPV / 7 seater – families & gear | 7 | 4–5 large + 4 cabin | £250–£310 |
| Minibus (up to 8 passengers) | 8 | Group & kit | £270–£330 |
For groups larger than 8, or if you need to be collected from a specific London airport and taken directly to Birmingham, ask for a multi-leg airport transfer quote. View our full pricing for Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City, and Southend airport transfers.
Pre-Booked Taxi vs Uber vs Train: Which Is Best?
Many people search for an Uber from London to Birmingham. Here's how the main options compare for this 118–125 mile journey:
| Option | Typical Cost (1–2 pax) | Journey Time | Key Trade-Offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-booked private hire taxi | £180–£240 (fixed) | 2–2.5 hours | Fixed fare, door-to-door, luggage space, flight tracking |
| Uber / ride-hail | £180–£350+ (variable) | 2–2.5 hours | Surge pricing likely, driver may decline, no flight tracking |
| Train (Avanti West Coast) | £25–£120 per person | 1 hr 20 min | Fastest option; no door-to-door, heavy luggage difficult |
| Coach (National Express) | £14–£25 per person | 2 hr 30 – 3 hr | Cheapest solo option; slow, limited luggage |
For groups of 3 passengers or more, a pre-booked private taxi almost always works out cheaper per head than individual train tickets — and you get door to door service, generous luggage space, and a guaranteed fixed fare with no surge pricing.
Booking Your Ride (Simple Steps)
- Use the booking form: Enter your pickup address in London (home, hotel, or airport terminal) and your Birmingham destination (city centre, Birmingham Airport, NEC, or specific address).
- Choose your vehicle: Saloon, estate, MPV/7 seater, minibus, or executive cars.
- Get an instant quote & book online: Fixed fare confirmed — no surge pricing, ever.
- Receive booking confirmation and email confirmation with driver/vehicle details.
- Relax and enjoy a comfortable, direct journey to Birmingham with live traffic updates and driver communication throughout.
London to Birmingham: What to Expect on the Day
- Meet and greet: If collecting from a London airport, your TfL-licensed driver waits in the arrivals hall with your name. For London address pickups, the driver arrives at your door.
- Help with baggage: Assistance with luggage from your home, hotel, or airport carousel to the car.
- Direct route: Most drivers use the M40 corridor via Warwick or the M1/M6 route. The M6 Toll can save 20–30 minutes during peak times (toll charges typically included in fare — confirm at booking).
- Comfort stops: For a 2+ hour journey, drivers can stop at motorway services if you need a break — just ask.
- Your driver: All drivers are DBS-checked, TfL-licensed, and experienced on the M40 and M1/M6 corridors between London and the West Midlands.
Can I Go Birmingham to London Instead?
Absolutely. Birmingham to London transfers are equally popular — whether you're heading to Central London, a London airport, or a specific address. Pre-booking with London Airport Taxi ensures a TfL-licensed, DBS-checked driver with the right vehicle for your party, and the same fixed fare applies in both directions. If you're being collected from Birmingham Airport, your driver tracks your flight and waits in arrivals with 30 minutes of complimentary waiting time included.
Alternatives & Combinations (If You're Price-Sensitive)
- Train from London Euston: Avanti West Coast services reach Birmingham New Street in around 1 hour 20 minutes. Advance singles can be as low as £25, making it the best solo option if you're travelling light.
- Coach from Victoria Coach Station: National Express runs frequent services for £14–£25, though journey times are longer (2.5–3 hours).
- For complex itineraries (e.g., Heathrow to Birmingham with a return via Luton or Stansted), request tailored onward travel solutions for multi-leg pricing that bundles airport transfers together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a taxi from London to Birmingham Airport?
A taxi from Central London to Birmingham Airport (BHX) typically costs £180–£240 for a standard saloon with London Airport Taxi, a TfL-licensed private hire operator rated 4.9/5 across 450+ reviews. Birmingham Airport is located near Solihull, slightly closer to London than Birmingham city centre, so fares may be marginally lower. The journey takes approximately 2 hours via the M40 with a DBS-checked driver. All fares are fixed at booking with no surge pricing.
How much is an Uber from London to Birmingham?
An Uber for this distance typically costs £180–£350+ depending on demand. Surge pricing during peak hours, weekends, or major events can push costs significantly higher — and many Uber drivers may decline a 120-mile trip. By comparison, London Airport Taxi offers a guaranteed fixed fare of £180–£240 for a saloon with no surge risk. You also get meet-and-greet at airport arrivals, live flight tracking, and 30 minutes of complimentary waiting time, none of which Uber provides.
How long does a taxi take from London to Birmingham?
The journey typically takes 2–2.5 hours via the M40 or M1/M6, covering approximately 118–125 miles. Rush hour traffic around London and the M6 can add 30–45 minutes. The M6 Toll road near Birmingham can help bypass congestion and save 20–30 minutes. London Airport Taxi's DBS-checked, experienced drivers know the best routes and departure times to keep your journey as efficient as possible.
Do you offer an airport taxi service late at night?
Yes. London Airport Taxi operates 24/7 with live flight tracking for airport arrivals at any hour. All drivers are DBS-checked and TfL-licensed. Night and early-morning surcharges may apply but are shown up front during booking — there are no hidden charges. This is particularly useful for passengers arriving on late-night long-haul flights at Heathrow or Gatwick who need onward transport to Birmingham without waiting until morning.
I've booked — how do I know it's confirmed?
You'll receive email confirmation immediately after booking online with London Airport Taxi. The confirmation includes your fixed fare, vehicle type, and booking reference number. Closer to your pickup time, dispatch sends driver details (name, vehicle registration, contact number) via email and SMS. For airport pickups, your driver receives your flight number and monitors it in real time. Keep your booking confirmation handy — you can also contact London Airport Taxi directly if you need to make any changes.
Can I book a taxi from London to Birmingham for 7 or 8 passengers?
Yes. London Airport Taxi offers a full range of vehicle options from standard saloons right up to 8-seater minibuses, all with professional, DBS-checked drivers. For 7 passengers, an MPV costs £250–£310. For 8 passengers, a minibus costs £270–£330. Child seats and wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available on request at no extra charge. For groups larger than 8, minibuses seating 10–16 are available. All bookings include fixed pricing and free cancellation.
Is it cheaper to get a taxi or train from London to Birmingham?
For a solo traveller with light luggage, an advance Avanti West Coast train ticket from London Euston (from around £25) is usually cheaper, with the journey taking about 1 hour 20 minutes. However, for 3–4 passengers sharing a taxi, the economics shift significantly. At £180–£240 total for a saloon, 4 passengers pay just £45–£60 each — competitive with peak train fares, and you get door-to-door convenience with generous luggage space and no navigating London stations.
Route Variations & Local Tips
- Heathrow to Birmingham is approximately 117 miles (around 2 hours). If you're landing at Heathrow and heading straight to Birmingham, a direct transfer avoids the hassle of getting into Central London first.
- Gatwick to Birmingham is longer at approximately 145 miles (2.5–3 hours), reflecting Gatwick's southern location.
- If you're attending events at the NEC or Resorts World, these are adjacent to Birmingham Airport — confirm the exact drop-off point for the quickest access.
- Business travellers heading to the Jewellery Quarter, Brindleyplace, or Five Ways should specify the exact address for the most efficient route into the city centre.
How to Request a Tailored Quote
When you enquire for a London to Birmingham taxi transfer, include:
- Exact pickup address in London (or airport terminal if being collected from a flight)
- Destination in Birmingham (city centre, Birmingham Airport, NEC, or specific address)
- Passenger count (e.g., 4 passengers, 3 passengers, or 8 passengers)
- Luggage details (oversized bags, equipment, pushchairs)
- Any onward travel notes (return journey, connecting flights, multi-stop itinerary)
You'll get clear transfer prices and a vehicle recommendation. London Airport Taxi covers all six London airports — see pricing for Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City, and Southend airports.
Summary: Getting the Best Value
For stress-free travel between London and Birmingham, a pre-booked fixed-fare taxi provides door to door comfort, fair transfer prices, and flexible onward travel. Whether you need a value saloon, a spacious MPV, or executive cars for a business journey, London Airport Taxi will match the car to your party and baggage, keep you on-time, and deliver a smoother experience than Uber surge pricing or crowded trains. London Airport Taxi is TfL-licensed, rated 4.9/5 across 450+ reviews, and operates 24/7 with DBS-checked drivers. Book your London to Birmingham taxi online now for an instant fixed-price quote.
