Use this calculator to look up TfL’s published typical London black-cab fare range. Choose the nearest official distance band and tariff. London taxi meters use time, distance and tariff, so this is a planning range rather than a quote. The minimum fare is £4.40 from 25 April 2026.
TfL black-cab fare range lookup
Figures below reproduce the typical journey ranges in TfL’s 2026 taxi fare card.
TfL typical range
Actual fares can be higher or lower because traffic, waiting, route and tariff boundaries affect the meter. For journeys outside these distance bands, request a quote or consult the full fare card.
How London black-cab fares are calculated
TfL regulates London taxi tariffs. The meter calculates the maximum fare using the time of day, journey distance and journey time; there is no single official flat per-mile rate. Tariff 1 applies Monday to Friday 05:00–20:00. Tariff 2 applies Monday to Friday 20:00–22:00 and weekends 05:00–22:00. Tariff 3 applies nightly 22:00–05:00 and on public holidays. After approximately six miles, Tariff 4 applies at the Tariff 2 rate.
Read the official TfL taxi fare card and TfL Notice 04/26 for the complete rules.
Metered fare or fixed private-hire quote?
A black cab can be hailed or taken from a rank and the final price is shown by the meter. A licensed private-hire vehicle must be booked through its operator; the operator can confirm a price before travel. Neither option is universally cheaper. Compare the complete quote with TfL’s relevant fare range and check what waiting, parking, airport and amendment charges are included.
Our current airport prices are published on the Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City Airport price pages. Use those live pages instead of relying on an old comparison table.
Airport charges and London taxi extras
Airport forecourt charges and the amount a black-cab driver may add to the meter are not always the same. TfL’s 2026 fare card permits a £1.60 extra for a journey beginning at a Heathrow rank, a £6 extra for a Heathrow terminal drop-off and a £6 extra for a London City Airport terminal drop-off. A taxi booked by phone, app or online may carry a booking charge of up to £2.
Airport rules change independently. Check the official Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City Airport pages before travel.
Uber, Bolt and other private-hire prices
App-based private-hire services use upfront or dynamic pricing. The price shown can vary with demand, route and booking time. There is no dependable universal surge multiplier or saving percentage, so compare the final price displayed by each licensed operator. See the providers’ own current pricing explanations for Uber and Bolt.
Taxi fares outside London
TfL tariffs apply to London black cabs, not taxis throughout the UK. Local licensing authorities set or publish their own hackney-carriage fare rules, while private-hire prices are set by operators. Use the relevant council’s current tariff rather than applying this London lookup to another city.
Frequently asked questions
How do I use this London taxi fare calculator?
Choose the nearest official distance band and the tariff for your travel time. The result is TfL’s published typical range, not a guaranteed fare. Traffic, waiting, route and tariff changes during the journey can affect the meter.
What is the minimum London black-cab fare?
The minimum fare is £4.40 from 25 April 2026. It applies to every tariff.
Does TfL publish a flat per-mile taxi rate?
No. TfL explains that the meter uses time of day, distance and journey time. Its fare card publishes typical ranges for example distances rather than one flat per-mile rate.
How much is a six-mile London taxi journey?
TfL’s 2026 typical range for six miles, taking about 28–40 minutes, is £33–£42 on Tariff 1 and £41–£45 on Tariffs 2 and 3.
Are fixed private-hire fares always cheaper?
No. A fixed quote provides price certainty, but the cheaper option depends on the actual quote, journey, traffic, time and extras. Compare the complete quote with the relevant TfL range.
Can I use this calculator outside London?
No. Other licensing authorities publish their own taxi tariffs. Check the relevant council’s current rules or request a private-hire quote.
Summary
Use the lookup for TfL’s current 1, 2, 4 and 6-mile typical ranges. Treat it as a planning guide, not an official quote. For a confirmed private-hire price, use the booking form and review the booking terms before paying.
