The iconic London black cab is the way to go. Only black cabs can be hailed in the street and if the yellow TAXI sign is on, the cab is available for hire and will stop to pick you up. Black cabs are metered. There is a minimum charge of £2.60. Black cabs can also be hired at designated ranks that are situated in prominent places – including many mainline rail, Tube and bus stations. They can also be booked by telephone. Black cabs are legally obliged to take on any job for journeys up to 12 miles (20 miles for cabs at the Heathrow Airport taxi ranks) – or up to one hour duration.
‘Minicabs’ (i.e. regular cars and vans) can be a cheaper alternative, but they must be booked in advance. Uber is an example.
You can tip taxi drivers as much as you like, but most people round up to the nearest pound.
Stay safe in London. Remember that un-booked minicabs are illegal. They may be unsafe, unlicensed and uninsured – don’t put yourself at risk
For more information and tube maps see the Transport for London website:
https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/taxis-and-minicabs/
