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Black cabs vs minicabs - an honest guide
Get London Transfer specialises in door-to-door transfers from anywhere inside the M25. Your price for anywhere in London is fixed at booking, with free flight monitoring included.
Traveller question
How do black cabs, Uber and minicabs differ legally - and do they all take cards?
Transport for London licenses all three. A black cab is a licensed taxi: it is the only vehicle you can hail on the street or pick up at a rank, it charges by a TfL-regulated meter, its driver has passed the Knowledge, and it must take card and contactless payments and carry a wheelchair ramp.
Uber cars and minicabs are private hire vehicles. They can only carry passengers booked in advance through a licensed operator - booking in an app counts - and may not pick up anyone who flags them down. Prices are normally set when you book, though app fares can rise at peak times. Before getting in, check the car and driver match your booking and that the TfL private hire disc is displayed.
A driver touting for fares on the street or outside a club is breaking the law, and their insurance will not cover you - always book.
Get a fixed price from Get London Transfer or call 020 8888 9988.
What you need to know
Rule of thumb: for a short hop in central London when you can see a yellow "TAXI" light, a black cab is hard to beat. For airports, early mornings, luggage, groups, or a known price, pre-book a minicab.
Black cabs (hackney carriages) are the only vehicles that can be hailed in the street or taken from a rank in London. They run on a meter set by Transport for London, and drivers have passed "The Knowledge".
Minicabs (private hire vehicles) must be pre-booked. They usually quote a fixed price before the journey, which is why they are often cheaper for longer trips and airport runs. We are a private hire operator - we are not a black cab firm.
Cars, fares and pickup points
Saloons take up to four passengers and two large cases, estates add boot space, MPVs seat up to seven and a Mercedes V-Class or 8-seater takes larger groups. If you need a child seat, tell us when you book and we will confirm what we can provide.
Every fare to anywhere in London is fixed when you book and includes the driver, fuel and tolls on the agreed route. We collect from homes, hotels, offices, stations and hospitals across anywhere inside the M25, and drop off anywhere you need. If plans change, amend or cancel online or by phone - our cancellation terms are shown before you confirm.
How booking works
- Tell us the pickup address, destination, date and time (and flight number for airport pickups).
- We quote one fixed fare - you approve it before anything is booked.
- You receive the driver's name, car and phone number before pickup.
- Pay by card, cash or online.
Why book with Get London Transfer
- Instant fixed-fare quotes for every London airport
- Door-to-door - no shuttle buses, no shared rides
- Free flight monitoring and arrivals waiting time
- Saloon, estate, MPV and 8-seater options
People also search for this service as black taxi london, black cabs near me and minicab vs black cab - whichever you typed, this is the right page. Get an instant quote online or call 020 8888 9988.
Frequently asked questions
Are black cabs more expensive?
They are metered, so long journeys and traffic increase the fare. Pre-booked minicabs usually fix the price upfront.
Are minicabs safe?
Licensed ones are: drivers are licensed and checked, and the booking is recorded. Never take an unbooked car offering a ride.
Is Get London Transfer a black cab company?
No - we are a licensed private hire (minicab) operator offering fixed, pre-booked fares.
Can I hail a minicab in the street?
No - in London minicabs must be pre-booked. Only black cabs can be hailed.
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