Transport for London
Only licensed taxis (black cabs) can pick up passengers on the street. Any minicab driver who picks up customers without a booking is acting illegally. This includes minicabs lined up outside pubs and clubs.
After a night out it's tempting to jump in the first 'minicab' you see, but without a booking there’s no record of your journey or driver, and you could be putting yourself in danger. Follow these steps for the safest way to get a minicab.
Book your minicab with a licensed minicab operator by phone, email or in a minicab office and also agree your fare in advance.
Make sure the driver can confirm your name and destination before you get in the car, and check the driver's photo ID.
Always sit in the back seat, and carry your mobile phone in case of an emergency.
Taxis (black cabs) have a light on the front displaying the word 'TAXI'.
Taxi fares are displayed on the taxi meter and paid at the end of the journey. Taxi sharing schemes also help passengers going to the same place.
Find licensed minicab offices and other private hire operators in your area
More options
View all Travel Tools
Staying out late? Use our Night bus maps to plan a safe route home
Early riser or night owl? Don't get stranded - check the first and last Tube times.
Plan on the move - Text us your location and destination, and we'll do the rest
Find out what improvements are being made to your line
© Transport for London