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Transport for London

Taxis and minicabs

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.

Minicabs

Minicab driver's licence

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 it

    Book your minicab with a licensed minicab operator by phone, email or in a minicab office and also agree your fare in advance.

  • Check it's yours

    Make sure the driver can confirm your name and destination before you get in the car, and check the driver's photo ID.

  • Sit in the back

    Always sit in the back seat, and carry your mobile phone in case of an emergency.

Taxis

Light on top of taxi

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.

If your minicab's not booked, it's just a stranger's car. Text CAB to 60835 to get three local cab numbers. Be Cabwise, Terms and conditions apply.

Findaride

Find licensed minicab offices and other private hire operators in your area

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