There are many ways to travel around London, including the Underground (Tube), buses, bicycles, and feet, but with so many alternatives, it can be difficult to know where to start. Although I’ve included a list of useful London apps, including several that are particularly helpful for getting oriented and planning routes between London’s major landmarks, there is one mode of transportation in London that is frequently overlooked: London black taxis.
London’s black taxis are a fantastic, albeit more expensive, alternative to the Tube’s distinctive emblem and the city’s ubiquitous red double-decker buses. However, their methods of operation differ slightly from those of taxis in other places, so it’s best to be prepared.
The following is an in-depth guide to taking a black cab in London, including information on how to hail one, where to put your money, and what to expect during your ride. You’ll also get the lowdown on The Knowledge, one of the most fascinating features of riding in a London taxi, which you won’t want to miss. Having the self-assurance to extend your hand in London
What You Need to Know About Taxis
There may not appear to be many distinctions between black cabs and minicabs at first look, beyond the obvious ones of price and appearance. Still, that’s not all there is to learn. To get around in London with ease, it’s important to know the distinction between these two terms.
Taxis in Black
Black cabs, also known as hackney carriages, are taxis in the same vein as their yellow-cab counterparts across the world, but with a more recognisable silhouette and colour scheme. Metered charges for black taxis in London are regulated and established by Transport for London.
However, there are surcharges for using a black taxi from Heathrow, making a telephone reservation, and travelling on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. The most notable fact is that only black taxis may pick up passengers directly from the street.
Cabs for hire / Minicabs
The term “private hire” can refer to a larger variety of automobiles. Automobiles for hire with chauffeurs, cars for executives, limos, and taxis all fall under this heading. Minicabs in London are less expensive than traditional black taxis while yet maintaining a conventional appearance.
They do not use metres, but rather provide an estimate of the total cost depending on distance travelled before the ride begins. Minicabs vary from black cabs in that they cannot pick up people on the street and instead require reservations.
Interesting Information About London’s Taxis
Let’s have some fun and find out what makes London black cabs special before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to really take use of them. I’ve compiled five interesting tidbits about the iconic black taxis of London.
Their drivers are quite familiar with the city of London. Taxi drivers in London’s famed black cabs are required to demonstrate mastery of the city via the Knowledge of London exam, which is not required in most other cities. For this exam, candidates must learn and memorise 25,000 streets in a six-mile radius from Charing Cross in central London. Drivers also need to be able to think quickly on their feet and familiar with the quickest routes.
The ubiquitousness of London black taxis upon exiting Coventry station may be attributable to the fact that they are produced there.
The unique form and construction of London taxis make them ideal for navigating the city’s congested streets. Inside, there are some ingenious seats that allow for a total of five passengers.
It’s not a requirement that they be black or have the conventional shape of London taxis, despite the moniker.
The first examples of them appear in the 17th century. Authentic Hackney coaches were beautifully decorated horse-drawn carriages during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. It is said that affluent Londoners hired out their horses, drivers, and coaches to other aristocrats in an effort to recoup the costs associated with purchasing and maintaining them.
I know, right? As you can see, the Underground and the red double-decker buses aren’t the only modes of public transportation in London; the city’s iconic black taxis have a rich and varied history of their own.
To hail a black cab in London, you must first know how to pay for them.
Many people outside of the United Kingdom believe that payment is required to ride in a black taxi in London. But this is the furthest thing from the truth. Here’s the money-handling details you need for a trouble-free journey, saving you a trip to the ATM.
To begin, know that all black taxis accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards as well as other contactless forms of payment. Even while cash is still widely used, all black cabs are equipped to accept credit cards. Most cabs have the gadget placed in the cabin, however it is also portable.
In addition, there is no further fee when using a credit card to pay for a cab ride.
Use of London’s Taxicabs
Here’s a quick primer on taking a black taxi in London like a local, including everything from where to hail one to how much the trip will be.
Calling a Taxi
It’s very much like hailing a cab in New York City to get one in London. In order to summon a taxi, all you have to do is exit the building and signal with a raised arm. The yellow TAXI sign on the car is the giveaway that it is a taxi and may be hailed for a ride, even though most tourists visiting London are expecting to see a black cab.
Many major rail, Tube, and bus terminals have dedicated taxi ranks where customers may hail a black cab.
Entering Your Information and Giving It to Your Driver
After flagging down a cab, you can approach the driver through the front window and tell them your destination. Get in the back and tell the driver where to drop you off. Keep in mind that London cab drivers already know their way about the city, so you probably won’t need to give them any directions unless you want to take a very precise route.
Whenever I wanted to make a suggestion to a driver with The Knowledge, it was when I lived in London and my location was still quite new and many of them had trouble finding the building.
The Cost of the Ride
After arriving at their final destination, passengers are required to pay the entire amount indicated by the metre. You and your driver can settle on a fare in advance if you’re going anywhere outside of Greater London. You may always ask him to start the metre and pay the final total.
Tipping is neither expected nor required, but is always appreciated, so feel free to increase your fare by the nearest pound if you feel like showing your driver some appreciation.
How do you use a black cab in London?
Cabs available for hire have a light on top displaying the word ‘TAXI’. Once hired, the light is switched off. To hail a cab, simply stick your arm out as it approaches and they will pull over for you. Talk to the driver at the front window and explain where you need to get to, then jump in the back