Taxis are an important transportation source for travel across cities. However, understanding the taxi rates per km in the UK is essential to managing travel expenses. In this article, we’ll figure out how much it costs to take a taxi for 1 km in the UK. How are taxi rates calculated and what is the average taxi cost per km in different cities in England? Scroll down and learn the basic information about calculating and saving money on your taxi journey.
Note: While taxi fares in the UK are typically calculated in miles, we understand that many people prefer kilometers. This guide provides information on converting taxi rates from miles to kilometers for your convenience.
Due to the high demand for taxis, their fares are increasing gradually. Many factors influence the overall rates of taxis, including timing, distance, and location. Waiting timing, heavy luggage, or extra passengers also enhance the per km cost. On the other hand, your traveling location plays another fundamental role in the taxi fares. For example, in UK cities, taxi fares are higher than in rural areas due to high demand and traffic congestion.
In the UK, local transport is an industry managed and controlled by the local licensing authorities. A driver can charge certain fixed charges within the licensed areas. The authority may fine drivers up to £1,000 for excessive charges or surcharges.
A taxi meter is installed within the taxis to calculate the fare according to distance and timings. Passengers can also calculate their fares from the “tariff of fares” card displayed in taxis. In addition, you can also visit the local authority website and check the hackney carriage charges per km.
If you travel outside of the licensing area, negotiate rates with the taxi driver. Pre-fixed charges may protect you from disputes or high charges.
This guide primarily focuses on the rates of private hire taxis that can be booked online and whose fares can be calculated before your journey. Unlike street taxis or Hackney Carriages, where fares often depend on negotiation, it is not possible to determine their fare in advance.
All the tariff rate rules settle for the taxi fare, not for private hire taxis. Private hire companies have freedom in fares because they are not under licensing authorities. However, private hire taxis have fixed charges according to the location, traffic conditions, and vehicle type. It's a better choice to opt for private-hire taxis for travel because they offer pre-booked services with premium facilities. Among them, Trips365 is the best private-hire operating company, providing affordable and convenient travel services across the UK.
The private hire taxi on average costs £1.5-£4.50 per km for distances longer than 12 km. For a distance shorter than 12 km costs a fixed rate of £34. These are the rates for private hire taxis and street taxi rates are decided by the government.
Transport for London (TFL) sets and manages the taxi fares in London. TfL sets four different tariff rates based on the timing, days, and traveling distance. To remain competitive with traditional taxis, private hire companies often adopt similar fare structures in London.
Applicable from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday. Charge a standard rate of approximately £3 per km during the daytime hours.
Applicable from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Monday to Friday; Saturday and Sunday from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. It is a slightly higher tariff due to availability throughout the week. Charge approximately £3.5 after the initial fare.
Applicable at night from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and on public holidays. It charges approximately £4.2 per km higher than the other two tariffs due to high demand and night driving.
Applicable for a long-distance journey of more than 12 km or 08 miles, regardless of the time of day or night.
Heavy traffic and waiting time also increase the taxi cost per km in London.
In Manchester, the taxi rate per km is lower than in London. The average taxi rate per km is about £1.75 to £3.5, depending on the type of taxi and time of the day. Meanwhile, extra rates are high on special occasions like Christmas and the New Year.
In Edinburgh, taxi fares are almost the same as those in Manchester. The average taxi rate per km is about £1.60 to £3.5, depending on the taxi type and time of the day. Additional charges including delays, waiting, traffic, etc., increase the overall fare.
A known UK city offers a balanced transportation system with fair rates. The average per-kilometer Birmingham taxi cost is £1.60 to £3.50.
The local authority in Liverpool sets the average taxi rate per km at £1.60 to £3.50. Extra facilities and special occasion services affect the overall fare.
Following are different ways you can save on taxi costs.
Usually, taxi fares are higher at the most demanding times in the morning, evening, or weekend. Therefore, book a taxi at non-peak times to save money.
Overall, taxi rates per km in the UK vary in different areas of the country. Although black cabs or traditional taxis are a good mode of transportation, they are a little bit expensive. Therefore, I recommend you book private-hire taxis rather than regular rides. Now, it's up to you which is the best one for you. I hope the above guide assists you in estimating your taxi charges. Stay connected for new blogs and the best taxi services in the UK.
The cost varies depending on the location, type of service, and timing. However, the average 5 km taxi cost in the UK is £35. Trips 365 offers saloon car taxis for £34, estate car taxis for £38, minibuses for £65, and Mercedes vehicles for £50 for a 5-kilometer ride in all UK cities
The taxi cost for a 10 km ride is about £40 in large cities like London, while in towns and rural areas, it ranges from £34.
The taxi rates for a 15 km ride in the UK typically cost £45, a child seat will cost you an extra £13, and adding an extra stop will cost £15.
The fare for a 20-km ride costs £60 in all major cities in the UK with trips 365 with 1 hour free waiting time.
As per kilometer distance increases, fares also increase. The 25-km ride costs approximately £70 in the major cities and towns of the United Kingdom. There is a 5% additional charge if you book a ride between 12 pm to 6 am.
The average saloon car taxi fare for a 30 km ride is approximately £80 anywhere in the UK with trips365 taxi service.
Certain factors like time of day, route, type of service, and additional charges, including toll charges, luggage handling fees, etc., affect the taxi fare.
No, taxis charge more at night; refer to the “night tariff”. The night tariff starts from late evening to early morning.