When you travel from the airport, you often move toward the taxi or taxi rank for onward travel. Are you surprised to hear about the high prices of taxis? You are not alone. Most travelers complain about the high fares of taxis. But the question is, why are airport taxis so expensive? In this guide, we will figure out factors contributing to the high prices of airport taxis in the UK. After reading this article you will be in a position to find the most affordable airport transfer for your next trip.
Several factors significantly affect taxi prices in the UK, such as location and distance, taxi type, airport fees, local authority restrictions, etc. The following are the factors that influence the overall taxi cost in the UK:
Do you notice you are paying an extra airport fee on your bill? Well, airport taxi companies often have to pay fees to the airport to pick up and drop off passengers. Then these taxi companies pass that fee on to the customers. Indirectly, we are paying the charges to use the fancy carpet roads at the airports.
Meanwhile, UK airports also charge the taxis that come to the terminals to pick up passengers because they maintain the facilities. For instance, Heathrow and Gatwick airports charge £5.00 to £5.20 per pickup from the airport terminal. As a result, these fees and surcharges play a vital role in increasing taxi fares.
Airport taxis require more licensing than regular taxis in the UK. Airport taxi operators need to meet the requirements set by the local airport authority. It includes specific types of vehicles, special permits, and other additional services. Therefore, taxi holders pay fees to maintain their licenses in the UK. Consequently, these licensing and regulation fees add up to the customer bill and contribute to the overall cost of taxis.
It is difficult to maintain the expense of a physical office or taxi rank near the airport. To maintain a taxi rank standard, safety, convenience, and satisfying customer service add to the overall taxi cost. Taxi operators pass these expenses on to the passengers, resulting in the high price of airport taxis.
It's quite expensive to run the airport taxi. Fuel costs, insurance, luggage assistance, and extra WiFi services add to the expenses. Moreover, extra driving distance, high traffic, and passenger waits also enhance its cost. To maintain the standards of the airport, airport taxi drivers keep their vehicles in the best condition. So, all these operational charges impact the taxi holder's budget, and they increase the taxi charges.
There are special meet-and-greet services available at the airport, where taxi drivers wait for passengers at the terminals and hold their names. The driver helps passengers carry their luggage toward the taxi. Due to extra time and service, drivers charge passengers extra fees.
The higher the traveling distance, the higher the taxi fare. In the UK, taxi fare is calculated on a distance basis. Taxi meters inserted in the taxis calculate the taxi fare per mile. For example, the distance from Manchester Airport to Manchester city center is about 10 miles and the fare increases per mile. On the other hand, route and traffic conditions also affect the fare. High traffic or long routes increase travel time and distance, leading to high costs.
Taxi prices vary from city to city or country to country. Usually, taxi prices are controlled by the local municipal authority. For example, London is a world-famous city; therefore, its airport taxi fares are higher than those of other UK small cities. Moreover, airport-specific taxis charge more than local taxis due to additional fees.
Many taxi options are available in certain areas, including regular saloon cars, premium, luxurious taxis, and other minivans, as per customer demands. So, the price of each taxi depends very much on its standards, service quality, and facilities. You will pay more for a lavish Mercedes than for a regular taxi.
It is famous for the airport taxis’ safety and the best customer care services. The airport authority sets the proper rules for the regulation of airport vehicle standards and driver transparency. It is worth paying more for safety and convenience than selecting other, cheapest options. Most travelers are willing to pay extra for their peace of mind.
On special occasions, holidays, or peak-demanding hours, the demand for airport transfers increases. When demand is high, the price also increases. If you are looking for an airport taxi at the peak of a demanding hour, get ready to pay for extra charges.
Another crucial factor in expensive airport taxis is waiting charges. Taxi drivers are waiting at the designated area or within the airport for passengers. There are several reasons for waiting, such as a late flight, standing in the queue, waiting for a luggage claim, or some other reason. As the drivers spend their precious time with the passenger, they add extra charges as the waiting time increases.
Airport taxi prices vary in different cities in the UK. There are specific, unique factors that influence the overall cost.
London: In London, taxi operators pay a daily £15 congestion fee. Moreover, high living costs, fuel rates, and vehicle maintenance are all charges passed on to the passengers.
Manchester: Airport development fees, premium facilities, and peak-time surcharges enhance the taxi fare.
Edinburgh: As tourism increases during the Edinburgh festival, it enhances the airport transfer demand. In addition, the narrow streets increase the distance and consequently become the cause of high fares.
Now you understand why are airport taxis so expensive. So, private-hire taxis are the cheapest option for airport travel compared to regular airport taxis. There are many benefits to private taxis, like the ability to pre-book your ride, fixed prices, no hidden costs, and the best customer support. Therefore, I recommend you travel with Trips365 (a known private hire company in Manchester). You just pre-book your ride and enjoy a hassle-free trip. Don't wait; book a ride with Trips365 and appreciate its budget-friendly services.