Taxi Durham

Passenger Guides & Tips

When fares are lower and how to avoid surge pricing

Almost everyone who uses taxis in the UK is familiar with the question of why the price of a journey in the app is sometimes higher than expected.

Where it’s better to hail a Black Cab and where an app is more cost-effective

In Britain, especially in its capital, there are two popular ways to use a taxi: hail a legendary Black Cab on the street or use an app such as Uber or Bolt.

Time-saving and toll-avoiding tips

Cars have long been considered the most convenient form of transport for travelling around Europe and the UK, among other places.

Is a child booster seat required, and how to request one?

Transporting children in a taxi is a popular choice for parents in the UK. This solution can be convenient for daily trips to school, transfers to the airport, or even for solving emergency unforeseen situations.

Can the fare be fixed in advance?

Taxi customers in the UK often want to know the cost of a ride in advance. Unlike situations where the price is formed by the meter during the ride, having a fixed rate allows you to avoid unpleasant surprises, especially when ordering during rush hour or going to the airport.

How to recover lost property?

Forgetting something in a taxi is a common occurrence. The phone slipped into the seat gap, the bag was left in the trunk, and sometimes the shopping bag was left on the floor.

Durham might be small compared to the likes of Newcastle or Leeds, but it definitely knows how to keep you busy — especially when it’s student season or there’s a match on. Whether you’re rushing to catch a train, heading to the university, or trying to get home after one too many pints in the city centre, having a decent taxi number saved in your phone is an absolute must.

I’ve used quite a few taxi services in Durham over the years — some brilliant, some… let’s just say I wouldn’t call again. So here’s my straight-up, no-nonsense guide to the local taxi scene, based on real rides and a few too many last-minute scrambles.

🚖 Top Taxi Services in Durham

Taxi Company	How to Book	Price Range	My Take
PRT Taxis	📞 Call / 🌐 Website / 📱 App	💰💰	✅ Always reliable, covers the whole area
Mac’s Taxis	📞 Call / 🌐 Website	💰💰	👍 Friendly drivers, decent rates
Durham City Taxis	📞 Call / 🌐 Website	💰💰	⚖️ Solid backup, especially during rush hours
Uber	📱 App Only	💰–💰💰	⚠️ Convenient, but can be a mixed bag
St. Cuthbert’s Cars	📞 Call / 🌐 Website	💰💰💰	✔️ Great for uni travel & airport runs

🚖 The Breakdown

1. PRT Taxis – The Local Favourite

These guys have been around forever and they’re one of the few services you can pretty much always count on. Quick to respond, fair prices, and they cover the whole Durham area — even the bits out in the sticks.

Best for:
✔️ Train station runs
✔️ Uni pickups
✔️ General day-to-day rides

2. Mac’s Taxis – Friendly and Fair

Every time I’ve used Mac’s, it’s been smooth sailing. The drivers are proper down-to-earth, prices are decent, and you’re not left waiting around. Nothing fancy — just reliable.

Best for:
✔️ Local trips
✔️ Late-night lifts
✔️ When you want a chilled-out driver

3. Durham City Taxis – The Standby Hero

Not always the first one people think of, but they’ve saved me more than once when everywhere else was fully booked. Service is solid, and they’re usually available when it’s busy.

Best for:
✔️ Peak-time travel
✔️ Last-minute bookings
✔️ Short hops around town

4. Uber – Handy, But Hit-or-Miss

Uber does work in Durham — sometimes. When it’s good, it’s great. When it’s not, well… you could be left waiting longer than you’d like, especially during student rush hours or nights out.

Best for:
✔️ App bookings
✔️ Card payments
✔️ When you can’t get through to local firms

5. St. Cuthbert’s Cars – A Step Up

If you’re heading to the airport or want something a bit more polished, these guys are a great option. They do uni travel, long-distance trips, and business stuff too — all with a bit of extra comfort.

Best for:
✔️ Airport runs
✔️ Business travel
✔️ Students going home for the weekend

🚖 So, What’s the Best Taxi in Durham?

🔹 For regular, reliable rides: Go with PRT Taxis or Mac’s Taxis
🔹 Need a backup during peak hours? Durham City Taxis is your friend
🔹 Prefer app booking? Uber is handy — when it’s working
🔹 Want a nicer ride? Try St. Cuthbert’s Cars

Word of advice: Durham gets BUSY — especially during uni terms and weekends. Save a couple of numbers now so you’re not left standing outside in the rain, praying for signal.