Taxi passengers in the UK often want to know the cost of a ride in advance. Unlike a metered fare, which builds up during the journey, a price agreed beforehand helps you avoid surprises, especially at busy times or on the way to the airport.

Card payment terminal in a taxi with the words "Fixed price"

This guide explains how fixed and agreed fares work in the UK and when the final price can still change.

How is the cost of a taxi ride formed in the UK?

There are two main approaches.

  1. By the meter. The cost depends on distance and time. This is how black cabs in London and licensed taxis (hackney carriages) in many other areas work.
  2. By a price given in advance. The price is set before the journey. However, it can change if you add stops, change the destination, the route changes, tolls apply, or the trip takes much longer than expected. This approach is more common with private hire (minicab) operators and apps.

Both options are legal and have been in use for many years. A price given in advance offers more predictability.

When can I fix a taxi fare in advance?

It depends on the type of service and how you book.

If you book through an app:

  • the price is displayed when you choose the route;
  • the price is shown before you confirm, but it can change in the circumstances set out below.

With a minicab (private hire) operator:

  • ask for the price when you book;
  • in London, operators must give an accurate fare estimate before the journey starts unless you have agreed a fixed fare. TfL does not regulate private hire fares.

In black cabs and other licensed taxis:

  • the cost is determined by the meter;
  • in a London black cab the meter shows the maximum fare, but you can agree a fare with the driver before the journey starts. This is common for trips outside Greater London or to airports such as Gatwick, Luton or Stansted;
  • elsewhere, you can agree a fare in advance for a journey that ends outside the council’s area. If you do not agree one, the meter is the maximum.

If price certainty matters, ask for a fixed fare when you book and keep the confirmation.

Advantages of choosing a fixed fare

A fixed fare helps you plan your budget in advance. The main advantages:

  • you know the amount before you get in;
  • you can agree the price for the trip in advance.

This can be useful for airport runs and longer trips.

In what cases can the price change?

Even a price given in advance can be adjusted. It is worth knowing when, so there are no misunderstandings at the end of the trip.

  1. You change the route or destination.
  2. You add stops that were not in the booking.
  3. More passengers or more luggage mean a larger vehicle is needed.
  4. Tolls or airport charges apply that were not included when you booked.
  5. The trip takes much longer or is much longer than expected. FREENOW, for example, adjusts private hire fares if the distance is more than 30% longer or the trip takes more than 10 minutes longer than estimated.

Other charges can also apply, such as waiting time, cancellation or cleaning fees, so check the operator’s terms. Uber, for example, can charge a cleaning fee of up to £110.

How to fix a fare when ordering a taxi?

To give yourself the best chance of a fixed price, book carefully:

  1. Give the exact pick-up and drop-off addresses.
  2. Choose the car category you need.
  3. Check that the price is shown before you confirm.
  4. Check whether the price is described as fixed or as an estimate.
  5. Confirm the booking and keep the confirmation.

Even then, the price can change if the journey changes significantly or tolls apply.

Practical advice for passengers

A fixed fare needs a little care when you book. It helps to:

  • always enter the exact address, including the house number or the name of the terminal;
  • take into account airport drop-off charges, for example up to £6 extra in a London black cab at Heathrow or London City Airport terminal drop-off zones;
  • check that the booking shows a fixed amount, not an approximate range;
  • save the booking confirmation showing the price;
  • check with the driver when you get in if you are in any doubt.

This reduces the chance of an unexpected final price.

Summing up

Most app and private hire bookings show a price before you confirm, but check whether it is fixed or an estimate. In a black cab or other licensed taxi, the meter shows the maximum fare, and you can agree a price with the driver before setting off.

To keep the price predictable, give the exact route when you book, choose the right car, check that the amount is shown as fixed, and remember that changes to the journey, tolls or extra fees can still alter it.

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