Hackney’s buzzing — from the cool cafes in London Fields to the markets of Broadway and the art spots in Hoxton. But when it’s late, raining, or you just don’t feel like battling the Overground or squeezing into a packed bus, grabbing a taxi is the way to go.
Over the years, I’ve used a fair few cab companies in Hackney — some great, some… less so. So here’s my no-nonsense guide to the local taxi scene, whether you’re off to the airport, heading into the city, or just need a reliable ride home from a night out.
🚖 Best Taxi Services in Hackney
| Taxi Company | How to Book | Price Range | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hackney Cars | 📞 Call / 🌐 Website | 💰💰 | ✅ Always on time, easy to book, and perfect for local or airport runs |
| Goldline Cars | 📞 Call / 🌐 Website | 💰💰 | 👍 East London staple — big fleet, good prices, and 24/7 availability |
| Sam’s Cars | 📞 Call / 🌐 Website | 💰💰 | 🚗 Great service, friendly drivers, and decent rates |
| E8 Cabs | 📞 Call / 🌐 Website | 💰💰 | 🌟 Reliable and covers all of London — not just Hackney |
| Minicabit | 🌐 Website | 💰–💰💰 | 💡 Great for comparing prices and booking ahead |
🚖 The Breakdown
1. Hackney Cars – Always Solid
These guys are a go-to for Hackney locals. They’re around 24/7, and they’ve never left me waiting too long. The website’s easy to use, and they’ve got decent airport rates too.
Great for:
✔️ Local trips
✔️ Heathrow/Gatwick runs
✔️ Fast pickups
2. Goldline Cars – Big and Reliable
Goldline’s one of the bigger players in East London, and it shows. They’ve got a huge fleet, which means you can usually get a car even when it’s busy. Also, their app is super handy if you’re on the go.
Great for:
✔️ App bookings
✔️ Busy nights out
✔️ Quick city rides
3. Sam’s Cars – Friendly and Affordable
Every time I’ve used Sam’s Cars, the drivers have been friendly and the ride smooth. It’s nothing fancy — just good, honest taxi service that gets the job done.
Great for:
✔️ Budget-friendly rides
✔️ Good customer service
✔️ Airport runs without the fuss
4. E8 Cabs – Wide Coverage
E8 Cabs is great if you need to get outside Hackney — they’ll take you across London and to all the major airports. Always polite, always on time, and you can book online without hassle.
Great for:
✔️ Longer journeys
✔️ Reliable all-London service
✔️ Business or travel pickups
5. Minicabit – Compare and Save
This one’s more of a booking platform than a taxi company, but it’s super helpful if you want to see what different companies charge before committing. Takes the guesswork out of prices.
Great for:
✔️ Finding the best deal
✔️ Booking in advance
✔️ Long-distance or out-of-town trips
🚖 So, What’s the Best Taxi in Hackney?
🔹 Need a quick, no-fuss ride? Go with Hackney Cars
🔹 Prefer using an app? Goldline makes it easy
🔹 Want friendly service and a fair fare? Try Sam’s Cars
🔹 Heading further out? E8 Cabs will take you there
🔹 Love comparing prices? Minicabit is your new friend
Quick Tip: Hackney gets hectic during rush hour, market days, and nights out — so if you’re in a rush or heading to the airport, booking ahead is a smart move.