Tolls and road charges are usually added to your taxi fare. Here is where they apply and how to avoid surprises, plus a few tips for saving time on the journey.

Why tolls matter to taxi passengers

With app bookings, tolls can be added to the upfront price, and the price can change if a toll applies that was not included when you booked. With a private hire operator or a taxi driver, agree before the journey whether tolls and road charges are included in the price.

Motorway lanes signed for the M6 Toll and the M42

Where you will meet tolls and road charges

Common road charges include:

  • the M6 Toll (West Midlands);
  • the Dartford Crossing on the M25 (Dart Charge: £3.50 for a car, or £2.80 with a pre-pay account, 6am–10pm every day, including weekends and bank holidays);
  • the Mersey Tunnels (£2.40 for a car, cash or card);
  • London’s Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

There are no tolls on road bridges in Scotland. The Queensferry Crossing, like all Scottish road bridges, is toll-free.

Toll plaza on the M6 Toll motorway

London: Congestion Charge and ULEZ

London’s Congestion Charge (£18 a day) applies 07:00–18:00 Monday to Friday and 12:00–18:00 at weekends and on bank holidays, with no charge between Christmas Day and the New Year’s Day bank holiday.

The ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, every day except Christmas Day, across all London boroughs; non-compliant cars pay £12.50 a day.

Licensed London black cabs are exempt from the Congestion Charge. Minicabs are not exempt, unless they are wheelchair-accessible and on a booking. If you book a minicab into central London during charging hours, ask whether the charge is included in the price.

How to avoid tolls as a passenger

  1. Ask before you set off. Check whether tolls and road charges are included in the quoted price or will be added.
  2. Ask for a toll-free route. If you would rather avoid a toll, tell the driver or operator when you book. A toll-free route may take longer.
  3. Check the route yourself. Most map apps have an “avoid tolls” option, so you can compare the routes before you book.
  4. In central London, consider a black cab. Black cabs are exempt from the Congestion Charge, although the metered fare still applies.

Saving time on the journey

  1. Avoid the rush hour if you can. Roads are typically busiest on weekday mornings and evenings. If you have to travel then, allow extra time.
  2. Give the exact address. A full address or terminal name helps the driver take the right route first time.
  3. Check for roadworks and closures. National Highways publishes information on roadworks and closures on England’s motorways and major A roads.
  4. Use a navigation app. Apps such as Google Maps or Apple Maps show several routes and can report closed roads.

In large cities, public transport is sometimes quicker than a taxi, especially at busy times.

The main rule is simple: agree before the journey whether tolls and charges are included, so there are no surprises when you pay.

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