A taxi with an illuminated “TAXI” sign waits on a city street at night. Taxi fares can vary widely across the UK depending on local tariffs, distance, and timing.
Why Taxi Fares in the UK Vary So Much
Taxi fares in the UK are anything but standard. Prices vary dramatically by city, distance travelled, and time of day. For example, a short 2-mile trip in a small town might cost around £6, while the same distance in London during peak traffic could easily double that. Stretch that journey to 20 miles, and the price gap widens even more.
Some cities charge up to 45 percent more than others for the same trip. Local taxi tariffs, congestion levels, time of day, and type of service all affect what you pay. This guide will walk you through the key pricing factors, share average 20-mile fare estimates in major UK cities, and offer tips to help you make smarter travel choices.
Key Factors That Impact Taxi Fares Per Mile
Local Rate Cards (City Tariffs)
Each UK city sets its own taxi fare structure. Councils regulate the base fare, per-mile rate, and waiting time charges. That means a ride in London could cost £3.80 per mile, while in cities like Manchester or Leeds it might be closer to £1.60 to £2.00.
So, a 20-mile journey might cost £80 in London but only £40 in a smaller city. The difference adds up fast.
Time of Day
When you travel matters just as much as where. Most taxis switch to a higher tariff after 10 PM. Weekend evenings, holidays, and early morning hours often include surcharge rates.
That £30 journey at 2 PM might cost £45 after 11 PM. Always factor in the time, especially if you’re booking a night or holiday trip.
Type of Ride
The kind of taxi you take has a big impact on the fare:
- Black cabs: Metered, reliable, but generally more expensive, especially for longer distances
- Minicabs: Must be booked in advance and usually offer fixed prices that can be more affordable
- App-based services: Uber, Bolt, and Free Now often undercut traditional cabs during quiet hours, but prices can surge during busy periods
In short, hailing a black cab usually costs more, while booking a minicab or app ride in advance is often cheaper if timed right.
Traffic and Waiting Time
Taxis charge not only for distance but also for time. In traffic-heavy cities like London or Leeds, meters keep ticking even when the car is stationary. This can add several pounds to your fare if you hit red lights or gridlock.
On the other hand, smooth routes with little congestion especially those involving motorways reduce idle time and keep the cost per mile down.
Additional Fees and Group Size
Several small fees can creep into your fare:
- Large luggage: 50 pence to £2 extra
- Additional passengers: Extra fee after three people in some cities
- Booking via app or phone: Usually adds £1 to £2
- Toll roads or congestion zones: Flat surcharges (for example, London’s congestion zone or Dartford Crossing)
That said, sharing the ride with others can significantly reduce the cost per person even on longer routes like a taxi London City to Heathrow, where flat fares and group travel can bring down the individual share.
Estimated 20-Mile Taxi Fares by UK City
To get a real sense of how city context affects pricing, here are average fare ranges for a 20-mile journey in five major UK cities:
| City | Average Fare (20 miles) | Notes |
| London | £65 – £85 | Highest fares in the UK. Black cabs run high. App rides cheaper off-peak |
| Manchester | £45 – £60 | Competitive market. Uber and Bolt keep fares in check |
| Birmingham | £40 – £55 | Minicab services dominate. Very affordable when pre-booked |
| Edinburgh | £35 – £50 | Fast roads and negotiated rates reduce average cost |
| Leeds | £40 – £60 | Moderate fares. Expect higher prices during traffic-heavy hours |
Remember, these figures assume typical daytime travel with light to moderate traffic.
What Affects Fares in These Cities
London
London has the highest regulated taxi fares in the UK. Add to that congestion charges, ULEZ fees, and traffic delays, and it is no surprise that London’s fares are often the most expensive.
A ride from Heathrow to East London, roughly 20 miles, could run from £80 to £95, depending on traffic and time of day.
Manchester
With fewer black cabs and a strong presence of Uber and Bolt, Manchester enjoys more competitive fares. On average, a 20-mile trip costs around £45 to £55 when booked via an app. Peak times or special events may increase prices, but overall, it remains one of the more budget-friendly big cities.
Birmingham
Pre-booked rides are the norm in Birmingham. The city offers low base rates, with most private hire companies quoting flat fares for long trips. Expect to pay around £45 to £50 for a 20-mile journey if booked in advance. There are no congestion zone charges either, which helps keep fares low.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh taxis often allow pre-agreed rates for out-of-town journeys. With faster main roads and motorways nearby, idle time is less of a problem. A trip from Edinburgh to a nearby town like Livingston (about 20 miles) can cost £40 to £50 when arranged ahead of time.
Leeds
Leeds is somewhere in the middle. App services compete with traditional taxis, and traffic congestion in the city centre can affect meter-based rides. A 20-mile trip costs about £40 to £60, depending on when and how you book.
Black Cabs vs Uber for 20 Miles
Here’s a quick breakdown of black cab versus Uber fare estimates for a 20-mile journey in key UK cities:
| City | Black Cab | UberX |
| London | £80 – £90 | £60 – £70 |
| Manchester | £55 – £60 | £45 – £50 |
| Birmingham | £45 – £50 | £40 – £45 |
| Edinburgh | £55 – £60 | £35 – £45 |
| Leeds | £55 – £60 | £45 – £50 |
Black cabs are often more expensive due to meter-based pricing and traffic-related delays. Uber and similar apps can offer cheaper fares, especially during quieter hours. However, during events or rush hours, surge pricing can make Uber more expensive than a traditional taxi. This is especially true for longer routes or airport taxi transfers, where pre-booked fixed-rate services often offer better value. Always compare both before deciding.
Tips to Save on Long-Distance Taxi Travel
Pre-book Private Hire Taxis
In cities like Birmingham, Manchester, or Leeds, pre-booking a private hire car usually gives you the best deal. Many local firms offer fixed fares for longer journeys. A call or app booking can easily save you £10 or more compared to a black cab.
Use Fare Estimators
Most taxi companies and ride-hailing apps let you check a price before you confirm. Use them. Transport for London also offers a handy fare calculator for black cabs.
Comparing a fixed Uber quote with a metered estimate from a black cab gives you the power to choose the cheaper option.
Travel Off-Peak
Avoid early morning and late afternoon rush hours. Evenings just before bar closing time also bring higher demand and more waiting time. If possible, schedule your ride between 10 AM and 3 PM or after 8 PM on weekdays.
Look for Flat-Rate Airport Transfers
Airport runs often have pre-set pricing. In Edinburgh, for example, companies advertise fixed fares for common routes. Similarly, a London Gatwick to Brighton taxi can be pre-booked at a flat rate, avoiding surprises and making the 30–40 mile journey more predictable and stress-free.
Split the Fare
If you’re travelling with friends or colleagues, share a cab. Splitting the cost of a £60 journey between three people brings your fare under £20 each, which is often cheaper than the train.
Watch for Promotions
Apps like Uber and Bolt often run discounts for new users or offer credits for referrals. Keep an eye on these promotions, especially if you’re using a service for the first time.
Ask About Fixed Prices
Even if you’re already in a black cab, you can ask the driver whether a flat price is possible for the full journey. They may say no, but in some areas especially for trips outside the city they might agree.
FAQs
Why does a 20-mile taxi ride cost more in London?
London has the highest base fares in the UK, plus charges for congestion, delays, and ULEZ zones. Heavy traffic also adds waiting time on the meter.
Is Uber cheaper in Manchester?
Usually yes. Uber and Bolt keep fares low due to competition, especially off-peak. Surge pricing during high demand may flip this temporarily.
Do black cabs charge the same across cities?
No. Each local council sets its own taxi tariff. Fares in London are much higher than in cities like Birmingham or Leeds.
Conclusion: Be a Smarter Rider
Taxi pricing in the UK depends on far more than distance. City regulations, traffic, vehicle type, and time of day all play a part in what you end up paying.
A 20-mile ride might cost £85 in London, but just £45 in Birmingham. Whether you go for a black cab, a minicab, or an Uber, knowing the pricing landscape lets you choose what works best for your budget and comfort.
Before your next trip, use a fare calculator, compare your options, and book wisely. Whether you value speed, savings, or convenience, there’s always a smart way to get there.
Safe travels.
